Monday, July 27, 2009

Summer Flowers and an Update



There hasn't been much time these past few weeks for me to blog or for reading your blogs. My mother-in-law had her shoulder surgery and I've been sitting with her pretty much day and night since then. She was so frail at 86 pounds, we were not even sure she would make it through the surgery, but she did. We were also concerned that she might starve to death before she could recover, but that hasn't been a problem either. She is eating and drinking and doing very well. She is tiny, but she is one feisty lady. Three years ago she was put on hospice for failure to thrive and I was told that she was dying and would never come off hospice care. I didn't believe them. We started feeding her at meal time as often as we could and she started gaining weight. She gained to 101 pounds and was removed from hospice. It was a huge victory for us! We are once again feeding her for every meal and she is doing great. It is time consuming and for right now it is my life. Seeing her happy and laughing tonight makes it all worthwhile.



I've still been able to make it to my photography class but I've not had much time for taking pictures. Last week I didn't have time to do my assignment and so far I haven't had time this week either. I love the class and have learned so much about my camera. I've been using the time in the nursing home to read photography books and even read my camera manual!



The yard is a mess and I need to do some serious gardening, but there is no time or energy for that right now. I sometimes make it home right before it gets dark and I have just enough time to grab my camera and get a few pictures. Some of my favorite summer flowers are in bloom right now and every once in a while I catch the hummingbirds at the feeders.

I'll be very glad when things return to normal, I miss being home, and I miss visiting you all!

19 comments:

Decadent Housewife said...

Wonderful to hear that she has come through. The garden can wait - you are tending that which is far, far more important and permanent.

Autumn Belle said...

You are definitely a very good daughter in law, and you have done a great job, taking care of a frail old lady. By the way, the flowers posted are bright and colourful.It's a sight to behold.

Rose said...

I'm so happy to hear that your mother-in-law is doing better. She is very lucky to have such a caring family and a daughter-in-law like you, Robin. Gardening, blogging, all will wait for you--you're spending time on what is really important. But I'm glad you've found a few moments for yourself to enjoy your passion--your photos are just beautiful, Robin.

Anonymous said...

Your mother-in-law is very lucky to have you, Robin. I'm glad she is doing so well. Your photos are lovely and those zinnias are favourites of mine. :)

Janet, The Queen of Seaford said...

Robin, What you are doing now is important, the garden will be there for you later. Glad your MIL is improving.
Your pictures are wonderful. Love the sunflowers especially. I am going to look into a photography class after we move, what a great idea.

Sheila said...

One of the nice things about a garden is they will always wait. They may go a little wild but they thrive while we are busy with life. Hope your MIL continues to do well!

Sherri said...

So happy to hear your MIL is doing so much better! I hope your life gets back to normal real soon-we miss you!!

Patricia said...

What an angel you are, Robin, to care for your mother-in-law so tenderly. God bless you.

Oh how I miss my zinnias. Thank you for blessing my day.

Gail said...

Robin, I'm so glad your MIL is doing better...this past few months has been so difficult a time for all of you. As always your photos are lovely and charming! Take care! gail

Lisa at Greenbow said...

I have missed you too Robin. It is fantastic that you can be with your MIL at this time in her life. You will have plenty of time after she no longer needs such care. You are a blessing as you will be blessed.

F Cameron said...

Robin,
Glad to hear that your MIL is doing better. Your flowers and photos are amazing! I've been thinking of taking a photography course and you've inspired me! I've not had one in over 30 years and this is the digital age! LOL

Take care of yourself! :-)

Cheers,
Cameron

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

Your pictures are just wonderful.I am so glad to hear that all is well.I have been praying for you and those around you.Hope things keep on improving.
Blessings,Ruth

Connie said...

Lovely photos! You have a wonderful assortment of sunflowers.
It helps to remember that this is a season in your life, and it won't last forever. Sending prayers your way!

beckie said...

Robin, so good to hear from you and to know your MIL is improving. I know that it is because of your loving care. You will never regret the time spent with her. But I know you feel like you own life is on hold.

Your photos are wonderful. I love the backs of the sunflowers. Such intricate designs. I have those same orange cosmos-aren't they gorgeous?? And your hummers are delightful. Still thinking about a photography class this fall if I can find ome for the very dumb.

Take care and know we are all thinking of you.

Anonymous said...

Your life sounds very much like mine right now, spent caring for our loved ones who are ill. Glad to hear you MIL is eating better. I'm home taking care of hubby after a triple bypass, and he's doing well. But three weeks later he still has lots of pain, and his apetite isn't very good. I am sure your flowers give you some relief, as they do for me.

Emery said...

Wonderful collection of all those beautiful summer flowers pictures... Love to see them!!

NCmountainwoman said...

So glad things are going well with your dear M-I-L. You have made me realize how much I also need a good camera course. My camera came with a free offer for a Nikon course and I may just take them up on it. If not, we have tons of classes here in the mountains.

Balisha said...

You're right where you are supposed to be right now. There are angels among us and I'm sure your mother-in-law thinks of you that way.

Ashley Haire said...

Hello Aunt Robin,
I think I am finally getting the hang of the whole blogging thing. lol Well back to playing around.