Alone - and Empty
Vinnie is retired and lives in Las Cruces
(April 18 – 2020) I moved here in late September, having retired in Albuquerque, ten days before! My daughter and 3 granddaughters live there. My daughter is a Nurse Practitioner at Presbyterian ER. 2 granddaughters are in their 20’s and a 13 yo. I would go visit every 3-4 weeks and see friends and family. I haven’t been back since Feb 1 and it is clear I won’t be going back in any imaginable time!
My daughter bought a trailer and lives in it next to the house. She sent my youngest granddaughter to stay full time with her Dad as they share custody. She is on the front lines which causes me anxiety, daily. My husband was murdered in a home invasion several years ago in Albuquerque and now my nightmare is that I could lose MY only child! She is older and has lung issues since childhood. Yet she says she trained for this for years and has over 20 years as an RN before getting her CNP, so she will do her part.
My two older granddaughters lost their jobs and will until the social distancing let’s up. But they both have bad asthma and are very vulnerable. We are all contributing to their bills for now and they have a good safety net. But, none of us will be near each other for who knows how long.
I volunteered for 3 mornings a week as soon as I got here, but that is all closed for now. I will return someday.
Phone calls, texts and FaceTime help, but it is a very empty feeling all alone so far away. But! We are lucky! We will get thru financially and help our own. My daughter saves lives and has for years. I am so proud that I produced this caring healer! But I am scared to death for her.
All the best to everyone. We will get there, just need to do it right. I figure 18-24 months for us elderly.