I just returned from Tucson, Arizona for what you might call a trial respite. Not since 2017 have I gone past driving distance from my home. Back then I left for a week while our oldest daughter Charissa stayed with Cindy. That one week vacation provided some respite, but also some unease at being away from my Expedition Woman. Would this shorter, four day vacation have a similar effect? With a potential increase in coverage coming my way I wanted to know.
Why Tucson?
The idea started with a potential live-in caregiver that I ruled out before going to Tucson. I still went because of the location and weather for March. I may return to long distance hiking in another phase of life but Tucson lies too far south to be in my path. This means now or never. Now normally would be a great time for a southern destination during the last week of winter, except that Tucson endured a record breaking heatwave.
Why Now?
My coverage situation for the past week makes this the most ideal time in the past nine years for going this far away from home. I have more agency coverage, though that alone would have caused problems given the snags that happened. Fortunately, our son Noah was home from spring break during the week. A high school classmate Gary also borders with us temporarily as he seeks permanent housing.
The respite provided time for reflection on my next adjustments as a dedicate care partner with the potential for expanded coverage.
A well deserved break,Kirk.
Good for you. You need breaks. They will improve the quality of your time with Cindy.