Friday, September 19, 2008

helping hands

I've decided to ask for help. I can't do all of this alone. Now, while the kids and I are sick with the stomach flu again, I fell even more overwhelmed with what life is for us these days. So I am going to try to not complain or bitch. I'm just going to ask for help if and when I need it. Yes, lots of these things I CAN do on my own. But only, if and when I have time aside from caring, teaching and feeding the kids, keeping and cleaning the house, the pets, seemingly unending bureaucratic issues regarding Jeff's death, yard work, attempting to stay afloat financiall, etc. It seems that these times were sparse at the best of times. Now, they are virtually non-existent.
So, I asked a friend to come over next week to help tape and putty the drywall in the basement (one of the projects Jeff and I were trying to get done before Winter). I know it's not a necessity but I want to complete it so that we have a cozy little spot beside the woodstove to hang out together on the cold and blustery days. Something to look forward to and hopefully, it will cease to remind me of the days just before Jeff died once it's finished. A new start.
I am hiring a plumber to fix the bathroom sink faucet that I have 'fixed' three times in the last couple of months. Also, I can't unplug the sink no matter how I try. I can only guess what has been shoved in there. I had planned to fix the dripping water intake valve into the basement. But, evidently, plumbing is not my forte and I give-up.
An amazing friend, Danielle, brought over home-made chicken soup yesterday and fed, played with and got the kids ready for bed while I had a HOT bath. I had tried to protest on the phone, but she had none of it. She came over and it was wonderful to not have to be 'on' for an evening....especially whille fighting the flu.
I am thinking that if I ask for help or even just take the kindness that other people offer, I may not feel so alone. I'll feel part of a community...one which I can give back to as well. A circle of support.
So, here I go. If I need something, I may just ask. I try to be 'super-uber-can-do it-mom-person' alone. But I can't...all the time.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Just another "creep" from Matt's blog here to say, good for you! Take it when you need it. If a stranger from far away can help via internet....email away.

heatherjurgenson@hotmail.com

Lisa said...

Great for you, everyone needs help sometimes.

All the best,
Lisa

Unknown said...

Oh I'm so glad you are taking the help. Everyone needs it. Still here if you ever need it.

Anonymous said...

if i can help in anyway, let me know! sometimes even uber supermoms need a little break, and some help. please please dont hesitate to ask any of the 'creep community' - myself included.

so glad you were able to relax in a hot bath. that sounds so nice. thinking and praying for you and your children still.

:)

Jacki said...

You know that when people offer to help they mean it and usually they want to actually do something tangible. I know how much better I feel when I can help in some way, so think of it as doing the offeree a favour!

Home made soup is so thoughtful, lots of love in every spoonful!

I hope you and the little ones feel better soon.

Brianna said...

I just found your blog yesterday and I read as much as could in one sitting until my little darling woke up. This post inspires me...not only to help those around me who are in need, but also to ask for help when I'm the one who needs it. So hard to do. Last year, our family went through a terrible time with the death of 5 of our children and I found that I isolated myself over and over, but the few times I was brave enough to ask for help, I felt blessed beyond measure.

Love to you,
Brianna

Laurie said...

I wish I wasn't so far away in MN. I would help you out whenever I could. Let me know if there is anything I can do for you long distance.
You and your beautiful children are always in my thoughts. Hang in there.

Anonymous said...

Jackie we would love to help in any way, please let us know if we can somehow.

Ashley

ajbunting@shaw.ca

Anonymous said...

Ask away Darlin, ask away!

You have creepy friends far and wide- Let us know how we can help! :)

All we ask is that you save us a spot by that stove for a someday- It sounds wonderful. . .

:) Lindsay D.

Anonymous said...

Asking for help is hard...very very hard, but if you can get a little help that will make something just a little bit easier - it is all worth it. I wish I was closer so I could do something for you - anything - If you can think of something we creeps can do from afar...
you name it -
xoxo - darcie

Kate said...

Yes, if there is anything that the creeps can do PLEASE ask.

indybarb said...

People really love to help other people. It makes them feel good about themselves! So......ask for help from anyone and everyone, even stranger/friends far, far away. If there is ANYTHING I can do for you or Liv or Briar I hope you will not hesitate to ask. I wish I lived closer : )