The Do Not Disturb hours are usually between 2 pm to 4 pm here at the house because that’s when mom usually takes her nap. I used to make fun of mom and dad when I first learned of their routine but I realized it was beneficial for them to take that time to rest. As they got older, the more important it became and if they missed it, you would know because they would be tired and grumpy. No one understood that more than I did so I did my best to make sure everyone knew so no one would stop by the house around that time or call. If I was home, I would unplug the home phone because it never failed the phone would ring and it would be an unavailable or Spam call.
After dad passed 4 months ago, mom would continue the routine of naps and there were days when the time varied so we would adjust accordingly depending on how mom was feeling. If I was home, I would also take that time if could rest because I would be wiped out from my day. Even on the days when I wasn’t going to work, it was non-stop with mom from the time she woke up until she went down for her naps then being ready when she woke up until she went to sleep at night. At night, I would still find myself checking on her and constantly looking at the monitor to make sure she was okay. So needless to say, I don’t really relax and sleep. The moments of her resting are also my Do Not Disturb moments. I still unplug the home phone and put my cell phone on vibrate in hopes that I can allow or train myself to get some sort of break too. My mind never stops and I’m constantly thinking about what’s next for mom and whatever she may need. Not only that, but I have a responsibility for my own health in the daily management of my disease. I do my best to self-care and either rest, work out, or take advantage of this time to do any other project that I need to concentrate on without distractions.
I cherish these moments and hope that I can continue to learn to quiet the noise and only not only hear but listen to what really matters.
The World of Dlo 