2/18/2009

A saint I am not

Since K has been here my patience has been tried a hundred times over. Every day has been a challenge. Juggling two toddlers a 9 yr old, with activities, homework, work schedules and everything else that comes along with parenting, I'm exhausted. I had no idea that one extra child would kick my arse. By time the kids go to bed, I'm nearly dragging myself to my bed & flopping, often without even changing clothes (I'm lucky to brush my teeth). My kids are also showing signs of emotional wear from K's neediness - I'm reminding them daily to stop parenting her.

Probably my greatest challenge has been having to control my feelings about my sister. J cleans houses and gets there by walking from the seedy hotel each morning to get a ride from a coworker. She calls my house daily from the people's homes where she is cleaning. (!!!!!) Seriously - what is beneath my sister? Back to my frustration. I keep composure with J because she can be impulsive and spiteful with little care of anyone, so I tread those waters lightly not wanting her to say, I'm (pestering someone for a ride) coming up there & getting my daughter. If it were to come down to that we would have to get Children & Family Services involved, get an attorney & Lord knows what headaches that would entail.

So, I bite my tongue when I have to buy K socks, pajamas, clothes, toothbrush because she doesn't have any. I bite my tongue when I helped K out of the van a few days ago and she says "Cops are nice, they help me out of the car...Cops are nice...they took my mommy's car...daddy went to jail" or when we're in the car playing a kid's CD & K says my favorite song is W0manizer by Spit-in-me Beers (get it?). Not to mention the umpteen times she has said "Shut up....This sucks...You're stupid" or any other lovely words that fly out. I cringe. I act as if all is well when dingbat J calls even though I feel like chewing her a new one.

And lastly, evidence to prove I'm no saint. If you asked me if I cared about what people think of me, I'd answer 'No'. However, that statement isn't all true, because many times this week, I have been embarrassed by K's actions in public. I know this is terrible to think this way about an innocent little girl (as I said, I'm no saint), but it's true. Example: while waiting for my son to finish his guitar lesson last night, K was lying on the floor, taking off her shoes & socks, sticking out her tongue at me, jumping off the steps (that has a bold sign above that says 'Keep children off the steps') as she was telling me to "shut up" and squealing as she ran from me, I wanted to say aloud "come on honey, let's call your mommy" just so those watching our dysfunctional circus would know that I'm not her mom. And by the way, I had my daughter at the dr's yesterday and she acted the same way and even the pediatrician stepped in & corrected her. A loooooong day.

I feel frustrated, and guilty because I feel that way. I feel horrible because I say 'No' to K so many times throughout the day. I try to redirect, but I'm not very successful at that. I could use a drink, and I'm not much of a drinker. Maybe just an afternoon away and a pedicure would suffice.

Note: Next week's activities K will be going to my mom's.

6 Comments:

At 10:50 AM , Blogger "M" said...

Maybe not a saint, but certainly a woman with great courage and heart! Not much in the world of feelings and relationships are black and white / all or nothing. You are doing something wonderful, even if it hurts.

 
At 1:54 PM , Blogger Johnny said...

Just even caring or feeling guilty or even feeling frustrated about this situation is more than anyone has done for K.

Hang in there. There is no magical wand that turns this into a Lifetime Movie of the Week.

But, I salute your compassion.

 
At 3:23 PM , Blogger Cavatica said...

This is a tough situation, that's for sure. I applaud you for taking it on, especially given that you're not a saint. And I think that being judged feeling is just so hard and there's nothing worse than a publically misbehaving child to bring that out!

 
At 8:34 PM , Blogger Joannah said...

You don't have to be a saint to be a hero. Love often requires sacrifice.

I really respect you for doing this for K. She may be a handful, but your involvement in her life is a real blessing to her. Since she and her parents don't show you their appreciation, let me say thank you.

((hugs))

 
At 12:10 AM , Blogger Katie J said...

Yeah, what they said.

This was never going to be a picnic. You do need to let yourself off the hook for the feelings you have right now. They are your feelings and they don't require judgement.

You are doing an amazing thing for K. Having anyone come into your everyday life is a difficult adjustment and having someone who has been influenced in very bad ways by her parents must be terribly trying.

I'm glad she's getting a chance to be parented by you because I have seen you in action and think your tops. Yes, we all have our days and you do too, but you are a good mom. I wish I had some magical advice and the truth is tough days are still ahead, but please don't add to it by kicking yourself around because of your feelings. Forgive yourself and understand that this really is big and you have every right to feel overwhelmed. And embarrassed in public when a child misbehaves? Yeah, no one has EVER been through that before Tammy.

Many hugs to you. Call me anytime if you want to vent or need to get away or whatever. Call me.

 
At 11:26 AM , Blogger Unknown said...

http://avidaacontec.blogspot.com.br/2015/01/toda-historia-tem-o-seu-comeco.html

 

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