So much for the self-imposed isolation.  Two weeks in we enthusiastically raised the white flag, announcing we were done!  There are only so many days one can thrive with limited sleep at night, then provide constant care during the day.  Rick and I just aren’t that young and energetic any more.  We had to weigh the risk of bringing caregivers back into our home versus the risk of sheer exhaustion.  It was a difficult decision.

It became less and less difficult as time wore on.

We called one caregiver back after a couple of weeks. Over time we called back others.  We set up a Sanitation Station at the front door with masks and gloves, disinfecting spray and wipes.  Caregivers take their temperature when arriving each day.  Door knobs, light switches, bathrooms, counter tops and appliances are sanitized regularly.

We want to ensure the health and safety of these blessed angels who so lovingly care for Josiah.  They truly are incredibly selfless, compassionate people who love Josiah as if he were their own.  We appreciate them so much.

After our short bout with self-isolation we appreciate them so much more.

Josiah looks forward to seeing them each day.  He knows the routine, he understands the expectations.  He is ready and waiting when they arrive.

He stands by the door when he knows it’s time for a walk.  He sits at the table and pushes the, “eat” button on his iPad when it’s time for a meal. He plops on the floor when he needs a break and goes to his room if he wants to rest.  Josiah enjoys the consistency of every day familiarity.

Sending the caregivers away while mom and dad took over was not so familiar.

One of us immediately introduced new experiences, raising the bar; expecting Josiah to grasp it all right away.  The other bent the rules, lowering expectations to ensure Josiah was happy.  I’m sure it was confusing for him.  I can’t imagine what he must have been thinking watching us in action.

He gave me his ‘finished’ sign quite a bit, letting me know he was done with me.

His first finished sign is usually mild.  It’s Josiah’s way of letting me know I’ve invaded his space just a little too much.  He expects me to back away right away.

Unheeded, his motion to sign finished becomes a bit more emphatic.

His last ditch effort to communicate his disinterest is usually a lunge for my hair. Wrapping his fingers tightly around the strands and pulling vigorously is Josiah’s most aggressive way to say finished,

That one honestly works quite well.

If you were non-verbal and agitated that someone was in your space when you wanted to be left alone, what would you do?  I try not to let it ever get to that point; to respect Josiah’s request to be ‘finished’. but sometimes it’s just not that simple.

So, we were both incredibly grateful when a familiar face walked through the front door.  We were both happy to restore Josiah’s life to some semblance of normalcy.

I pray we all continue to stay healthy by isolating ourselves and our families as much as possible.  I hope things get back to normal for all of us soon.  I thank God for His provision.

And, I promise to never be so foolish to think we could do this all on our own.

Ever again!