When you got ready to go to the store before the pandemic, you simply made your list, went to the store and came home.
During the pandemic, you have to REALLY plan your list to make sure to get all necessary things, you pack gloves (if you can), masks and sanitizing wipes.
You shop.
Come home and wipe all groceries.
Put them away.
Sanitize your car.
Then wash your clothes, hands and anything you touched.
About half a day or more later, you are stocked up. Tired, but stocked up.
I have to admit, it has taken me a few times to organize myself to head out the door. And it has taken me more times to get it right when it comes to putting away the groceries. Did I remember this? Did I accidentally touch that?
I processed the steps.
And each time, I got ready faster and did things better.
But it took time.
And practice.
Basically how Elizabeth lives her life.
With her disorders of Global Dyspraxia and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), she faces challenges all day every day. When she has to learn something new, her global dyspraxia makes it a challenge. She has to learn the steps, have things broken down into steps, practice them and then practice more.
I was thinking about this as I struggled the other day to think how I was going to walk into and out of the house without contaminating the floor. Should I leave my shoes outside then walk in, but then put them on so I don’t walk through contaminated areas with my bare feet, which of course I cannot take off.
I got tired, I have to say.
Not physically but mentally. I wanted to simply sit amidst my contaminated groceries and just take a break. To be able to quit having to think so hard to simply do things that I have been doing for so long. b
I understand why Elizabeth gets tired. I guess I always understood the why’s of it but I am really getting a first hand experience, just a small, little bit of experience of her feelings and struggles for tasks and new things.
I have to say that I was so happy to be done, and smelling the bleach smell that indicates I am done with the shopping….until next time.
I can then resume my day and not have to THINK and PLAN and THINK and PLAN to simply complete a day.
Elizabeth cannot step outside of her special needs and happily resume her day.
I must say, she is one strong and wonderful person and the thing is she is happy.
God love her, she is kind and sweet.
I was tired and not so kind.
Our special children really are so amazing.
Corona day 53.
I hope you are safe and well.
Michele Gianetti author of:
I Believe in You: A Mother and Daughter’s Special Journey
Elizabeth Believes In Herself: The Special Journey Continues
Special Needs Essentials Blog 