Jun 30, 2014

Monday Update 6/30/14


STITCHY STUFF
I finished the other two Sledding Friends. 

 

Here's all of them together:

Designer: Foxwood Crossings
Stitched on 14ct Brown Perforated Paper
Fibers: DMC
I did a tiny bit of stitching and backstitching on N is for Nurse.


FAMILY
This week, my Dad finishes the last of his radiation treatments.  Over the past 30 days, he's been going through daily radiation and weekly chemo treatments.  He has extreme edema (swelling) from the waist down.  Some of it is from the cancer and some of it is from radiation.  He was given a walker last week and has begun to use the motorized carts at the store.  A few weeks ago, we were given news:  The cancer is terminal.  The doctor told us the cancer will take his life in a matter of months.

Last week, my Mom was hospitalized for a few days.  A year or so ago, she was diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis.  At that time, my parents didn't realized what a serious health issue this is.  When she was hospitalized last week, her blood oxygen level was at 48%.  It has been emphasized that she HAS to wear oxygen 24/7 now.  Things such as hanging laundry on the line makes her oxygen level go down quickly.  My siblings and I have been emphasizing to her that she can't be over-exerting herself.

The next few months is going to be very rough for all of us... between helping Dad... watching him go downhill... and helping Mom.  She has other health issues that we will have to deal with for the rest of her life.  Dad has always taken care of her, paid the bills, etc.  It's not going to be easy without him. 

My employer has been good through all of this.  I've been told I can take whatever time off I need.  I've been working from home in off hours to make up time I've taken off to take Dad to his treatments.  It's been emotionally exhausting.  :(

Until next time,


50 comments:

Carol said...

Oh, Meari, my heart aches for you... I am so very sorry to read about your parents. It was hard enough for you to learn about your dad's prognosis--now with your mom's health problems, too, no wonder you are exhausted, both emotionally and physically. Sending a warm hug your way--you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers...

I'm glad to see you still stitching--they are all darling finishes and I hope they help relieve at least a bit of the stress. Take care now...

Unknown said...

just love the sled buddy's
sending prayers to your family

Berly said...

I am so sorry about your parents, Meari! I'm praying for your family every day. {{{Hugs}}}

Gillie said...

So sorry, Meari, one of the hard parts of life.

Faith... said...

Continued prayers for you and your family Meari...glad you got to relax and get in some stitching time. I LOVE those Sledding Friends!

Thoeria said...

So sorry about your folks Meari x

CJ said...

Meari -

We will be praying for you and your family.

CJ

Emily in NC said...

Oh Meari, know how very hard this is for you. Like the cute little sledding friends, may your stitching and the rest of your family get you through this.
(((((HUGS))))

Vickie said...

Oh Meari. I am so very, very sorry. I am praying for you all.♥

Debbie said...

Meari,
My heart goes out to you. I'm so sorry to hear things have not improved as much as hoped for.

Find reasons to smile, share some laughter with your folks, it does help.

Keep stitching...

Denise SA said...

So sorry to hear your news. Will send positive thoughts you way .wish there was more I could do.take care of yourself

Dirty Martini Queen said...

Meari,
So sorry to hear about your folks so will be praying for them and your family during this very difficult time. Take care of yourself my friend and always make time to stitch even if it's just a few minutes to ground yourself.
Donna

CatsnCorgis said...

Meari...my heart goes out to you and your family.

Sally

Dani - tkdchick said...

Those sleds are adorable!

Christina G said...

So sorry to hear about your stuggles Meari. Do consider formally availing yourself of Family and Medical Leave Act. Your HR department should be able to provide information on applying. This act assures that your employer allows for leave (without pay, if you haven't got PTO) and must keep a job open for you. It does have its limits but its better than nothing.

Akila said...

Oh Meari, I do not know how to express how sorry I feel. Do stay strong. I will pray for you and your family

valerie said...

I'm so sorry to hear your parents are declining. It's so hard to see them age and not be able to do things that were so easy for them before. Hang in there and be kind to yourself. It's a hard time to go through. I'm glad you find little pockets of time to stitch. The sleds look so cute.

Anonymous said...

Meari I love your stitchy finishes.

You and your family are in my prayers still. I am so sorry to hear about your dad's prognosis and your mom's health issues as well.

I am sending you a big hug. I wish I could do more.

Tara

Scooty said...

Meari, I'm so sorry to hear about your parents health issues. It's hard to lose a parent. However, you must be sure to take time for yourself and allow yourself some down time to relax. You cannot do a proper job of caring for someone else if you do not do a proper job of caring for yourself first. Hang in there and know that we are concerned for you too.
Judi in Phoenix

Mary Ann said...

Meari, I am so sorry to read about your parents. I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers.((hugs)).

Your finishes are adorable, and it is so good that we have our stitching--great stress reliever.

Anonymous said...

Congrats on your finish, Meari. I'm sure it's nice to have another finish so soon after Petal Pincushion.

Sandy in NM

*-* said...

Meari,

I send you enfolding hugs for the journey ahead. What a kind employer, giving you support.

Your nurse stitching looks very sweet.
K.

Anonymous said...

Hi Meari,

Sorry to hear about your Dad and now your Mom. Hope things go well. I am sending Hugs and Prayers to you and th whole family.

Ruthie

Tricia T said...

{HUGS} I'm so sorry. It is hard to watch and walk through these problems with our parents, isn't it? My mom is in her last few weeks of life as well, and I understand what you mean by emotionally exhausting. Take the time to relax with your stitching when you can. It's nice to take a few minutes to unwind. Praying for you!

Mouse said...

((huge hugs))) wish I could do more to help but know that I am thinking of you all ...
stitching will help....
love mouse xxxx

cucki said...

Meari, I am so sorry to read about your parents. I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
Your stitching is so beautiful..
Big hugs x

Irene said...

Lovely sleds, thanks for sharing.

Hugs to you and your family.

Irene

Jo said...

so sorry to hear about your parents, I'm glad you have an understanding employer though. Make sure you take care of yourself as well x

Kay said...

Meari, you are in my thoughts and prayers. This is going to be the toughest thing you have to do caring for your father. That is great that your employer is so understanding during this difficult time. Love your stitching!

Anonymous said...

Very cute finishes, and they look great together.

Sorry to hear about your father's prognosis and your mother's health issues. Sending good thoughts for them and for your family to get through this tough time.

Lynne

Anonymous said...

Meari:

So sorry to hear about your father's declining health. My thoughts are with you.

Dorrie

Jennifer M said...

Meari I am so sorry to hear your news. Keeping your entire family in prayer. I understand how exhausting this is and please, please keep yourself healthy and rested as much as possible. It is hard when you don't know how long this difficult time will last, so keep yourself strong (I know easier said than done). Your stitching is charming as usual:)

Pam in IL said...

The sleds are adorable. It's good that you can stitch, even if it is only a little at a time.

Thinking of you and keeping you and your family in my prayers. Do what you need to do, but don't forget to take care of yourself too. Sending gentle hugs.

Anonymous said...

Meari, sorry to hear about your Dad and now your Mom, will be praying for your family.

Lovely stitching on the sleds.

Marl

Sharon said...

Oh Meari, so sorry to hear about your parents health. Saying prayers for you all as you navigate the days ahead. Your sleds are lovely.

Anonymous said...

Meari,

Your stitching is wonderful ! I love your Sledding Friends ! I keep seeing these and I think I need to get these patterns and sleds!

I will keep your family in my prayers.


Tracy

Katie said...

Oh Meari I'm so sorry. My thoughts will be with you and your family in this hard time.

Carm said...

My prayers and thought are with you and your family during this difficult time. God be with you!

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry I've been so far behind on my reading, Meari. I didn't realize the severity of your Dad's situation. I'll keep you, your parents, and the rest of your family in my thoughts. I'm so glad to hear your employer has been so good to you in this difficult time. That's an unusual blessing these days.

On a lighter note, Sledding Friends is a cute set. I'm sure it was nice to have some quick finishes to distract you right now.

Sandy in NM

Marexstitch said...

Lovely stitching and I see why you couldn't pass by the cute sled chart. Congratulations on your win and nurse is looking good. Stitching can be very soothing when you are troubled.

I will keep your family in my prayers. It is unbelievably hard to watch your parents go through ravaging health issues. What I learned from dealing with my Mom's decline is to try to focus on bringing comfort and joy. It doesn't make it any easier but keeping a positive attitude helps. Check lists, a note book and a white board helped me keep everything organized and kept track of things.

Hugs, Mare

Anonymous said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Love you, Sandy P.

Debs said...

Meari my heart goes out to you so much. There is not much I can say that has not already been said by others. I have been down this road myself. My thoughts and prayers are with you all and if you ever need someone to talk to or vent at who's been there before, feel free to contact me.

bonnie said...

beautiful stitching,thinking of you and your family

Anonymous said...

Your Petal Pincushion looks great, Meari! I love the closeup photos you provided, and all the detailed information for the instructions.

I am so sorry to read about the health problems facing both of your parents. It is so good of you to be there to take care of them, and I'm glad that your employer is working so well with you during this difficult time. I hope you have a good support network outside the family to lean on, because it is obviously going to be a long road, and a difficult battle. I wish there were something I could do or say to lighten your load.

Betty W.

Lynette said...

I'm bit late reading this Meari. I commented on your little sled ornaments on Facebook - they are so cute!
I'm so sorry to hear about all that your parents are going through. I know from experience how difficult it can be to support them through such tough times. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lynette

Anonymous said...

Your finishes are adorable!!!

I am so sorry for the prognosis on your dad. I will pray for you & your family during this time. I went through something similar with my father years ago. He did everything for my mother. If you ever need someone to talk, cry or rant to just let me know.
Hugs,
Betty in AZ (ILCS)

Rachel S-H said...

Such cute finishes.

Sending prayers and good thoughts for you and your family.

Penny said...

My heart breaks for you, Meari. So very sorry about your parents. Sending lots of hugs and prayers for you and your family.

Your little sledding friends are adorable.

Anne said...

My heart goes out to you Meari. I'm sending you prayers and hugs to you my dear ((HUGS))

glenda said...

Your sleds are too cute! Love, love, love them :)

I'm thinking of you often. Life just sucks at times... No other way to say it! Stay strong, girl.