Unexpected benefits of moving in with family?

[Rhiannon]

As some of you may remember from other posts, I recently moved in with:  my elderly mother (86), my oldest sister, and my youngest sister (Downs Syndrome), in a large 5-bedroom house about an hour away from where I was living.  I did so for two main reasons:  1.  To help my oldest sister care for our mother and youngest sister.  She retired about 2 years ago, moved 7 hours away from her home of many years, to care for our elderly parents and has been shouldering the load pretty much on her own since.  As anyone who has been a caregiver knows, that's a lot to ask.  2.  My own work situation was slowing down.  I'm now working only 3 days per week, and less than full 8 hours per day.  By moving in with family, that greatly decreases my cost of living.

In the months leading up to this move, which included my son not joining us and instead moving in with friends, I saw my blood pressure go up, up, up.  My doctor changed my medication, I tried to consciously keep myself calm, but nothing seemed to get those numbers back down.  I also saw my weight loss slow down, stop, and then begin to creep back up, a pound at a time.

To my surprise, moving in with my family has apparently brought about two good improvements:  My BP is great.  My numbers are now down in the normal range.  I have also lost about 6 pounds in the two weeks since the move.  Part of the weight loss and perhaps the lower BP might be because I'm going up and down stairs daily, several times a day.  More exercise!  I'm also getting to bed earlier than before, since I have to get up earlier to commute to my job. 

I miss having my own place, and I miss having my son living with me.  But my body seems to like the change of situation.

[Shanny]

Plus you have a positive attitude about this - that has to help. It was hard for you, but you recognized it was the right thing to do and set about doing it. 

When will Liam be going into the Marines?

[bigskygal]

I'm glad things are getting better for you.  Those stairs are going to be really good for you!! Instant exercise!!

[skb]

Things have worked out better than expected. That's good news. Close touch with family also has a soothing effect on the mind. Hope things get even better than this, and soon. 

[rocky]

happy for u rhiannon
hope yr son also changes his mind n moves in with u

[starsign]

That's nice. Good for you Rhiannon. Sending you more good wishes.

[Rhiannon]

Thanks everyone   Shanny, my son's current date to leave for boot camp is in February 2017.  If a slot opens up sooner, they could call him up sooner as well, so nothing is absolutely fixed. 

[Sweety]

Rhiannon,

I've stayed i a large joint family all my life. Sometimes I really miss the comfort, bonding & togetherness of a large clan. 

[Rhiannon]

Sweety - there are definitely pros and cons to living with family; same as living on my own.  Fortunately for me, we all get along pretty well.  It's funny - we are all old enough now to enjoy our afternoon naps on the week-ends.  Around 1:30-2:00 p.m., the house gets quiet as we all retire to our separate corners to have a little "quiet time."  LOL

[starsign]

there are definitely pros and cons to living with family;

True that. It can be enjoyable or it can be painful as well.

[Carbcrazydog]

My son is not even 4 years old and i am tearing up thinking of living apart from him! Though there are days when these kids make me want to pack my bags and go to the other corner of the world.

Wish you the best! And glad that the numbers (and weight) are coming down.