For that past 2 years I have been on a leave from work due to Health related issues. One of the results of this was a move back to Saskatoon from Cut Knife. We first landed with our youngest daughter Tanys and rented a room in her condo, I was in recovery mode and Donna (my wife) continue to babysit for our grandsons. A little over a year ago, with our welcome at Tanys’ waning, I can’t image that as a practicing 30 year old RN, it was easy having your parents as roommates, we had the opportunity to rent a lovely little house on Adelaide Street from Donna’s cousin. While Tanys didn’t say we should move out, she was supportive of the idea. If fact she and her sister moved our stuff into the new house and out of the Condo without our having to ask for help. We were thankful to them because it has worked out well.
Our middle daughter Kendra, who was concerned that Donna might not be able to babysit anymore, encourage Donna to take on a few more kids, basically opening a daycare in the new house. So, one Saturday after we had moved in, Donna and I were out doing some errands’. When we returned, much to our surprise, the mainfloor bedroom had been converted into a daycare room. Play centres were set up, toys had appeared, stuff was on the walls, the room was ready to go. Kendra then helped Donna set up an advertisement on a Mom’s site and before we knew it we had a couple of kids coming to us each day. When September came, and the new school year, we added two more full time. We are expecting to hit a high water mark of 8 full time and 3-4 partime/casual kids for next school year. One of the nicest things about the Day Home is that by having our grandson here he naturally calls us Grandma and Grandpa. The other kids have also been calling us Grandma and Grandpa as well. It’s cute at home, but when we take them out it can get a little confusing for others. It’s just another thing we don’t question or correct, but just roll with it.
I had no idea of the number of Mom’s who need care for their kids. As I said, we’ve got a full house, plus we have several on a ‘waiting’ list. It’s been truly an amazing year so far. Donna’s Day Home is a thriving home based business. I’m the ‘volunteer’ assistant and find the days go by way to fast. They get going by 7:30 in the morning and usually we’re done by 5 and we’re able to relax and have a drink.
I have no idea really how my treatment is going. I have Type 2 diabetes, but we’re getting things back under control. I also suffer from anxiety and depression. Again, with therapy, medication, diet & exercise, these have been held in check. Two years ago I had a complete breakdown. During which I wasn’t looking forward to the future at all. In fact I went through a dark period during which I seriously questioned my future, however, with the help of my medical team and with the support of my family and friends, I’m doing really well and looking forward to the next stage in life. It’s certainly not what I expected, but then again, when the journey began 40 some years ago, I really didn’t have much concept of where it was going to go.
In addition to my activities at the Day Home, I’m trying hard to read regularly. I have always been an avid reader. It was usual for me to have more than one book on the go at any given time. I lost this during the past few years and have only recently gotten the desire and the stamina, to read back. I am also attempting, as you know by reading this, that I am trying to get back to writing on a regular basis. This blog is as much about my Therapy as it is about providing information to others.
All I can say is, “They”, whoever “They” are, were right in this case; keeping busy is the key to keeping healthy.
Grandpa Guy 