Erica Settling In Well, As Is Her Kitty

My sister is a very anxious person. Small things can set her off and she’ll cry very easily or go on a tattling tantrum. I’m seeing none of that behavior at this time, though. She’s been settling in, smiling, talking, happily hooking up to our wi-fi to watch shows or play games. (Mumsie won’t permit internet access.) Her cat is super affectionate, and he’s starting to relax as well. I’m greatly relieved because I’m not sure how much emotional support I can offer. I’m trying to make sure I check in with her several times a day to make sure she’s okay, and I’m teaching her how we do dishes and laundry and basic upkeep here (since my mother hates teaching her how to do ANYthing!) as well as handle her own meals most of the time. (Cat and I took her to buy groceries on her first day here, and we got her much healthier foods than what she typically gets.)

Apparently, things have been so bad at the small 2-bedroom house she shares with my mother that her relief at being OUT is much greater than her fear of same. She was very tired of trying to care for our 91 year old mother in a home where you can barely move around. Dorla told me they bought groceries twice a week because there’s so little room in the fridge– most of it is containers of mold of varying colors! (Been there, done that at Mumsie’s house. Vomit!) The filth is so awful that there are SWARMS OF FLIES in the rooms and you can hear them buzzing at all hours of the day!

So, yeah– the hoarding thing is god-awful.

I feel so guilty that my poor sister had to endure living that way for so long! I wish I’d been able to intervene sooner, but my mother carefully lined up her support against me to prevent just that. She hoarded my disabled sister as much as she does trash. She can’t bear to part with anything. They live in a condo duplex– I would hate to live on the other side of that wall! Dear gods!

But–! At least she’s here for now and can rest and relax and learn independence skills. She actually picks up on things quite quickly and well if you explain them clearly and repeat directions a couple of times. Routine stuff she can handle, it’s the curveballs she needs to have support for, like scam artists calling or texting about going to jail for taxes and that type of thing. When Dorla said she couldn’t “live alone” it’s quite obvious that this opinion is bullshit. She’s fine mostly alone. She just needs someone near-by for those wild card things that pop up for everyone on the regular. Otherwise–? She’s quite self-sufficient, and– what’s more– enjoys being so!