Friday, December 29, 2017

Looking Back on 2017 #FridayReflections

2017 has come and gone in the blink of an eye.  That is what happens when you age - the years spin by faster and faster, like an unraveling roll of toilet paper.

Right now, I feel about as strong as toilet paper.

On this, the last Friday of 2017, I look back on a year that, for my autistic brother in law, has been one step forward and one step back.  And we look ahead to 2018 with some trepidation.

Kind of a cha-cha-cha dance for people with disabilities, including my brother in law, "Bil".

On the bright side:
Bil has made progress in his day program.
Bil is (apparently) at the top of the housing list, although that is because of the declining health of his mother.

On the not so bright side:
He is being pressured to take a housing placement that may not be suitable for him - a somewhat independent situation, for someone who is almost 60 and has never lived on his own for a day of his life.  For much of that life, his mother waited on him "hand and foot" as we say. Funny I should use idiomatic speech as it is something Bil has a lot of trouble understanding.

We are being pressured to accept something called "self determination", which could have some benefits, but would a lot more of our time and effort - I work full time, and all of Bil's siblings have health or physical problems.  And two of them are senior citizens, older than Bil.  I am a senior citizen too.

And, as I mentioned, his mother's health fails, something not unexpected in this, her 90th year.

In a way, I dread what is coming next.

I wonder how Bil feels?

A look back at 2017, for the last #Friday Reflections.

Yes, I dread the new year.

4 comments:

  1. Hi - I do feel for you ... I guess Bil must feel, but presumably can't 'translate' his feelings as anything relevant in his day-to -day life. His only reactions being asked or offered things at certain times ... then choices become very difficult.

    My thoughts - as 2018 sounds like it will be challenging - I do hope things will work out as best they can - he's very lucky to have you around helping as much as you are able ... especially as you have his mother too ...

    Take care and with thoughts - Hilary

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  2. I can understand the trepidation for the new year. It can't be easy with so many unknowns and yet, the possibility of negative things occurring. I hope things work out the best they can given the circumstances. My thoughts are with you and your family. Take care and hope 2018 is kind to you.

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