EPo40 - part II

EPo40
It’s the FREE Miracle Cure That Only Requires A Locked Door

The orbit of this wild life continues….. so much material it’s hard to extract…for those of you who missed episode #1, I am writing on behalf of tired parents everywhere who are experiencing EXTREME PARENTING OVER 40 (EPo40) or any other age above that!

I thought I would begin this month’s writings with what is a pretty pitiful low point- or a high point depending on where you are coming from! I have found the most precious, amazingly wonderful gratifying gift to give yourself is….brace yourself; a quiet night of continuous sleep. Unlike an expensive fine wine, this ‘gift’ of being able to sleep without phones ringing, children screaming, doors slamming, dogs or husbands barking—things that interrupt you every five seconds is time to be treasured and for free! Who would have ever thought that something you always took for granted before kids, would become the most cherished magnificent event in your whole day? After years of serving everyone, acting some days (from all the interruptions) like I have a new variety of Tourette syndrome, I have found my locked bedroom door to be downright nirvana.

I can almost recall the first time I had a full night of sleep after about 13 years of ‘it’s always something’….I felt like I had had a face lift and it was only 6 am! My husband is much less tolerant than I am and gave up on the commotion of kids, dogs, lost & broken things etc…along ago (he’s 8 years older than me so life is really EXTREME for him!) he adjourns after a long day at work to ‘his TV room’, proudly named ‘the green zone’ away from the ‘war’ going on in his life. Children and dogs are forbidden- I’m welcome as a negotiating tool. Someday I am hoping he will be able to have a relationship with these kids- maybe even with me!

For a little background, I have always been known as a ‘rehabber’ of sorts – I’ve always loved the challenge of refinishing things…so it wasn’t a surprise when I met the man of my dreams, he was from the ‘used’ variety of potential husbands (divorced with one kid). That didn’t bother me at the time…because once again, I didn’t think through the fact that my step son (age 17) just might grow-up and have his own kids (during the time when you are supposed to) to now expand our family where Uncles and Nephews fight over toys. I’m still trying to get the ‘nephew’ to show his ‘uncle’ how to tie his shoes! These blended families are a highbred of sorts, and not that uncommon anymore. It’s a select club….we are all products of having accomplished careers, then waiting to have kids, to then experience the dark abyss of infertility…. leading us out to the byproduct; a true clash of the generations. Oh, it’s tiring to just think of it.....

Signing off until next month... The International Laundress.