Yesterday I wasn't feeling well and decided that I just needed a break from from all of the stress. It was a beautiful morning and the temperature was perfect. I did absolutely nothing all morning long except sit in my patio swing, watch the birds and read. I was surprised by all of the bird activity at the feeder and even more surprised when a flock of cedar waxwings landed in a tree.
In addition to the birds pictured I saw catbirds, house sparrows, starlings, mourning doves, and chickadees. I was really hoping to see the hummingbirds again. I've spotted them twice so far, but they take a sip and leave ever so quickly.
It was so peaceful and relaxing, just what the doctor ordered!
Today was back to business as usual. My mother-in-law is now down to 86 pounds. It was heart wrenching to see therapy try to walk her. She has always been a pacer and rarely sat down. Since her fall she has lost so much weight and has become stiff. I don't believe she will ever walk on her own again. The saddest thing is that the Alzheimer's has worsened and she is so fearful of any change from what she is currently doing. She is terrified to roll in the wheelchair and grabs at things to keep from moving. It is so incredibly sad. We got a call tonight that she fell from her wheelchair, thankfully this time there was only a minor injury to her knee. I just really don't think she is going to be with us much longer.
My dad will start his chemo and radiation next week. He'll have radiation five days a week for five weeks and chemo every Tuesday (not sure how long the chemo treatments will be).
I will be very grateful when life becomes more normal again and doesn't revolve around sickness. In the meantime I'll continue to soak in the beauty that surrounds me every chance I get.
Robi,my heart aches for you.I know how difficult it can be to see loved ones suffer,having lost both parents and both in-laws.Dementie in any form is hard to deal with,and so is the physical pain.Continue to tak some ime for yourself,truely this is the best thing you can do right now.My continued prayers are with you.
ReplyDeleteBLessings,Ruth
Sounds like a perfect and much-needed break, Robin! I'm so envious of your cedar waxwings. I keep telling myself that one day they'll visit us here at Hawk's Haven! And surely nothing's as lovely as a peony. I hope you can hold on to this tranquil feeling through the stressful days ahead! Just keep coming back to these pictures and remembering the serenity and beauty. And please keep taking mornings like this for yourself!
ReplyDeleteRobin, do take care of yourself. I am so glad you relaxed some. You and your family are in my thoughts!!
ReplyDeleteDear Robin, I'm glad you enjoyed yourself in your garden and had a chance to relax and soak in nature! My thoughts are with you during your parent's struggles. My dad died of cancer in 2005; my husbands dad recovered a couple of years ago from non-Hodgekins lymphona but now has dementia and has been going down hill since last year. Each time we see him he is just not the same...but he's still with us and hanging in there at this point. I myself had 35 radiation sessions, 5 days per week for 7 wks, in 2003-2004. It really took a toll on me and I lost 35 lbs but it apparently took care of any cancer cells that the surgeries did not get...so it was bearable. It was directly to the roof of my mouth so I developed burns and my mouth got so dry I could hardly swallow...but I'm fine now! Hopefully your dad will be, too;-)
ReplyDeleteRe: your blog feed--I actually had the same thing going on not long ago, when I blogged again after taking a very short break. I fooled with everything I could and resolved my problem by going to the Settings feature on Blogger, and going into the Publishing section, where I looked to be sure my blog address was entered correctly (which it was) and then re-entering a new word verification, and hitting the button...voila, I noticed that my updated posts started appearing again instead of the 2 week old post! Have you tried that? Just thought I'd share what happened with me. I hope it works, because I do miss seeing updates. I like to read them, even though I don't comment on them. That's the beauty of the sidebar and the google reader. Take care! Jan
Robin, I'm so glad you took some time for yourself! I hear you about the stress-free times hopefully coming your way! I'm waiting for life to become normal too. Maybe we could get a 2 for 1 in that department-LOL!!
ReplyDeleteRemembering you today. Beautiful photos.
ReplyDeleteYou have so much going on. You really need to take those breaks to keep your stamina and let your mind wonder to the good things. You all will be in my prayers. I know it is very hard to do what you are doing and going thru. I have been there too. Becca
ReplyDeleteOh, Robin...my heart is heavy reading your post today. Your photos are beautiful and do create a peaceful feeling.
ReplyDeleteI understand the stress, the constant feeling as though someone is in need of you...even when they do not want you to feel that way. It is difficult to watch your family struggle with health.
My mother found her Heavenly Home in August of last year...with a five year (unbelievably free) battle with breast cancer. She lived more in her last five years than all of my grown up years. The testimony is on my blog...if ever you feel the need for someone who has felt what you feel.
Now, my father lives lonely...even in the midst of company. Just having knee replacement surgery of his own (on my mothers bday)...he is learning to live step by step without her.
Sometimes it feels like we've got too much to handle, but God has promised to be with us when the load is too heavy.
May you find those moments of release, where the pressure is lifted and The Lord has calmed the storm of thoughts...bless you.
Robin, I am so sorry for your problems, unfortunately without a permanent solution. I am hoping that God will give you strength to carry on and wisdom not to forget the rest of things going on in your life.
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to you. The aging of our loved ones is a lot to deal with, especially when their health declines so.
ReplyDeleteTaking time for yourself will keep you strong and centered so you can then handle whatever comes.
You give so much of yourself to others that it is sometimes hard to take time for yourself..but you need to. The photos are lovely. Did I see Peonies?
ReplyDeletewww.wildlifearoundus.blogspot.com
(((((Robin))))) I was thrilled to discover that my reader is finally picking up your feed again, but sad to read that you were not feeling well and that you are walking through these hard places right now. May you know God's peace and presence and continue to delight in His beautiful creation. Your photos are beautiful, as always.
ReplyDeleteI so understand where you are coming from. Take a break and enjoy. Hope you get to feeling better soon. Beautiful pics.
ReplyDeleteDebbie
I understand completely what you are going through, Robin. We just went down that same path with my husband's parents. What's important at this point is that you do exactly what you just did - take time for Robin. Take care, dear.
ReplyDeleteI can't say any more then what all these lovely ladies have said. Our blogging family is wonderful. My prayers are with you.
ReplyDeleteHow difficult it is to see our loved ones suffering. You have a wonderful attitude that will help you get through these trying times.
ReplyDeleteOh Robin, I so know where you are coming from! Hang in there!
ReplyDeleteYour pictures are lovely!
How did you get your feed moving again? It's no longer at the bottom! I am wondering what you did;-)
ReplyDeleteThinking about you and your parents;-)
Robin, so glad you realized you have to take time for yourself. That time will help energize you and help keep you sane. Just know we are all thinking of you. :)
ReplyDeleteI am so pleased this post at least showed up on my side bar. I hope you got the problem fixed.
Would haveloved to see you at SF, but understand. Hope we can see you at next year's.
Robin, I am glad you can sit back and enjoy nature. Nature can be so healing for the soul.
ReplyDeleteI was wondering what happened to you. I thought you were with your parents. It sounds like time is not being gracious to your parents and in-laws.
Nineteen posts popped onto my reader for you. I don't know what is goign on but my reader isn't picking-up your feeds right.
Hang in there. Lots of prayers and postive thoughts are coming your way.
Hi Robin,
ReplyDeletePlease stop by my blog I have an award for you.
Thanks.