Slowly, I'm running out of things to post as my passion for work is dwindling. It is not a place of fun and learning anymore. I do my time and go home. I'm not complaining, really, just haven't found my place at the new job. My residents are great. The staff continues to be challenging, to say the least.
Hook still isn't well. I worry every time he leaves the house. His settlements are promised soon. He hasn't decided what he wants to do. Driving has been all he's known his whole life. Starting a new business is risky. He really wants my input, but I find it hard to even point him in any direction. These will be his choices. He knows I will support him in any decision he makes.
My Family
I really don't talk about them much. They all live very far from me.
My dad says I'm stuck out here like a sore thumb.
My parents are divorced.
Dad lives in Florida 6 months out of the year and in Michigan 6 months. He makes the long journey twice a year. Again, I worry. He retired at the age of 55 and has enjoyed every minute of it. My dad was a social worker for the state of Michigan for many years.
My mom lives in Michigan, alone. Slowly, all of her children have become very tired with her. She lives in the house where we all grew up. No one is welcome there. She has a very bitter attitude. She drains you. I haven't talked to her for at least 5 years.
My oldest brother Ed. He's working for FEMA helping New Orleans. He lost his wife in 2002. They were driving down the road and she had some type of seizure and just died. He did CPR, but she was gone. She was in her early 40's. My brother was never the same, and until this year, and his new job, he kind of just wandered aimlessly. I think he's better now.
My brother Joe. He's 13 months older than I am. People always thought we were twins. Joe has always been the problem child. He has spent most of his adult life in and out of jail and prison. He's never really fit into society as a normal person. He moved to Florida to be with my dad about a year or so ago. He just got out of jail there...he hit someone with a stick.
My sister Betsy. She also moved to Florida to be by my dad a few years ago. She is also a nurse. She floated from job to job, then found a wonderful man a couple years ago and married. She's now back in school and working. Her new husband is retired and dotes on her. She is very lucky. I keep in touch with her regularly.
I miss my family. They remind me of who I really am, which at times can be brutal but I usually deserve it. My dad has always been such a rock to me, always letting me make my mistakes without judging. My mom is a perfect example of who I never want to be, miserable and angry.
My sister has always been an inspiration to me. She's had several things in her life she's had to overcome and done so with such grace and strength, and she makes me laugh til my belly hurts.
My brothers work very hard. They have never went to college they both live life on their terms, which I respect. I don't talk to them very often. I do miss them.
My family is a bunch of nuts. There's always laughter and fun. There's always that sense of belonging. There's always good food and lotsa beer.
One of my biggest dreams is we all get together again, which hasn't happened since 2001, and take a family photo. I hope this can happen someday.
