My sister and her family have had their share of hardships the past year or so. Her dh has been in the hospital 3 or 4 times, staying up to 10 days each time, then being sent home to recover for at least another week before he could return to work. He used all his work leave during his first hospitalization, so when he's sick now, he doesn't get paid. Anyway, my sister has gotten to the point that when she feels a crisis coming on, she can turn on her "emergency mode" very quickly. She has a list of other SAHMs who are willing to watch her two kids if she needs to run her DH to the hospital or a doctor's appointment, she keeps a meticulous list of everything in her pantry and freezer and knows quick meals that require no additional ingredients. She always knows how much money is in their emergency fund and the exact order that bills will be paid. I am impressed at her preparedness, but sad that she has had to get to this point.
So my question is, how do you think you'd do in emergency mode? Would you be able to stay organized or would you freak out? I have to admit that as much as I'd like to stay calm and organized, I probably wouldn't.

If it were to happen to us, God forbid, the first time he went to the hospital, I'd probably drop my kiddos off with my dad who is retired. My parents (when my mom got home) would feed them for me and I'd just eat out all the time. Once the 2nd or 3rd hospital visitations started happening I'd probably do the same with the kids, but I'd start eating sandwiches all the time. I'm sure I'd work my way up to where she is now, but I sure wouldn't be there the first time.

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Honestly? I would freak out for about a minute. Then I could pull myself together and get stuff done. I am much like your sister in a lot of ways. Pantry, meals, EF and knowing what will be paid first. I am getting laid off next month... so i am slightly freaking out but thank goodness there is nothing wrong health wise.

I hope your sisters life gets easier.((HUGS))

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I know that I tend to FREAK OUT....it's just my nature. I am very organized in everyday situations, but don't do very well in emergencies. Luckly, my husband is calm and collected in emergencies. We do have wonderful family support, though, so I'm sure my mom would fly up and take over with the kids.

I am fortunate to have a great support system. I have five sisters and two brothers who live in the area. Whenever one of us goes through something like that, the rest of us just jump in where needed: babysitting, cooking, shopping, cleaning, whatever. We don't always get along, but in a crisis, we are always there for each other.

I tend to be pretty organized, especially in a crisis. However, lately I've been having some medical problems of my own and it is has been very difficult to concentrate so I don't know how I'd do if something happened at this very moment. I do know, if the situation was reversed, hubby would be clueless.

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Actually I do pretty good in a crisis. I am able to hold it all together and get everything done that needs to be done.

It is AFTER the crisis where I completely fall apart.

This is me.

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I am pretty much doing everything for the home and my dd now--so if it was reversed dh would be clueless

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Hi,

I hope he gets better quick. Crisises are never fun. My suggestion is alwasy when you take a new job TAKE the Short Term and Long Term Disability if offered even if you have to pay a bit each week. She sounds really organized but probably is going to need a sanity break soon! I know when my daughter (who has a growth disorder) was repeatedly sick (80 office visits while I was trying to work full time during her first 10 moths of life) just can wear you down after the crisis passes completely....good luck!

Megan