I mean I love my kids - each. and. every. one. of 'em.
I swear I do.
But this year, I just seemed to have a "mix" of kids that just didn't... errmm... 'mix' too well together - even though they've gotten along well in the past.
There was a wide variation in ages, likes, dislikes, and sociability... and by day 5, it was pretty clear that this was gonna be a long haul.
I, however
Mainly, so that I could use a grown-up word like "persevered".
So I managed to survive 10 straight days of mayhem and madness... only to be faced with the weekend.
Which is my working weekend.
Dammit.
See, I've had one young lad since last Thursday, and who knows when he'll finally depart, since he's in 'indefinite' emergency care...
And then in addition, I have a child that I care for every second week while his regular carer is off for the weekend...
And then I also have my regular 'Saturday morning to Sunday morning' overnight-er.
Who has now departed... praise the Lord!
I mean.... they're all GOOD kids, and I love them dearly... but all 3 of 'em are "special needs kids", and 2 of them talk at the top of their voices constantly - even if no one's listening.
I mean, both of them can sit in the toilet and still yell loud enough to drown out the sound of a jet engine - just to hear the noise, I think!
So... by the time they all leave, my ears are ringing like the bells of St Mary's or something.
The other carers boy doesn't talk at all, but his high-pitched vocalizations - especially at 2am, are enough to send me a little bit further 'round the bend.
If that's possible, that is.
Sometimes I feel like I'm already so far around that damn bend, that I can see my own backside with it's draggin' tail, right there in front of me!
So, now I'm down to a kid who sounds like he's constantly yelling into a bullhorn... and one who is EEEEEEee!-ing me to death!
The best I can do at this point, (hell, it's the only thing I can do) is continue to pray that the school bus is on time in the morning.
Because man... my ears need the break!
Please send earplugs.
And a bottle of Scotch.
8 comments:
Oh my, Saint Katie ... I'm trying so hard (really hard, honestly!) not to laugh at your description of what HELL must be like for a special lady with a heart of gold. My grandmother used to tell me when I was having a rough time through 'troubled waters' that I was "earning the jewels for my crown in Heaven." Personally, I don't care much for 'jewels' or Scotch, so I'll just send you my latest mantra ... "Keep On --- Keeping On" You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Oh ... word veri is RAWAR ... kinda like the noise you must be hearing! Hugs, :>)
was wondering why I hadn't heard from you of late ;-) and understand now that no Costco field trips are pending!----sheesh, you are a SAINT! ((hugs))
How in the f#*!K do you do it? I have my nieces and nephews for a few hours and even that drives me crazy! Those kids should praise the lord and YOU!
I only have JD & cotton balls. Will those do?
Takes a special lady like you to do what you do, my friend!
Thank the Lord for having your kind of special people around for those that need it!
You are hereby christened SAINT KATHERINE of the Ringing ears. You need a medal, a decoration, and definitely a vacation. So then you are a foster parent? just exactly where do these kids come from? I am a relative newbie and have not read your entire blog. So jes fill me in.
You are a wonderful,caring and loving woman to do what you do. I sure nominate you for Sainthood, too. I know at times you're stressed to the max but those kids are mighty lucky to have you. You're great, Kate!
How you take care of these kids and maintain your humor is beyond me! The Lord must have given you an extra dose of patience!
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