I'm tired and empty.
Although the weather has been dry, this month has been full of storms for me and my family. Afer a month and a half of getting little to no sleep, my dad went in for back surgery to fix a pinched sciatic nerve. Surgery went well; he came home for a few days, only to go back again because his kidneys stopped working. (We got the call at Peef's house during the farewell party for Lucky. Nothing like that kind of phone call to put you in the party mood.) They flooded him with fluids, stopped several of his medications, and got everything going again. He's home again and doing fine.
Phil and several of his siblings had a "family meeting" of sorts with his mom and some geriatric specialists at LDS Hospital just after my dad went in for surgery. They got the lowdown on his mom's mental state, and it's not exactly rosy. We're probably looking at early stages of Alzheimer's. She's going to need a lot more help, and she's going to have to accept it from people besides just Phil's sister (who lives next door to her). There is talk of a care center. All of this brings back painful memories of both of my grandmothers, who had problems with dementia and lived with my family when they were having those problems. This will be a long, hard road for everyone.
The final storm was something that must remain confidential. Let's just say it was shocking, to say the least. However, the storm will not break us. It's just made life heavy for a while.
Forgive me if my comments are lacking in wit, wisdom, or sense. I find that I have been turning inward for several months now as if in preparation for this month. I know everything will be fine. We will weather the storms. But for now, I'm hunkering down and holding on.
23 comments:
If you want a break, let me know and we'll go do lunch :)
we love you!
I hope that things settle down a bit for you so that you can catch a breath.
Wow. Hopefully the storms will clear soon, and you'll weather them okay. If I could give you a hug in person, I would, Sister Pottymouth. :) (And I'd lend a listening ear, too.)
Please know that you are all loved and in our prayers. And, I do live just a short ways away. Let me know if you need a place for your kids to hang out while you weather the storms. (or, hey, even if you want a place to hang out...our door's always open!)
You've handled yourself well in the midst of all that stormy weather. Had I known....I would've given you a bigger hug the other night.
Whatever it is, Jules....know that you are loved and cared about.
I'm so sorry to hear things are rough right now. It does seem to be about holding on through it, huh? (as in going on a bear hunt, can't go over it, can't go under it, gotta go through it).
Sending you and your family calming wishes.
Also, I just started reading a book about caring for parents with dementia, but i can't remember the title--seriously--that's not a joke. But if you're interested, let me know and I'll remember when I get back to the office next week.
I'm going to squeeze your address out of someone and send you some cheery Good Mail. Something Potty Mouth worthy and fabulous.
I know what its like to be in a sh**storm. Hugs to you!
Thanks, everyone. Your comments have made me smile today--like having a really big umbrella.
You hang in there. We're here for you.
Am thinking about you and keeping you in my prayers. Your forwards have been making me laugh. So thanks for the *snorting laughs* in the midst of all this.
((Julie)) I hope things get better for you.
Hunker on down, honey. Let me know if /when you need company. "Hunkering with those that hunker" is one of my spiritual gifts.
I love you and yours.
As my mom recently said to me, "You're one day closer to the end of your ordeal" Because it can be hard to see the end of some ordeals/trials.
It's alright to hunker down.
THE MAN IN BLACK: Life is pain! Anyone who says differently is selling something.
Of course life is not meant to be quite that dismal, but I do not doubt your ability to weather this storm.
Hi, I found the book. It's called:
Elder Rage-0r-Take My Father...Please! How to Survive Caring For Aging Parents
by Jaqueline Marcell
Hope that is helpful.
Hugs to you.
Hang in there. Rainbows always come after the storm.
Sorry to hear it. Hang in there, k?
Keep smiling...You're not alone.
Sorry to hear it's been so rough. I am thinking of you.
I'm sorry I didn't read this until now. I hope Heavenly Father lets prayers be effective retroactively. Love you.
Are things getting any better yet?
I somehow missed this earlier, Julie. Please know my thoughts and prayers are among the many that wish to hold you up. Bless your good hearts, all of you!
It's me. Just wondering if you're alright.
I'm glad I gave you that kiss then :o)
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