Tuesday, 02 December 2008
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Cleaning as related to Emily's health
I noticed something today and it got me to thinking. I always seem to get in this almost obsessive cleaning mode whenever Emily seems to be having unresolved health issues.
I know, that sounds totally strange, but it is the truth. I think it goes back to when she was first born and spent so much time in the NICU. I left home in the middle of the night; three weeks ahead of schedule; and didn't return home until almost two weeks later. My house at that point was not quite "company" ready, if you know what I mean. Obviously, I had much more important things to concern myself with, but it did bother me on some level knowing that I had people coming in and out and the house wasn't in order.
Since that time I have found myself focusing strongly on the house whenever she seemed to be getting really sick. When she spent a week in the hospital last September, I remember spending many hours during the four days prior to her being admitted running around the house making sure that everything was taken care of. The laundry was caught up, the dishes were always put away immediately, etc.
When it came time for her heart surgery, we had an actual date and I spent the week prior once again cleaning to the point of obsession. I just kept telling myself that I didn't want Matt to have to deal with anything at home except the day to day care of the kids, so I cleaned that place until it shined.
Six months ago when her tummy issue first began and there was talks of tests, I caught myself in yet another frenzy. The house just couldn't be clean enough and I focused much of my attention on the silliest of details. Did anyone really care if the sock drawer was color coordinated? For whatever reason, I did.
Today was spent cleaning my house from top to bottom. Emily has tests next Wednesday. As I sit here in my sparkling house; even the kids got in on it and their rooms are cleaner than I have ever seen them; I feel like I can finally relax a bit. If there is some complication that needs repair, the house is "company" ready. If not, I got a great start on Spring cleaning. My only room left to be cleaned is the kitchen and I have plans for it first thing in the morning.
What do you do to cope with a stressful situation? Cleaning seems to be my release; what is yours?
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Comments (4)
I'm a cleaner too. Freaking out just seems so much better in a sparkly house.
I'm a cleaner, three. When things get out of control and stressful, it comforts me to know that I still have a handle on something...even if it is the sock drawer.
Color coordinated sock drawer? Dont ever look in my sock drawer then... lol!
I wish I was a cleaner... maybe my house would be clean then! HA! I tend to do the 'normal' comfort things. Eating (bad, bad habit!) is one that I do but dont always notice. I also tend to sleep a lot when stressed. I just prefer to escape, even if only in my dreams!
clean, read, and sleepy. Usually in the order. If i get stressed I clean clean clean, then refuse to do anythin but read then i usually knock out.