Sick co-worker making me worry! (So no time to post pics)

My favorite co-worker was in the ER two days ago with neurological symptoms and some lab abnormalities. They told her she was dehydrated and had a complex migraine, rehydrated her and sent her home but at work yesterday she looked awful. I have no idea why she showed up, except she's the most dedicated person I know (she's the nurse who keeps our life in order at one of my worksites). I insisted she leave leave early. I spent most of my evening yesterday looking up some information for her.

Also, my DH is out of town at a conference in York. Lucky guy! I am home with my DS. I didn't want to miss even a few days with him because he will be leaving for college the third week in August. It's nice to have some quality mother son time. We've been cooking dinner together, something he really enjoys. I have posted before that my DS has autism. Yesterday he became miffed about the fairness of the cleanup because he didn't think he was doing exactly half. I sometimes forget that he runs into these issues, and it takes a while to help him through. Luckily, he does get through them if I stay calm and with some careful explaining. I let him know I had no intention of counting and dividing the dividing the pots, pans, counter and stove so we could each clean half. He heard this as though I were going to literally divide the pots in half down the middle, which I suspected he would, and he thought it was hilarious I explained how it was simpler for each of us to take on a task and complete it well, and the next time if he wanted a different task he could ask. Thank goodness he has a sense of humor!

I say to myself he should know this, he's almost 18, and he's always readily helped with kitchen cleanup but I never know what he's thinking unless he speaks up. He is very compliant (for me only it seems). I'm glad he is finding a voice to tell me what's going on inside because I feel better about sending him to college knowing his communication skills are improving.

I just wanted to let people know why I haven't posted pics of my dress yet!

7 years ago

jenanded

Veteran

A lot happening - sounds like you are such a calm and caring person... sometimes the very best solution.

Anonymous

Ohh, (hugs) SF. You're such a lovely caring person. Your co worker is so lucky to have you as a friend and your son sounds lovely. I do hope your co worker gets to the bottom of what's wrong soon and gets well.

Don't be worrying about bloomin' dress photos. Just keep being your usual kind caring self, The forum will be here anytime. xo

Helen11

Dress photos can wait. Your family and friends need you now.
I imagine it's bittersweet that your boy is leaving for college. What a great mum he has : )

unfrumped

Such an exciting and stressful thing at once-- going away/ college. Wonderful to give them room to learn " on their own" but still we want to protect, and must do some of that and also keep on in role of parental guide. . And even more so when things are complicated by any special issues. Sounds like your DS is making great strides, though and you are a great mom!

Eliza

You have a lot going at once. Hard to see a friend/co-worker struggle and a lot to anticipate as your son readies for college. They are both fortunate to have your steadfast support. Sounds good that your son could talk to you about his perspective on the task and you could frame your preference in a way that made sense to him. Communication is so helpful.

All the best to each of you.

Mochi

That is a rollercoaster! You sound like an empath, like me. It's very kind of you to be there for her.

I am also touched by seeing how you and your son relate. I am a fiction writer and one of my characters may end up having Aspergers, so I'm fascinated with how differently all of our minds are wired, and how we can (or don't) adapt.

Suz

(website)

You have a lot going on, Staysfit, and I hope your calm and serenely elegant wardrobe is helping you weather these storms. Just looking into the closet might be soothing.

So worrying about your colleague. And the story about your son is so moving. I, too, parent a child who is "quirky" and oh, the thinks she can think!!

Barbara Diane

Thinking about your colleague and your family. I'm glad your getting special time with your DS. It's amazing to hear how he thinks. Brains are so interesting.

rachylou

Lol. Show me the dress, gosh darn it! What son? What coworker? Just kidding, of course!!!

I love your conversation with your son. It's the tech communicator in me. The mind is fascinating. We all have moments like that. I think they're illuminating.

Style Fan

That is worrying about your co-worker. Probably scary for her. You are a good friend to be so helpful. Sometimes we need someone to tell us to go home when we are dedicated workers.

Love the story about your son. Divide everything in half. Lovely that he has a sense of humour and that you are so patient with him.

Gigi

I'm glad you're having some quality time with your DS before he leaves for school. It's nice to hear that he feels safe enough to speak his concerns to you! And good for you that you take the time to give him what he needs instead of rushing on and dismissing his way of seeing things.

Beth Ann

How fortunate your coworker is, to have a workplace that cares about more than her performance! Hope she is on the mend.

As for you son, you're absolutely right that his ability to own his own feelings -- even about completing chores -- is huge. Fortunately, there are supports for college students who are not neurotypical, and he won't have to learn to deal with a new lifestyle and environment completely on his own. And hey, any teenage boy who does the dishes is stellar in my book!

Joyce B

Wishing the best to you and your son on the new stage he is about to begin. Time with the children is precious, enjoy him.
I hope your nurse is feeling better, is caring for herself the way she cares for everyone else and is getting the care she needs.

Ledonna N.

So many things. I pray for your nurse coworker and hope she will feel better. Traveling mercies for your husband. I wish I could have the patience and the honesty as you do. Life would be so much better

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