Family issues

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Published by: karen on 8th Sep 2010 | View all blogs by karen

My own life has taken a backseat of late. My mum has been on her own for nearly ten years and is fast approaching the time when she can't manage on her own although she would tell you otherwise. She has had two falls in the last two weeks, luckily nothing broken but she has been living on scrambled eggs, Smash potatoes and bananas. She is in hospital today but due to be sent home later on so I, as no. 1 daughter will have to go and stay for a few days until we can persuade her to move somewhere nearer my home.......not an easy task. I have no idea what is going to happen over the next few weeks but sadly I won't be loitering around this lovely cloud nearly as often as I would like and I will be handwriting my novel if and when I have time. I will be checking in from time to time to see what everyone is up to and fingers crossed will still be attending the 'Getting Published Day' !

Comments

12 Comments

by Spangles 1 year ago

Karen, I'm so sorry. I know what it's like because I went through similar things with my mother. It's worrying and tiring and can easily get you down. I hope she understands that she needs to be nearer you, and that she needs to move while she's still able to cope with the disruption. I shall be thinking of you.

xx
by Steve 1 year ago

Good luck to you and your mum, Karen. I hope everything works out for you both.
by SecretSpi 1 year ago

I think that recognising that you need help from outside must be one of the most difficult things for older people to accept, especially those who have an independent nature. To get through nearly ten years on your own but then have to turn to others for help must sometimes feel like failure, giving in. It's important for her to know you are doing this because she has done so much for you - and that she is still a useful, valuable person in your family and in society. I know my Mum always justifies these things to herself by saying "It's a practical thing". I think that's the right way to look at it. All the best to you both.
by Gerry 1 year ago

Yup, we went through it with my Mum. Now we're going through it with my Stepmum (Dad re-married) and Mother in Law. And we're determined we ain't going to end up like they have/did. How? Well, we're sort of hoping the Baby Boomer generation will carry on being its normal over-confident, stroppy self and will say, en masse, no way. What the outcome will be, I cannot predict for sure - but, well, let's leave it at that for now...
by John Taylor 1 year ago

With you, Karen – don't forget to take care of yourself. I won't add more to what everyone else has said, but feel free to have a rant at me if you need to. Even at Harry's do!
J x
by Kim 1 year ago

Oh Karen. I hope that things work out for you and your mum. Chin up.
by Weens 1 year ago

I hope things go well for both you and your mum. A worrying and tiring time for you, try to stay strong, and don't forget to come on here if you need some support.
by Rebecca Holmes 1 year ago

Absolutely. Good luck. It is difficult. Remember you need time for yourself, too, and don't let yourself feel you are a 'bad' daughter for admitting to that.
by karen 1 year ago

Thank you all for your lovely thoughts, makes me want to cry! Writing this from my iPhone, at my mum's house, unable to sleep despite being very tired, sleeping in the bed I slept in as a child-very strange feeling. Sweet dreams one and all.
by Autumn 1 year ago

Karen, my heart goes out to you. I have not been in that situation yet, but can imagine how hard it must be for you. The child becoming the parent again is tough and sadly a normal part of life, and I can only echo the above comment about such experiences forming the rich tapestry that makes us write. Speaking personally, writing about such things helps a lot in getting those feelings out; writing about other things takes your mind off it too - so keep popping in here and write, write, write.
by Caducean Whisks 1 year ago

Karen, I'm so sorry for you and don't know what to say to help, other than the decline of life is yet another rite of passage, another step on our journey, another hard learning curve. I'm sure it will be poignant, frustrating, enlightening, hard, but maybe a privilege too, to walk this route with your mother? She must be so proud of you that you're stepping up. Stay strong and care for yourself, too.
by Chocoholic 1 year ago

I am the only daughter among sons..I think my turn isn't too far off. Wish I could meet you, but I'm not able to go to London. Hugs. X