Scout looks a little drunk here. Or pissed off. She is the dog with 1001 different expressions. I cut her nails today and she wasn’t too happy about it.
My mom is in the hospital again. Yesterday, my sister Meredith stopped by my parents’ place and discovered my mom had passed out – she was unconscious for at least 10 minutes, her breathing was raspy and her head was hanging to one side. 911 was called and now she’s having tests done; cat scan, ultra sound, brain scan.
She’s not doing well. She’s miserable most of the time, she’s tired and very unhappy. The quality of her life has been greatly diminished. It breaks my heart.
This is a strange time for me, partly due to the last month of hospitalization and surgery (though I’m feeling much better,) partly due to our worries here at home that seem to sap our strength and energy and of course, ongoing worries about my mom and dad. I have barely taken any photos lately and I usually love doing that. I can’t seem to get enthused about much. Trying to find an idea for a blog post is daunting. I’ve contemplated taking a little break from the blog – I’m not ready to commit to that yet, but it may happen. I know that all of us go through those times where coming up with a blog post seems overwhelming. That’s where I am now.
I usually visit new (to me) commenters and I fear I am behind on all that. I apologize.
Thank goodness for Jack Reacher suspense novels. I’ve read 9 of them so far. Our little local library is part of a bigger group of libraries and I went online and reserved every Lee Child (the author) book that I hadn’t yet read. Then I sent Don to the library to pick them all up a couple of days before I had my surgery. They are a great source of escape and I’m ever so grateful for them.
As I learn more about Mom, I will let you know.
Hey Claudia~
Sorry to hear you are going thru trying times … Reading always helps me “escape” … sometimes it’s just hard to shut down the thoughts and worries! I’ll be thinking of you ; )
xo
Jill
Claudia, you’re in my thoughts. It seems when it rains… it pours.
I’m reading a good book right now, Burnt Mountain. I’ll have to look for those you’ve suggested.
Thank goodness you have a sister, so your not in this alone. Sending out prayers for your Mother and for you.
ps I think drunk more than pissed!! LOL
Claudia, I love the picture of Scout. Don’t tell Courtney, but I have a photo of her at about age 5 where she looks a little tipsy as well. The fact that it was taken on St. Patrick’s day and she’s wearing a green plastic derby doesn’t help.
I’m so sorry about your mom. I will be sending you an email shortly.
You feel free to take whatever time you need. Do what is good for you.
Take care of yourself.
Donna
I’m sorry to hear about your mother, Claudia…it is a difficult time of life, and you can feel pretty stressed and helpless. Reading is always a great escape for me, too…take time to do things that make you feel happy! XO
Hoping the best for your mama. *sigh* It’s never easy when our parents get old. Mine have both passed on. You’ve had a tough summer…. things will look up soon. Keep reading good books!
You always take magazine-quality photos. This one of Scout is beautiful.
Sorry to hear that your mind is heavy with worry right now. When someone you love gets very ill it is like the rug is pulled out from under you. You just can’t rest and your mind weighs you down. I hope this will pass soon. Our moms are so special to us. I lost mine 14 years ago but still remember vividly the worry and chaos when she was ill.Take care of yourself, too. You are no good to anyone if you don’t. Hugs, Deb=^..^=x4
I have been where you are Claudia. Six years ago I lost my father at 66 and my husband lost both of his parents all within 9 months. Then I was in an accident and damaged my knee. The same year my husband’s company downsized and he was out of a job for the first time in 32 years. A couple of years later I got sick for a year which ended in surgery and 6 months recovery.
Now I sometimes sit and wonder how I came through it all but I did. This year I finally feel like everything is good again. I have only been a blogger since early this year but I do find a kind of calm and tranquility visiting my blogging friends and posting. Sometimes the simplest things like going out for a nice drive and stopping for even just coffee at a nice cafe makes the world of difference to a hectic time in your life.
It will get better and you will find a balance. I hope you don’t stop blogging even if you slow down a bit because you are one of the bloggers I find comfort in.
Take Care
Sue
It doesn’t sound like your mom is doing so well. Please keep us informed of what you learn. I will pray for her.
Love your pups expression!
Yesterday was the birthday of my mother. She’s been gone for awhile now so my heart goes out to you for your mother. She’s in my Thoughts for a positive resolution to her health situation.
Claudia, please don’t make a ‘formal announcement’ regarding a blog break, just step back and post when the urge comes to you. You know, we’re here wishing good things for you and yours and will be here whenever you do blog.
And, sweet lady, remember to reach for Reacher for a good getaway from day-to-day living.
hugs to you
♥♥♥ Gerry
Hello Claudia,
I have been catching up with your blog. I am so sorry that you are going through so much at once. I am keeping your mother in my prayers and I wish for her to find a place of comfort. May everyone who attends her be able to give her exactly what she needs.
If you need to take a break, then do so. I will come back and visit as soon as you are able to return. I am keeping you in good thoughts too.
Hugs of Love,
Terri
Hi Claudia
Sorry that you have been having a rough time, and now you have the added worry about you Mom’s health. Stay strong and think positive.
You know my thoughts on blogging, if you feel like posting then that is fine, if you don’t that is fine too. Sometimes life just doesn’t allow us to do all that we would wish. I enjoy every one of your posts, but you don’t owe it to me or anyone else to post on a regular basis. I’m sure that all your followers will still be thinking of you and wishing you and your loved ones well.
Take care. Hugs Alveen
Claudia, I have been so out of touch, and I truly apologize. Lots going on here, too.
I’m so sorry you are going through such an ordeal. I am going to go pray for you right now and hope that you find comfort and peace in knowing that others care.
Scout is a beauty. What a gorgeous dog.
Sending much love and warm wishes your way…
XO,
Sheila
So sorry for the troubles you are going through. Sometimes, it’s hard to know what to say when someone goes through hard times but, I’m thinking of you and hoping you’ll get through all right. Scout is sure cute!
Dear Claudia:
Prayers for you, your parents and your entire family. You’ll be in my thoughts.
Don’t fret a response to me. Just take time to heal and concern yourself with your more important family things.
Hugs,
Donna
I am so very sorry about your mother, Claudia. You have a lot on your plate at the moment. If you feel that a break from blogging would help, then take one. Whatever you decide, don’t stress over blogging. Your health and inner peace are too important to stress over that. Don’t forget that you’re still recuperating from your surgery. If I were in your shoes, I would remove as much stress as I could from my life. On another note, I often revisit the books of Agatha Christie. If you like her, she’s also a great escape. I don’t know how many times I’ve read her books. I never get tired of them. Whenever I get lost in an Agatha Christie novel, it’s like I’ve come home. Crazy, eh! I’m keeping you and yours in my prayers! Take care of yourself! The sun will shine again! You’ll see! xoxo
I understand completely…you feel outta sorts and discombobulated…really, that was me 2 years ago when everything seemed to happen and just the thought of blogging added more stress. Do what cha’ gotta do Claudia…we understand, you and your family come first…always!
bunny
So sorry to hear things are going so rough..breath and hang in there seems pat and well not really helpful. Maybe just the deep breathing part! I have lost my parents..so my heart is with you as you walk through this.
As for the reading..my very favorite escape when I get overwhelmed by life..a really good book..or two or twelve! Take care of you, Sarah
I’m with you all the way, this is so hard.
Mere
Been there and done that, so I know how you feel. I remember when my Dad was in Assisted Living and I’d dread hearing the phone ring because I knew it would mean another problem. I was worn out most of the time.
Claudia, truely sorry to hear about your mom. I will keep her in my prayers. Also thinking of you:) Twyla
You took the words right out of the little corner of my mind this morning. I’m right there with you on sooooo many fronts. I spend many sleepless night worrying about The Ps.
You know you can post when you want to post, take a break when you want to take a break, comment when and only if you are up to commenting, vent when you want to vent, laugh when you want to laugh, cry when you need to cry, take pictures when you want to take pictures. Just always know we are all a keystroke away.
I will keep you and Mere in my thoughts and prayers daily.
Hugs,
Kate
All of the above kind and loving comments, I would say the same. Take care of you, do what is best for you. When you blog we will read. While you take care of all your ‘business’ we will pray for you, keep you and yours in our thoughts. With love.
– joy
Claudia, I am very sorry to hear about your mom. Being long distance makes it even harder. A break from blogging may be a good thing for you for the time being. Even though it is a fun thing, sometimes blogging feels like a responsibility. Take care of yourself and let Jack Reacher do some of the work and worry for you – he’s good at that! I will be hoping for the best for your mom. Ann
I know what you are going through. It is so hard seeing our parents get old and infirm. My hubby’s mom will be 89 this month and her memory has completely gone but she is very spry. My mom is 80 and she is so smart but toddles around like she is a 100 years old. I don’t ever want to get old!!
I just finished Lee Child’s latest. Now I have to wait for a new one!
HI CLAUDIA,
LIKE I SAY, WHEN IT RAINS IT POURS…
I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR MOM….YOU ARE JUST GETTING BACK ON YOUR FEET, YOU JUST NEVER KNOW WHAT IS COMING NEXT. IF YOU NEED TIME FOR YOURSELF, TAKE IT. WE WILL ALL BE HERE FOR YOU. LIFE IS NOT EASY THESE DAYS. CLAUDIA, TAKE CARE, PRAYERS FOR YOUR MOM ARE BEING SAID. SCOUT IS ADORABLE, ANIMALS ARE SO GOOD FOR YOU WHEN YOU ARE FEELING DOWN. HAVE A NICE DAY MY FRIEND. RIZZI
My mother-in-law has had a rough year and it just sapped my husband’s energy, trying to keep up with her and everything else. I helped as much as I could, but it’s different when it’s not your own parent. I was tired physically, but the emotional drain wasn’t as hard for me as it was for my DH’s family.
Hang in there, Claudia, and know that lots of good thoughts are with you.
I’m back home again and catching up on missed posts from all my dear blog friends, you being one of them of course dear.
I’m hoping to learn as I read up that your mom is doing OK – am thrilled to know you are getting strong again.
Hoping life at the cottage is soon happy for you, Don and the doggies – at least Autumn weather should be arriving soon and you can enjoy being outside again. That’s what I’m hoping for here also – returned from perfect California days and nights to raging humidity, mosquitoes, and a jungle of a garden!
Hugs – Mary