Work and parenting......

Not blogged in ages – I’d like to say there was too much going on, but truth is, it’s really down to a lack of motivation. Did I really want to share with anyone else some of the low times?

Truthfully, not really. But I guess if I only managed to put good stuff down in writing, it wouldn’t be a terribly realistic or authentic life.

Work has not been easy. Following a number of difficult meetings with my Line Manager, I have had to agree to a reduction in my working hours (and salary), and although there seemed to be a plus to this ( I get a night off from counselling), in practise, it’s been a difficult and politically sensitive decision, so is on a trial basis only. The whole process has left me feeling pretty yuk about me, my job, and my colleagues.

However, I did feel that an important change in me was an ability to be “honourably assertive”. I did not shout at any of these meetings, but neither did I lie down and let people walk all over me. I realised that I have been quite compliant for most of my life, and so this was quite a change for me. I think the changes have worked out thus far as well as it could have done, but it will take time to implement, as I can’t just say to clients “sorry, I have to stop seeing you as of right now!”

Also would value your prayers about my youngest son, Andy. Had a very interesting chat with him today, which, although it has helped me to understand one very significant part of how he thinks and feels, is going to be tricky to help him with. I know that all parents have times when they doubt how well they’ve raised their children, and how ready they might be for a huge, imposing world, which seems frightening to us as adults, let alone them. In my lifelong determination to demonstrate that I desire to treat them as normally as I can, there are still times when the reality of them having Asperger’s Syndrome rears it’s ugly head again, and takes me by surprise. I won’t go into any more details here, as that would be unfair to him, but prayers would be appreciated.

Thanks for all the birthday wishes – I’ll write a little bit more another time about my birthday weekend.