Life as I knew it has come to a screeching halt and drastically changed directions. The normal quiet life I know is gone for a while, maybe forever. My family is entering a new stage, caring for our parents. For the past week my norm has been sitting in a hospital room looking at lovely flowers, a dirty window, rain, and a full parking lot. My mom has had a major stroke affecting the her entire right side and her speech. We are grateful that her speech is improving a little each day and she can communicate with us. In the next couple of days we'll be moving her to a rehabilitation facility. Then there's our dad. He is in the mid stages of Alzheimer's. Mom has been his primary caregiver. He is missing mom. He says he misses her snoring at night, (Don't tell my mom she snores!) but he is doing well with the situation. I am so grateful that I am not alone in dealing with all of this. I have Mr. H, a sister, a brother, and other family members who will all help share the care of mom and dad.
We are a praying family and we've felt God's hand in helping us make some major decisions. Things have just fallen into place with little difficulties. Those of you who also pray, please add mom to your prayers.
So what about blogging, photography classes, and flickr groups? While I've been sitting with mom I've been able to read a few blogs, but honestly I haven't felt like commenting much. My brain is too overwhelmed and tired. I've enjoyed the distraction of reading and looking at beautiful photography though. I will be posting here when I can. I hope to at least keep up my Sunday Sundries post. I'm going to try to take some "me" time each week and keep up with my Be Still class and a flickr group I enjoy.
Well, I can't figure out how to end this post, so I'm just going to say thank you for your prayers and I'll be around!
Yes Prayers indeed. And Love and Hope, And lots of empathy as I sit here in my home caring for our 3 elders.
ReplyDeleteAs always you have and will find the beauty in all dear Cathy.
So sorry to hear this ... I've been there, and its very difficult - take care.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear all of this. This are truly difficult days...but God. May He be your strength and wisdom. Your blog is such an inspiration and an uplift. I always look forward to all the gorgeous photos and your many wonderful words.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear all of this. This are truly difficult days...but God. May He be your strength and wisdom. Your blog is such an inspiration and an uplift. I always look forward to all the gorgeous photos and your many wonderful words.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry Cathy but please know that I will add your Mom to my prayer list and you as well....Please take care of yourself....
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear this, Cathy. All of us at Prompt Addicts and in the other groups will miss you but I'm glad to hear you plan to take some time for yourself when you can. It's so important to our happiness and well-being. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteOh, Cathy, I know how hard this is! I went through it with my own parents, and my in-laws. My dad had Alzheimer's disease and it's a rough road to travel down with a loved one. I'm sending you loving thoughts and prayers. Be sure to take care of yourself so that you can stay strong. Don't worry about the blogging community, we'll all be here when you're ready to come back.
ReplyDeleteOh, Cathy - a great reminder on how very quickly life can change. You and your family are definitely in my thoughts as you navigate this difficult transition. I am glad that you will be well-supported by family. Thinking of you.
ReplyDeleteOh, Cathy, I'm so sorry to read this... It is so hard to watch our parents fail, isn't it? Having lost my own father to dementia just four short months ago, I truly understand what you are going through with him. I hope and pray that your mom recovers fully... Take care of yourself, for you will need your strength in the years to come. Sending a hug your way...
ReplyDeleteDear Cathy, I'm with you in thoughts at this difficult time caring for your mum and looking out for your dad. I am glad that you have other family members rallying round at this time. May your mum's condition continue to improve. She is so lucky to have you. Take care.
ReplyDeleteTake care dear friend.
ReplyDeleteThinking of you and sending prayers for your mom and dad. I'm glad to hear she's improving and that your father is coping so well.
ReplyDeleteFirst and foremost you do what you need to do to be there for your family & for yourself. - We'll still be here when you are able to post. I know that it is a difficult thing to deal with aging parents. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteI'm including your mom in my prayers as I utter them tonight. Life is a constant change, it is true and we are made to change for these changes around us. I hope everything gets easier and better for your family soon. Don't worry if you can't comment back, I understand how you feel.
ReplyDeleteSorry doesn't seem enough with what your family and mom have been going through Cathy. I am also glad you are taking time for yourself so important. I have been stressed out as well over these last 5 weeks with my back and doing an 8 week wellness for it. But it takes up each and every day and I have been trying to keep my head above water. Some things have had to come to a stand still and I am ok with that, more important to put me first. Keeping you, your family and mom and dad in my thoughts for sure.
ReplyDeleteoooooo this is such sad news, something that is very familiar to me!!! my advice (even though you did not ask) be sure and take care of you. this part of life can be extremely overwhelming.....don't lose sight of you!!!! as woman, we are natural caregivers and it's sometimes hard to let go and take time for ourselves, do it anyway. everyone will benefit from it!!! take care!!!!
ReplyDeleteDear Cathy, I'm praying here in Seabright for your Mom and your Dad and for you and your family. Rest when you can. Drink lots of water and take short walks. This must all be such a shock. May you continue to feel God's grace as you navigate through these times. Love from Seabright,
ReplyDeletePam