Tuesday, April 28, 2009

When it Rains it Pours



Just when I was beginning to feel rested after a long two weeks of helping my mom and dad, we have another family crisis. My precious mother-in-law, who is in a nursing home with advanced Alzheimer's, fell and fractured her shoulder. It has been so sad to see her in so much pain. I'm so thankful it didn't happen while I was away since we are her only family here.



Today is her 83rd birthday. (This picture was taken two years ago)

For those who might be interested in an update on my dad: He is still in the hospital. They have been unable to remove the chest tube due to fluid and air still leaking from his lung. The doctor informed them today that the CT scan from yesterday showed a cyst on his liver. He told them he didn't think it was malignant, but this wasn't mentioned before, and if it new since the PET scan last week, it is very concerning to me.

I've had very little time to be outside, only a few occasions with my camera in hand to try to capture some of the beautiful spring blooms. I hope things will settle down soon so I can get outside and work in my flower gardens. We have had a nice rain today and thankfully the temperatures have dropped. I was beginning to think that we had skipped spring and gone straight into summer!

18 comments:

our friend Ben said...

Oh no, Robin, you've really been going through it. Bless your heart! I'm hoping/praying my own father's tubes came out today. It's beeen so hot here, too. I'm hoping your (actual) rain is heading our way!

Catherine@AGardenerinProgress said...

I'm sorry to hear about your family health problems. I'm sending healing thoughts and prayers their way.

Anonymous said...

Robin when life get this complicated, my daughter would say, "Spa Day!"

VictorianLace said...

Hi, I love your pictures. What camera model and manufacturer do you use? I have a Kodak V150 and it does not take very good pics. I am looking for another one at this time and would like to you what you use.. Thanks! God Bless!!

Anonymous said...

The garden will really be a source of joy for you this year. You'll find peace and relief in the continuance of it all.

I've been where you are and it is a heavy load to carry. Very big hugs to ya.

Lynn said...

We will continue to pray for you and your family. both my parents are 83 and just really starting to have problems. both were in hospital this winter. It just wears you out. Try to get some rest...

IlonaGarden said...

You have really been going through trials! You continue to make a beautiful blog... and it really is inspirational.

CiNdEe's GaRdEn said...

I am so sorry to hear of your family crisis.
My grandpa would have been 105 yesterday! He had an April 28th bday too!(-: I hope your mother in law heals fast. That is so hard on them.
I am sorry to hear about your dad and the cyst. I hope it is nothing serious. I know it is so hard not to worry. I will keep them in my thoughts and prayers. Take care of yourself! (((hugs)))
CiNdEeS' GaRdEn

Iowa Gardening Woman said...

Beautiful collages! We are in the process of moving my parents from their acerage to a senior apartment.

Hope you have some rays of sunshine in your life soon.

Janet, The Queen of Seaford said...

thinking of you and your family Robin.

Brenda Pruitt said...

I know how concerned you must be for your precious family members. I will keep your family in my thoughts.
Brenda

NCmountainwoman said...

Happy Birthday to your M-I-L. What a shame to have such pain and not understand why.

Prayers continue for your father. I'm sure the hospital will arrange for home health care when he is able to return home. Make certain your mother accepts any help they can provide, especially home health aide services to help with his bath and personal care. She doesn't need to be doing all that on her own. Far too often women will say, "Oh, I can take care of that." She is going to need her energy in the future, so she should accept the services while he is eligible for them.

Sherri said...

HUGS for you Robin! I'm so sorry about your mother-in-law and that your Dad is still having some issues. I hope he will be able to come home soon. Prayers for all of you!

beckie said...

Robin, my prayers and thoughts are with you and your families. It does seem life challenges come in bunches. Your flowers are lovely and I hope you get more time to enjoy them soon.

Your posts still are not showing up on my sidebar. Very frustrating.

Gail said...

Dear Robin, I am sending prayers and hugs your way...If you have a few minutes, just sit in your garden and breath in the day...let your garden, the birds, the beauty and calm wash over and begin to heal. Just a few minutes and you will be breathing easier.

Anonymous said...

Robin, what a month you've had. Please remember to take time to care for yourself as well as all those others you are helping. And your dad's cyst probably isn't malignant; if it has well circumscribed edges, as cysts normally do, then it is most often benign. They can come up quickly as a response to inflammation. Please rest and enjoy your garden for renewal when you can.

Anonymous said...

Robin, what a month you've had. Please remember to take time to care for yourself as well as all those others you are helping. And your dad's cyst probably isn't malignant; if it has well circumscribed edges, as cysts normally do, then it is most often benign. They can come up quickly as a response to inflammation. Please rest and enjoy your garden for renewal when you can.

Unknown said...

Take a Deep Breath!! Thinking of you and yours.