The "routine" is not routine...

Today is the first day back into a "routine" work week. However, we are finding it hard because things which consumed our lives are suddenly NOT. THERE.

• No running by the nursing home on my way from work to fix dinner and then out the door to kid activities.
• No doing laundry multiple times a week because of incontinence.
• No stopping for a special treat at the local "smoothie" store to bring in and try and tempt her appetite.
• No negotiating or jollying the staff into helping us with a more manageable routine.
• No guilt over leaving when my heart is pulled to stay because there are other people who need me.

These were part of our schedule. And now they are gone. And it's OK. It's just surprising how hard it is to have this sudden change.