OT- opening up my home, saved my life

[Tcamillemars]

This is way off track but for me it changed my life. 2 years ago I hosted an exchange student who complained about my snoring. (I had lived alone for 30 years and the cats never complained.) She could hear me in her room, with both of the bedroom doors closed. When the doctor asked me if I snored, I was able to say yes, and she ordered an overnight pulse-ox study. This proved there was a problem so a sleep study was ordered. By this time, exchange student #2 had arrived so I asked her if she could hear my snoring. She told me I didn't just snore, she could hear me stop breathing and then start up again. By hosting these wonderful girls, I obtained knowledge that save my life. Now I'm about to host daughter #3.

So, the off track part- I have gone through a wonderful exchange organization, and with the economy like it is, it's more difficult this year to find host families for these great kids. Please consider it if you are able.

[kteague]

Thanks for sharing another example of how giving often seems to end up benefitting the giver as much or more than the receiver. How great that you have been able to open your home like this.

I have a dear 94 year old friend whose home is decorated with gifts she has received from all over the world from the students she once fostered. In fact, in recent years it was arranged for her to travel over 2200 miles across the USA to attend the beautiful traditional Indian wedding of the grandson of one of the first students she fostered. She was even included in some of the wedding photos of the family. Even the next generations have stayed in contact and visit her when in the area. Sometimes those relationships become lifelong, and the generosity never forgotten. I'm not in a position to do so myself, but my hat is off to those who can and do open their homes in this way.

In my younger years I opened my home a few times to women coming out of prison. One became like a kid sister to me and thirty years later we're sharing grandkid stories. I was once her mentor, we have long since been peers and close friends. She says I saved her life. I say she saved mine. My confidence in my judgement of people was battered, and she has been the evidence to remind me of at least one very good judgement call I made.

May you be blessed in your efforts.

Kathy

[Julie]

You know, I would SO like to know both of you, to out for a great dinner, go shopping and stay up all night ( ) having great talks - you sound wonderful!!

[LinkC temp]

We hosted an exchange student from Ecuador when our son was in high school. As much as it benefited Ernesto, we still think our entire family learned as much--if not more--in the cultural exchange. The two boys kept in touch thru the rest of HS, but the letters waned during college. I don't think our son has heard from him in years now. Pity...

(Yes, it's really me. My work comp didn't sign me in for some reason and I have no clue what my p'word is, nor access to external email to retrieve it. I'll straighten things out when I get home... I'm not a troll or a poser, I swear!)

[Slinky]

Yeah, uh huh. We know ALL ABOUT you, LinkC.

[Paul56]

I'm not a troll or a poser, I swear!)

Naw, yer just a temporary link.

For a coupla years when I was in college I had room & board with an older woman and her disabled daughter. The daughter had a severe speech issue such that very few people could understand her, but for some reason after a few months of living there I came to understand her quite well and we were able to communicate without her enduring the usual frustration of knowing people were not understanding. The mother was able to attend social functions in the evenings because she knew I was around if there was an emergency or help was needed.

The whole situation worked quite well... it was more of a people helping people situation rather than a straight business dealing. I kept in touch with them for several years afterwards and had some good memories of it all.

[LinkC temp]

And you, sir, are punny!

[Babette]

What a nice set of stories to start off my day! Thank you all!!!!

As for dinner and shopping - I'M DOING IT RIGHT NOW WITH ALL YOU LOVELY PEOPLE!

Sad thing about Internet - I meet so many lovely people, and I find myself spending more time bonding with them than I do with live people here in my world. Not good. No wonder the Amish frown on this stuff. Takes me "out of community."

But on the other hand, I get to hear nice stories like this and feel all warm and fuzzy. Yup, not going Amish just yet.

BTW, in many cities there are "Shared Housing Services" that will pair up individuals to co-house. In my town, it started out as Seniors needing some help to keep them in their homes, but it's since become a great network for finding great roommates. For a small fee, they perform background checks. I've often recommended people look into this. A senior with a big house to take care of could use a chore worker, and a young person without means could use the break on the rent. Sure seems like a winner.

Or situations like Paul has described. NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF RESPITE CARE. Being a caregiver 24/7, even if the person is ambulatory and can feed and toilet themselves, is mentally exhausting. Being able to get out for a night with the girls is PRICELESS. Respite care can often just be as simple as sharing a meal and watching some TV. It doesn't necessarily involve medical care and "gross stuff." If you need cheaper rent, look into a situation like Paul describes. There are more single caregivers out in our world than you can imagine, going it alone 24/7, many without any local support or family to give them the slightest help.

Sorry. Touched a nerve there, you know?

Anyway, thank you for reminding me that I need to send this message to a friend of mine who'se daughter is single, a mom, has no income (Not sure why she can't get welfare), and is being kicked out of the living situation she's had since her daughter was born. I can totally see her co-housing with someone needing chore services.

Hugs all around,
B.