Four hours of freedom
Weekend outings and getaways have to be timed very carefully. This past Saturday, I had a caregiver coming from 2-6 in the afternoon. After a very busy morning and early afternoon of looking after my mother, J__ came right at 2. I could not just bolt out the door — when she comes I have the rare and blessed chance to retreat to my bedroom, lie down and relax, and just not be constantly on call and on edge or alert to my mother calling me to do something for her. Briefly, I live life as I did years ago: I putter around upstairs, leaf through this or that book that I never get a chance to read, get on the computer or iPad, and generally relax and do what strikes my fancy. What a luxury! I can’t even imagine how much I took this simple freedom for granted in years past.
Seeing the minutes gradually slip away, I knew that I had to be going soon if I was to take my favorite drive in the country, the back way via County Line Road to another road that connects me to Highway 61 and on to Magnolia Gardens, my favorite retreat and sanctuary in the area. For 45 minutes I can drive along a rural road that has farms and pastures, inviting woody lanes visible from the road, houses, farms and country churches. At 4:15, this portion of my afternoon outing ended and I arrived at the gardens where I was greeted by the most amazing bed of brilliantly colored snapdragons.
I walked around the small lake to the open wetlands which allowed me a good walk and the opportunity to take pictures along the way (see photo set link below). The great thing about this walk is that I am able to see wetlands, marsh, and birds and then continue on a path that leads into a dense green forest where the birdsong and sounds are so different. This walk at the gardens takes about 45 minutes and when I got back to the gate, I still had about 15 minutes left to browse at the Barnes and Noble which is on the way to the gardens.
I got home right about 6 pm which is when the caregiver/aide requested that I be back. When I came in, Mom was having supper and I greeted her and Ginger our cat with big hugs. I had just returned from a pleasant, dreamlike four hours doing just what I like to do. But I had re-entered the world of caregiving — leaving one world and entering another. That is my life these days.
Magnolia Gardens on May 18, 2013:
OH I like the new look. I can see why you like Magnolia Gardens…the peace…the beauty. All are lovely, but I like the image of the little bridge tucked in the back.
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It’s amazing what a little respite can do for your spirit isn’t it? Sometimes my daughter used to come stay with Mom on a weekend and I would stay in daughter’s apartment. I may have never left the apartment but it gave my mind and body much needed quiet and rest. Every opportunity to get away for a while is golden.
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I love Flickr’s new presentation! Is that just for you Pro folks? I’ll have to go see when I have time to mess around with my account. Much better to see your great photos nice and big right from the start.
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four hours at a time isn’t long for a decent break, so I am glad you are able to get able and do what you enjoy as well as what is needed. Is there any chance you can get a few days respite care for her? That’s what you really need, a long weekend away. Do you have siblings that could help out occasionally? You are doing very well but it must get you down at times. big hugs p
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lovely pics, as always!! glad you got some ‘me time’ as it is very important for your mental health!! being a caretaker is a tough job and sometimes seems so thankless…. take care, oswego… *hugs*
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Magnolia Gardens looks like such a lovely, peaceful place. The photos are beautiful, and I imagine that these sights are even more beautiful in person. Take care.
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