Saturday, February 23, 2013

A Thousand Fibers




It’s been a crazy month! I think I’ll be happy to be done with February. It started off with my sister going away on vacation. She and I share the responsibility of caring for our mother. Before she left, she made lots of lists. There was a lot to be done, but truthfully, I wasn’t too worried. I thought I had everything under control.


During the twelve days she was on a cruise (thankfully, not THAT one) we had one blizzard, three lesser snowstorms, one doctor’s visit, three medications that resulted in multiple complications, two falls (luckily, no broken bones), three early morning visits from the paramedics, and 12 hours in the ER.
I am exhausted. 
And SO glad that my sister is back home and Mom is finally on the mend.

While we were in the thick of it, I was pretty overwhelmed. One of the things that got me through were the little snatches of time each morning reading from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young, which offered words of strength and encouragement.



The other thing that got me through was the people.

  • My daughter, who stayed with my mom to keep a fire going when she lost power during the blizzard.
  • The paramedics, who can make a person smile even when they’re scraping them off the floor – literally.
  • The policeman who was sympathetic to my situation after he pulled me over for speeding at 2 A.M. as I rushed to let the paramedics in.
  • The nurse in the ER who worked with my mom years ago, and the familiar face who greeted her upstairs when she was later admitted.
  • My other sister, who read and responded with patience and understanding to every Facebook message rant I sent her.

These people were single strands that together formed a strong network which provided strength to both my mother and I through the ordeal.

“We cannot live only for ourselves. A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow men.”
-         Herman Melville






Mom is finally on the mend. Now I just have to get through the housewarming party we’re throwing for my daughter tomorrow. Oh, and did I mention there’s another storm on the way?

How has your February been?


44 comments:

  1. {{{HUGS}}} Ruth! I'm glad things are on the upswing for you!

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  2. Oh dear Ruth, I wrap my (virtual) arms around you. Caring for a parents is really challenging. I spent seven years doing this for my mother, and only after she was gone am able to look back and pat myself on the back.
    How good it is that you have sisters to share this with.
    And people. Yes.
    And G-d also. Finally it is all about love, his language.

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    1. Thank you, Mirka, for the virtual hug =)
      I hope you had help when caring for your mother. You're so right, having sisters to share it with is such a blessing.

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  3. Oh, what a lot you've been through. Yes, so glad your sisters share the load. I'm glad you've found such comfort in Jesus Calling. Hugs.

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    1. Thanks, Marcia. And yes, I am finding Sarah Young's book such a comfort. I think this is the best devotional I've ever read!

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  4. Ugh. I just LOATHE snow! What a long February you've had!

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    1. Kat,
      I can't actually say that I loathe snow. My husband plows and so we are thankful for the income that snow provides. The timing of the last few particular storms was problematic, though, which makes it tough to remain thankful ;)

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  5. What a tough month it's been for you, Ruth. Glad things turn out okay, and that you had your wonderful daughter (as well as the kind folks you mentioned) giving you strength throughout! Love the thousand fibres that connect us.

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    1. Yes, Claudine, it is all turning out okay. One good thing about going through trials is that it reminds us to be thankful when things are going smoothly again =)

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  6. Ruth: So sorry to hear you've had a tough month. But February is almost over, your mother is on the mend thanks to your diligence and love, and Spring is right around the corner (hyacinths are starting to pop up along the south side of our house)!

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    1. Ooooo, no hyacinths here, but I love hearing that they are popping up where you are. It does help to remember that spring is on the way =)

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  7. Wow, you have been through so much, Ruth! Caregiving is not an easy task to begin with, but with snowstorms and everything else you faced it must have been way tougher than usual. Hugs!

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    1. The snow did make things tough, but thankfully, my husband plows, so even when there was a ban on driving, he was able to get me to the pharmacy to get my mother's meds.

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  8. Oh, such a blessing to be through all that! And to be reminded of all the support around you. Thankfully, at least here, the snow isn't too bad. I hope you've found the same, and you've got a quiet week ahead of you (at least, after the housewarming party!).

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    1. Yes, Anne, we had mostly rain yesterday. Whew! The party went well, lots of people showed up and now it is over and I can try to catch up on regular stuff.

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  9. :( Oh Ruth! I'm thankful you had all that support. (I thought my Feb was hard.) Now I'm breathing a sigh of relief. But so glad your mom is mending. And you have a housewarming party for that WONDERFUL daughter of yours. Sending positive thoughts and lotsa love to you. *waving and smiling*

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    1. Thanks, Robyn, for the love, smiles, and positive thoughts. I'm sending them right back atcha and hoping your March is better than your February, too.

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  10. Oh my, that's a lot to deal with in 12 days. I'm glad you had support around you, and I'm glad your mum is on the mend. Is it your turn for a cruise now?

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    1. I'm more of a home body. Can I just have twelve days of uninterrupted writing time?

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  11. Oh my goodness, Ruth! What a month! (((((HUGS!))))) Here's hoping March will be kind! :)

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  12. Oh yikes, what an ordeal. I hope your mum is on the mend. Take care!

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  13. I'm so glad your mom is okay. NIghtmare month. Sending virtual hugs. You are a superhero worthy of a place with the Avengers.

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  14. Dear Ruth,

    Sending strength prayers your way. The book you've been reading sounds wonderful. I think I'll pick up a copy for myself.

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  15. Thank you for this post. I am so glad you Mama is on the mend and that your care-share sister is back to lighten the load. I have been having a bit of a time of it myself lately so I can relate to the moments of upheaval and uncertainty. I hope all is now going well for you and yours. Me? I am not quite out of the woods yet. One of these days I may make it.

    ctny

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    1. I'm sorry to hear things have been rough for you, Courtney. Wishing you good things and sending prayers your way!

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  16. I'm glad your mom is doing better. I hope the rest of the year brings her good health and easier times for all of you.

    My mom is 92 and lives in her own apartment which is attached to my sister's house. It's amazing how both their lives can go from an easy routine to difficult in the blink of an eyes. Luckily, my mom is bless with good health 90% of the time.

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    1. Sounds like a great set up - for your mom and your sister. Good health is a blessing, indeed!

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  17. Wow, you've been through a lot. It's tough taking care of aging parents, but add a blizzard and other things and you must have been overwhelmed. It's hard to watch our parents deal with health issues -- both mine have made their transitions. But, it also can be the most important time in your relationship. You are lucky to have additional support around you.

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    1. Yes, Pat, I'm so grateful to have the support of other family members.

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  18. Hugs, Ruth! I really like that Melville quote--so true.

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  19. What an overwhelming month you've had! I'm so glad that your mom is on the mend. Best of luck with the housewarming, and here's hoping you escape more snow. Life can pile the stuff on at times, but Melville's quote is right on target, I think: connections with others can make a huge difference. And, spring is just around the corner. : )

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    1. The housewarming went well. We had lots of fun, and now I'm glad to get back to the normal routine. And rain - instead of snow this time =)

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  20. My Feb has been just about the same as yours. My mom fell and broke a bone in her neck. That is so not a good thing. So I'm looking forward to spring and some ease in tension.

    Glad you're turning the corner on Feb, too.

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  21. Holy Moley, Ruth! Your February sounds like a short story. Seriously, I'm glad your mom is on the mend. It sounds like you have a great support group around you too. I saw my mother and dad for a short visit last week. I'm always so thankful for one more visit where they are healthy. All the best!

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  22. I hope you get to rest this weekend! You have had a lot going on! I am glad you had the support of those near you and it is great to hear about the kindness of the police officer and the paramedics. I hope the weather calms down, too! Sending good wishes to you and your mom!
    ~Jess

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  23. I'm so glad your mom got better. What a roller-coster ride you had for those 12 days. Your gracious appreciation of the people who helped you is inspiring. :-)

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  24. Wow. I'm so glad that your mom is okay! Sounds scary.

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  25. Hugs on all your February mishaps. You certainly had a full February!

    I'm glad your mom is okay now, though.

    All the best!

    Nas

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