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Reply by KathCull_admin
09 Mar 2014, 7:49 PM

Hello Cathie


As a Pollyanna type person, my first response is to try and make you feel better – but I know that I cannot. Where you see failure, I could tell you all the things I read in your post that you ‘did’ for your mother.   I am glad that you are able to write down how things are for you – ‘a burden shared (can be) is a burden lifted.’  How wonderful that you found that little suitcase and it was not accidently cast out. Although it is not at all the same as being able to go through them with her, are you able to take some pleasure in lookng at her treasures?


Physical activity has frequently soothed my troubled soul – it must be frustrating not to be able to do the things you enjoy.  I am glad that you have medical support but I also say,’ Thank heavens for our four footed friends.’ We have a small dog and this winter it has not been easy to take her for walks – I miss it and so does she – if her restlessness is anything to go by!  I am more of a dog person and I am often amazed at how they can sense our feelings and are able to comfort. I loved those words “Heel boy. Heal me”.  
Take care Cathie
Katherine  

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09 Mar 2014, 10:34 PM

Ty
 
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Reply by Brayden
10 Mar 2014, 12:53 AM

Dear Aphasia Sufferer's daughter,
I just read your more recent posts and I was struck by your experiences as you are going thru a deep valley at this time. I liked your idea of a vacation as we just returned from our annual 9 weeks in nice warm Arizona. England would be a great place to visit however you must be sure that any destination comes with a purpose or you could come home highly dissappointed. (Not to mention the cost) I like the good comments you have already received but I might just add that you do not want to be so hard on yourself. It is so easy to reflect on the past and question yourself instead of focusing on your your strengths and moving forward. You have said enough about yourself that we see you as a very loving person and you have every reason to  be proud of yourself. Do not let family members or others pull you down. I confident that you are strong enough to work thru all this and you will come out a better person for it. Thank you for being so open and honest with us. Blessings,
Brayden 
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Reply by KathCull_admin
19 Mar 2014, 1:54 AM

Hi
I was wondering how you are Cathie. Are you still thinking of going to England? I too like English films and TV shows. I saw Philomena a few weeks ago.  In one of your last posts - you said your house was clean but your body was showing signs of strain - how are things now? Have you been able to get to the cottage?

Take care 
Katherine 
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19 Mar 2014, 3:04 PM

Hello
Thank you for asking! Unfortunately, I hurt my neck,shoulder and arm  quite badly and a knee was acting up. I am on  the mend having seen lots of doctors and sports medicine doctor - I have two weeks more to rest my arm etc. I was in too much physical pain to do anything really. I will start the gym this Friday on a limited basis.
My England friends have just announced that they are bringing their whole family to Toronto this summer, so a visit to them now would be overkill.
I  am looking instead into renting my house so that I can go away for a long time. A very old friend is thinking of moving to my town,so I would want to be here to help them fit in, but until their motives are clearer I likely wont make any plans  around them.
I have to get my 50 boxes in  my basement organized in order to rent, and maybehave drywall divider put up to store my stuffhere at no cost. Ihad hoped to have  worked through theboxes this month -but the injuries  got in the way. So I will just have to slow down.INstead Ihave invited a few friends over for dinner,lunch and another dinner - Iambulding my social life since I can't travel right away.
I can't snow shoe into my cottage,so that toowill have to wait untilApril.
The universe is aligning to keep me here for now anyway.
I have been sure to call my widower dad every day and have gone to Toronto  each week for at least one overnight to visit and just hang out. He needs  gentle support. He  is walking through all the things hehas todo to bring my mom'sestate tocompletion, butittakes time.He is tired - he's90 - it couldbe grief, it could be a settling into a new state of lower activity. Time will tell.
Cathy
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Reply by NatR
19 Mar 2014, 6:05 PM

Hi Cathy,

i have ave been reading your posts and all the comments - I particularly read your feelings and hurts with family.  I too come from a dysfunctional family  and  for a very long time I wallowed in unhelpful grief and hurt - hoping someone of something. Would rescue me.  I understand you are also dealing with grief loss and struggling from day to day just to survive wondering what the future holds.

i have seen such great words of comfort and caring from the hospice community - EKim, Katherine, marstin, Brayden and more....  They all have such caring hearts and comments 

I hope that your favorite support - your pet - will give you that safe place and unconditional love.

uncovering the suitcase and the memories and going through those final days and remembering the years of feeling excluded - left out- i csn identify with.

the best thing I ever did was to realize that what others think of me does not matter - but that what I think of myself does matter -  and that despite everyone else or because of them - I can press forward one day at a time and be my best, help those around me, a word it act of kindness - and most of all - give to Myseof those same words and hugs of kindness.

i do hope you follow your heart and your thoughts and take a trip of some kind that fits your need and your budget.

like you I love England, it's my moms country and I also love photographs and films about Britain Italy France anc something comforting is in the beauty and lifestyle they portray! -  

be strengthened by the notes and  good wishes of us all / and grab each day and make the most of it;) it is now your Time and so important to fill your heart with peace and change.

i send you a big hug -  you are worth it!! 
Best wishes 
natr  
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