by pennifold 20 Jul 2022

Good morning gals, well today I said goodbye to Mum as she left for South Australia with my sister Jewls.

Julie lives down in Tumby Bay, near Port Lincoln in South Australia. A two day drive for her from our place here in Newcastle.

I told you earlier that I had gone with Mum to Jewl's home in Tumby Bay for a week, then I came home.
Mum then stayed for another week and then they headed to Holbrook where Mum stayed for 3 weeks. Holbrook is near the NSW/Victorian border.

As Jewls knows we are going to Europe on the 9th September and not returning till the 24th October she had kindly offered to take Mum (and Miss Lily, the dog) to live with her for the time being. Jewls needed to get back this week, so they left this morning. They will stay at Darlington Point out near the Hay plains and then drive on to Morphett Vale where Jewl's oldest friend lives and will stay with her for a couple of days. Then it's another big drive to go home to Tumby Bay.

As I was cuddling her goodbye we both had a cry and I just said "Thankyou". She has got a mammoth task ahead of her as Mum, can't shower without someone turning the taps on, get dressed, put her shoes on etc. etc. We have to force her to take her tablets, which she hates, but without keeping her meds up, she could get really sick. It's just so frustrating watching Mum go like this. I'm afraid once she returns we will have to place her into full time care somewhere. I know she doesn't want to do it, but it's for her own safety and health.

I think we all feel guilty as daughter's when you know something has to be done, but the person you are caring for doesn't want to go.

I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow to get my BP, cholestrol, Type 2 diabetes etc, etc. checked and I know it's going to be high. I'm just so teary all the time, as I constantly worry about what we have to do and I know you guys have been through this as well. I just know you all understand and now I'm crying whilst typing this, aagghhh!!!!

Just wanted to let you know why I haven't been doing much sewing. I will keep myself busy helping out at my opshop just 6 houses away from me. It will keep my mind active and help our community too. Much love to you all, Chris

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Comments (12)

by oaro 24 Jul 2022

Prayers to you and to you sister you are lucky to have you sister Now take care of yourself Love Maria

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by devon 24 Jul 2022

Sending prayers and hugs your way!!!

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by pennifold 26 Jul 2022

Thanks so much DeVon, love Chris

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by jrob Moderator 21 Jul 2022

So sorry Chris. So many of us have this go through our lives and looking back, it's not a time I would trade. Big hugs to you my darling. "Tears are prayers, too. They travel straight to God when we can't speak."

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by pennifold 24 Jul 2022

Oh! thanks Jerrilyn, I needed to read this. Love to you, Chris

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by shirley124 20 Jul 2022

Hugs and prayers to you all. So kind of your sister to have your mum while you have a break. Hugs

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by pennifold 21 Jul 2022

Thanks so much Shirley. and yes, it's good that Jewls can take over for the next 3 months. It's a big ask, but Jewls has been there with her partner who died last year. He also had Dementia (Vascular). I just hope that Mum doesn't cause Jewls too much hassle. Love Chris

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by sebsews 20 Jul 2022

Dear Chris, I know exactly what you are going through. Just about everything you write is what is happening in my world. I am glad you have your sister for support and for her to help out for a time. Tears, yes, I have had plenty of tears lately. But remember take care of yourself, I hope you had a good doctor's appointment. Sending love your way, Suzanna

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by pennifold 21 Jul 2022

My heart goes out to you Suzanna, I'm glad to have a friend who is going through this with me.
And yes, the tears flow for no reason these days. I'm happy to say I did have a great Doctor's visit this morning. She is very sympathetic and told me to look after myself for the next 3 months and relax, so I'm going to do that. My kidney readings were up from last time which were 49 to this time 55, so she said to drink more and keep hydrated. I will do that, love Chris

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by graceandham 20 Jul 2022

After the doc gets through fussing at you, take a deep breath. It looks like you have a good long while to "work" at de-stressing. Eat well, sleep well, and re-create Chris. Late October will bring its new challenges and this is your big chance to de-stress. Have a lovely vacation.

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by pennifold 21 Jul 2022

Thanks Betsey, great advice, just what my Doctor said this morning. I'm happy to relax these next 50 days till we leave for Europe. It will seem strange as I've been at Mum's everyday for the past 2 years (apart from when Mum was down in Tumby Bay and Holbrook recently). I'll have more time to volunteer at my Op Shop up the street. I love being there. Love Chris

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by dailylaundry 20 Jul 2022

Oh, Chris, I feel so for you!! You and your sister have difficult decisions to make - but, you have your sister, your immediate family, your church family and your Cute family, who are all sending you prayers and good thoughts. I hope you have a good doctors visit and you have one less thing to worry about. Sending you prayers and good thoughts and bunches of hugs, Laura

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by pennifold 21 Jul 2022

Hi Laura, I appreciate all your good thoughts and comments. My blood test results were all good, just need to keep drinking water as my kidney readings were higher than last time. I'm doing that and have already had 3 drinks of water this afternoon. Love Chris

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by crafter2243 Moderator 20 Jul 2022

I think you need a hug. Sending you one`

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by pennifold 21 Jul 2022

You got that right Angie, thanks so much. Love Chris

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by sdrise 20 Jul 2022

So wonderful of your sister to take mum for a while. IT gives you a break. IT is so hard to place them But God will guide you both. No one knows how much work it is until they go through it themselves. My prayers are with you and the family. This is such a horrible disease. Mum is so lucky to have all of you by her side. HUGS

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by pennifold 21 Jul 2022

Thanks Suzanne, it is great that Jewls can help me out for the next 3 months. Thanks also for your prayers and best wishes. Love Chris

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by 02kar Moderator 20 Jul 2022

I know you are experiencing a mess of emotions, but please remember you are making the best decisions you can for your mum for her comfort and safety. Your own health is also a priority for you and your family. I know you are and will continue to agonize over transferring her to a safe place, but when that time comes, it will be the best decision for all of you. Keep venting o us and know we hold you constantly in prayer and are always sending hugs.

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by pennifold 21 Jul 2022

Hi Karen, luckily for me my blood test results were better than last time. I have to watch my kidneys, and I think that is because I haven't been drinking as much water through winter. I drink a lot of tea, but I still need to keep my water in take up.
I agree with you about when the time comes, we will know what to do about Mum. It keeps me awake at night, love Chris

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by marianb 20 Jul 2022

I'm sure all will work out for the best in the end. I do hope your Mum and Jewels have a good time with each other. Marian

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by pennifold 21 Jul 2022

Thanks Marian, I'm sure she will have a great time. I know the animals will enjoy themselves. Love Chris

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by Nicky602 20 Jul 2022

Bless you and your family.

Lotsa love
Nicky

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by pennifold 21 Jul 2022

Thanks so much Nicky, so nice of you to comment. In case I haven't welcomed you here, welcome. Love Chris, Newcastle, Australia

by Nicky602 21 Jul 2022

Thank you ever so much for welcoming me Chris.
Our paths I am sure have crossed at some point and if not they have now.
Regards
Nicky

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