Before the worst of my bipolar illness, about 15 years ago, I was still working a full-time job (plus always extra OT). At that time, we had sufficient money to afford a housekeeper to come in once every other week. When I became very ill, my husband kept her on because house cleaning was even more difficult. I had offered to my husband a while back to take over all housekeeping tasks, but he was reluctant to let her go, despite us not affording such a luxury type service anymore. Of course I did the "maintenance" cleaning. In any case, with our house in complete disarray, and a major move on the horizon, I will need to end the service this morning. I expect her arrival shortly. Once our house is painted on the inside, new flooring, fixed windows, etc., we will perhaps hire a "white glove" cleaning team. The lady I mention has helped us with cleaning for the whole of the 15 years, so it's a tough day having to let her go. We do not think she is the right person for "white glove" cleaning. Of course we plan to give her extra money as a farewell, and a gift. We will pay her for today, even though we will not ask her to clean today.

Other than the circumstances relating to my injury, I do feel psychologically and physically ready to drop her service. Also, my husband will be able to help much much more in near future, not that he hasn't always helped, anyway.