Note to self

[Karen-x]

I know you want to act like MS doesn't limit you. However, allowing your 13 year old daughter to have an all day Christmas cookie party with 5 other 13 year olds is too much. Too much noise, too much standing, too much energy expended. I collapsed before the party ended. In a heap, crying, not able to walk and barely able to talk.

[ItsChris]

I was putting out some decorations for the holidays and it didn't take me long to run out of spoons either (still loving the spoon theory).

I know it's hard having to mentally plan everything, sometimes knowing damn well ahead of time that your body is going to begin failing before achieving completion.

I commend you for having the courage and energy to plan the party and determination to tackle it. You may have ended up completely wiped out, BUT you did it, right? You're still pushing to do and live, and that's truly what it's about.

I laid down on my concrete sidewalk last night because I needed a break and could barely stand anymore.. I wonder what my neighbors thought - then again, suppose it doesn't really matter.

[Karen-x in reply to ItsChris]

Thanks. You are right, I did do it and I'm glad I did. And I would do it again, just in a scaled down version.

[angelite]

Oh Karen, bless you ! Kudos to you for making this special effort for your daughter - sorry it ended up in exhaustion and meltdown. If you are considering any more events like this, please enlist help from others so you can go off duty and take a break/nap ( headphones might be useful ! )

Hope you can rest up and are feeling better soon, Angela x

[Karen-x in reply to angelite]

Thanks Angela! I thought I was gonna have help when I said she could have the party. Well, both teen boys ended up having to work, my hubby had to work a bit and then drive the boys to work, etc....

[angelite in reply to Karen-x]

Sorry to hear that .Maybe some of your daughter's friends have parents that could reliably help out next time ? x

[Karen-x in reply to angelite]

Great idea. Thanks

[dmaskal1]

Karen-x, I hope you've recovered some of your energy now. I too have tried to push myself beyond my limited strength. So now I plan doing things assuming I will only have so much energy. Its safer that way for me, and, I cause less consternation for others.

[erash]

Sometimes the world doesn't wait for MS. 🙃

My energy levels vary from day to day. Sometimes without apparent reason. But the that def. seems like an overload to me, regardless of day Karen-x

😲

[Karen-x in reply to erash]

Yes, erash, I agree in hindsight I had too high of expections for myself. I hope to learn from the experience. I did learn that my two story house presents a real problem for me to get to bed when I am having trouble walking. Not sure how to solve that, short of a new house.

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador]

Bless your heart Karen-x It's amazing what we will do for our children. In my case my grandchildren ♡ l cant even imagine what that was like for you, l do know even without MS you were nuts having that many 14yr Olds at once lolol. Didn't anyone tell you they go crazy when they get that age? Yikes!!

Hope you're feeling better today

Jes ♡

[Karen-x in reply to Jesmcd2]

Thanks Jes, I am recovering. Feel good right now. I know teens are crazy! My daughter is the last of my hubby and my combined 9 kiddos. I have always been that Mom who loves all the kids, the more the merrier. We usually take a gaggle of kids to church each week. Whoever is at the house. My granddaughter (5) told me last week that I'm a "lovely mom". lol. It breaks my heart to see all this slowly stripped from my family.

[Eleyne92]

I'm sorry to hear that, Karen. I hope you've recovered. As the Mon of a large family, and getting larger, I understand how noise, numbers, and the need for supervision can take it's toll. I've learned to rule from the sidelines, and trust that others can make reasonable decisions and actions without major intervention. It's beneficial for all of us in the long run.

Take care of yourself.

[Karen-x in reply to Eleyne92]

Thank you. I will try to step back.

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador in reply to Eleyne92]

Very good advice Eleyne92 and so hard to do. 😑 I'm learning to do that and its not easy.😢

Jes 💞

[greaterexp]

We can all relate at some level! I'm so sorry you had such difficulty, but I'm sure those kids had a blast. I'm glad that you shared your experience. I recently was a major part of our church's Christmas bazaar, and since it was my idea, I felt so much pressure to deliver. Yes, I survived, but was in a lot of pain that night and am still recovering. My daughter and her two little ones are coming for a visit, and I'm tempted to go nuts with preparations. Thanks for your reminder about overdoing! She has been so worried about me, and I want her to feel reassured that I'm all right. I guess it's time to repeat to myself, "pace yourself, pace yourself."

I'm so glad you're feeling better now!

[positiveness]

Hi Karen! Wow, it sure sounds like that would be an exhausting day, especially if you have MS. I hope you are feeling better now.

[Amore55]

Karen, I personally think you should be nominated for sainthood! You are a wonderful mom, that is obvious. Your daughter will always remember that day. I am so sorry it took it's toll on you. I can relate a bit. I'm trying to get gifts ready to ship to grandkids hither and yon, and I can't remember where I put some of them! I have torn the house apart looking for "Peppy Puppy". Has he run away? Found a better home? How far can a stuffed dog get? Anyway kudos to you on a special day! Kelly xxx

[Karen-x in reply to Amore55]

Thanks Kelly, very sweet of you. I hope that puppy shows up. I usually find a Christmas present or two a few months afterward that I sis t remember I even bought. Lol

[Miriade]

Well, you did the best. Bravo. You have the point of view of parent, great job. I would not said kids understand completely why we get soooo tiredddddd "for nothing"(their kids point of view).

I just had problem with my son not understanding some of my issues, behavior-view -tired.