I wasn’t planning on writing a post today. In fact, I wasn’t sure I’d be able to! This isn’t an illuminating or entertaining post, and it’s not about books and so on. It’s more personal, to a point.
Yesterday started off badly and went rapidly downhill. It culminated in something that put the vast majority of the rest into context. My father, like me, hates telephones – especially talking on them! Yesterday evening, he ‘phoned us. My blood ran cold and I felt as if somebody or something was crushing my chest and heart simultaneously. Neither I nor Jenny can recall the last time he rang! It has to be decades ago. It transpired that my eldest sister (the matriarch of the family, now) was rushed into hospital in the early hours of the morning. Now, she cares for a severely disabled husband who is several times her size (she’s tiny) and my father who is in his 80s, has vision impairment and is infirm. There has been a tendency for her to be seen as ‘the rock’, but let’s be honest about things! She’s not the strongest person physically, she’s not young by any measure, and nobody is that strong. What’s gotten her through everything is her ability to out-stubborn anybody and anything!
Obviously, things are very uncertain. The hospital have done their tests and kept my sister in overnight, with promises to provide answers from the test results. We’ll see.
In the meantime, what I post, when and so on is all subject to how things progress. I would like to thank everybody who has already given me their support and understanding!
I’ll be thinking about your sister, Steve. I hope there’s nothing serious wrong with her. Please keep us updated on her condition.
Thanks Susan. We’re in that horrible ‘know nothing’ limbo. Keeping everything crossed.
Thanks Susan. We’re in that horrible ‘know nothing’ limbo. Keeping everything crossed.
I hope everything turns out okay for your sister, Steve. I know how distressing it is to have a close family member take ill. She sounds like a very strong woman!
Thanks Candace. I wish she was as strong as she thinks she is, and so many others seem to. All her strength is built on pure stubborn – physically she’s not even as strong as me, and trust me – that’s saying a lot!
Hope things will turn out well. Because she has been so strong, her body was probably warning her to slow down and think of herself for a change.
Thanks Barbara. I wish it had told her years ago! It’s perilously close to being far too late to help as much as it should. And getting her to listen will be a major task of persuasion!
I sincerely hope all turns out well for her and she recovers speedily – and i hope her Husband and your Dad are being cared for by people who love them Steve.
Thanks Chris. We’re all on tenterhooks right now, waiting for the medical verdict, and waiting to see if she’ll do as she should. Her husband is surrounded by family, right up to great grandchildren, ready to pitch in – if they’re allowed to. My dad will be well cared for and we have family spread across town ready to do all they can. Obviously, we wish we could do more ourselves but we face some major obstacles, like my wife having to work full time. My sister’s been available at a single ‘phone call. Tha’s difficult to match.
You’ve got a great family Steve 🙂
Thanks, I think so too 🙂 They never fail to rally round in any real crisis! 🙂
I will keep you in my thoughts. Keep us informed about her progress. Things like that are very scary. Especially when you have no idea what the problem is, it gives you nothing grasp mentally.
Thanks Kandy. I guess that’s why we tend to make doctors the targets of our frustrations and fears. Of course, it would be a bit less of that if only they’d give us some clues. These days, they’re not even willing to commit on when somebody will be sent home! 😦 It’s a very high, rough, thick wall we beat our heads against…
So sorry to hear this. Hope all turns out well.
Thanks Mel.
take care mate…chin up and all that….keep on writing….Maybe something humourous…an a beer x
Thanks Nick. Wish I could write ‘funny’. As for a beer, I’d be in hospital too if I had one! :O
Steve,
Just so you know I have your sister in my prayers. It is never easy when the “rock” of the family suddenly needs support. I can offer my prayers and will do so.
Thank you Jan. It is truly appreciated!
I’ll be keeping you and your family in my thoughts.
Thanks Dex.
I wish your sister a very speedy recovery Steve and hope all goes well for you and the rest of your family. She sounds a real tough cookie to do what she does – I’m sure that’ll help to pull her thro’.
Thanks Sheila. It may be necessary for her to let go of at least some of that toughness – for her own sake.
Yes I know what you mean. I looked after my disabled mum and got into the mindset “Only I can do it”. I do hope all goes well for you all.
Exactly so. And with my sister’s stubborn streak, it may be very difficult to persuade her to let go of some things. Thank you 🙂
My thoughts and prayers are with your sister and family in general, Steve. Try to take care of yourselves during the troublesome time.
Thanks Phillip. The battle, as always, is with stress more than anything else, and that’s one tough enemy!
Keeping your family, especially your sister, in my prayers.
Thanks Michelle.
I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Don’t feel any pressure about us around here, take care of your family. We’ll still be here when you get back!
Thanks Abby. It’s very much appreciated! I’m doing battle with that tiny voice that keeps hinting that everybody will suddenly forget the blog if I don’t post every day. That’s one of the voices I can definitely live without 😉
Yes you can. Tell that voice to go away!!!
LOL!
I’m late to the party reading this. I’ll be thinking of you and your family.
Thanks Lise 🙂
Just saw this. Sending you and your loved ones all good wishes, strength, and healing. Will keep you in my heart and thoughts. (((HUGS))) from across the Pond.
Thanks Sue-Ellen. Very much appreciated! 🙂 I’m hoping to post an update by tomorrow – fingers crossed.