3 weeks ago my step-daughter's partner committed suicide, leaving her with 2 small children (aged 4 and 1) My stepdaughter - lets call her K - and i have had run-ins in the past. They lived 150 miles away from any of us and as she could not cope with being in the same house as her partner died she has now moved in with my husband and I, as she does not speak to her mother, we are pretty much the first and last port of call though she does have a few good friends not far from where we live. We had no idea of what was going on in their relationship that led to his suicide, although, of course, a lot has come out in the aftermath.
My problem is that i am having trouble coping with the 3 of them in my home. Bearing in mind, they are not my grand children and my husband is not that close to his daughter (we would see them 2 or 3 times a year) The 4 year old has autism and has very very challenging behaviour. Mealtimes are a nightmare and although she is a very good carer for her children she is under tremendous strain. Hubby and I are doing our best to help with her and the children but we are both 60 and getting increasingly exhausted. I have taken 6 weeks leave of absence from work but am now itching to get back to 'get away' from this situation.
I have problems with depression myself and can see myself slowly sinking further down. However, the funeral is next week and i am hoping that after that things will improve.
I am wholely aware throughout this posting that K is the one suffering the most but I just needed to write this down and maybe get a hug or 2.
Good Morning Good Friday 29th March 2024