Epic, I'm so sorry you're dealing with all of this. It's a lot. I agree with Kate--it's important to take time for yourself. I wish you didn't feel so alone in all of this. If you want to talk, let me know. I'm happy to.

Epic, that is a lot. I wish you had more F2F support. And I hope your dinner went better than expected.

Hil, I'm sorry about the stress.

Hil, and sj, sorry about all the stress.

Extra house ~ma to Pix and ND.

I didn't sleep a wink last night, so I'm going to have to leave work early and cancel physical therapy, because it's not safe for me to drive when I haven't slept. Too much of a seizure risk. Blah!

Insomnia is the worst, amyth. Sorry.

{{{Epic}}} I'm so sorry that for all you are dealing with and that you don't have a good meatspace support system.

Amyth, insomnia is evil. I hope you get some rest tonight.

Thanks for the support yesterday. Mom and I ended up sorting through and washing all the clothes ltc got for her birthday. The only thing I have to return is a pair of skinny jeans. Why do they make skinny jeans for 2 year olds again. Poor ltc was totally squished when I put them on her.

~ma in abundance, and extra sleep~ma for amyth.

Thanks, guys, it really did help to just get it all out.

Epic, I'm so sorry. You're dealing with so much. Do you have a support system or people to give you sanity breaks? What can we do?

I've got friends who check in with me a bit, but I really do just have to Get It Done. I'm getting what sanity breaks I take for myself; I already had so much scheduled last weekend and this, that I HAVE to take breaks. And I thankfully have a day off on Monday to decompress (and maybe deal with some [minimal amount of] stuff around the house).

I wish I knew what help to ask for, it's hard.

But when I pulled up in front of my house last night (after dinner, just didn't bring it up with my dad), my neighbor across the street (who I haven't been seeking out , partially because she's dealing with her own stuff as her husband has been in the hospital since this spring after a paralyzing back injury coupled with a cancer diagnosis) called me over and asked what's up and let me cry and encouraged me to come over and hang with her in the evenings. She's got a lot of family locally, but I guess her house gets kinda empty at night. So, we might be able to help each other through. Sometimes the answer doesn't look like you expected, but it's still nice to get an answer.

Commiserating with your neighbor sounds like it would be good for both of you. Could any of your local friends make up a large batch of food that you could heat up quickly? Sometimes it really helps just not to have to worry about eating.

Funnily, I was just looking at a big bowl in the fridge last night that my BFF's mom (who is friends with my mom) made for us when...I can't remember the occasion, Mom home from rehab maybe. It was a nice gesture, but most nights I get home late enough that I've either grabbed dinner on the road, or I fix a bag of microwave popcorn. Definitely something to keep in mind when she comes home again, tho. Thx.

Sometimes the answer doesn't look like you expected, but it's still nice to get an answer.

That is lovely, and so true. I'm glad you have someone nearby to lean on.