It has been a fast couple of weeks. Over the past month, I have taken 2 trips to Canada to see my Mom and then a return trip after her husband ended up in the hospital. Lots of driving and adapting to different surroundings and requirements.
I will always love seeing the lakes.
On the positive side, I had some wonderful visits with Mom. Her Alzheimer's is an issue, but I have learned to talk about older times like her youth, my grandparents, and of course, my childhood growing up. Hearing the details again are wonderful. As an older person, a new perspective has aided some understanding of how things were in my household and how their marriage was. We usually all are wistful about our childhood and how things impacted us. Having my mother's recall as well as my sister gives a spin to what I knew.
What I have become has so been molded by her. I learned all kinds of sewing, embroidery, knitting, under her tutelage. I played her flute ( and piccolo) through college and even later still owning it. And I, too, became a teacher much as her mother and grandmother did. We are different, yet we are similar.
On the other hand, my step father is still in the hospital after 4 weeks barely eating, and not being able to stand or walk. He needed a pacemaker and in Ontario, socialized medicine does not work as we are used to. Further, he suffered a small stroke some time that first week and it went undetected missing that window where medication is key. We hope, we encourage, and we pray. I will probably return after the new year.
In between, my daughter, husband, and I celebrated Thanksgiving with a turkey breast. Of course, my daughter would not let us do without the characteristic side dishes. She made a glorious apple pie. Yum.
I have been stitching in between. I have finished my 100 blocks for angie @ gnomeangel and karen @ just get it done quilts. I purchased the sashing fabric, but it will have to wait for the new year.
Additionally, I have made 32 blocks for my Ocean Waves quilt for my quilt show in March.
I really love the colors and feel of how this is going. Halfway done with the blocks.
So I hope all of you are busy and getting ready for the Holiday Season.
I love Christmas and for me, the Christian celebration is important.
Secondly, the family gatherings and festivities are key as I look forward to being together.
First I will celebrate with my daughter and then take a trip south to my son and his family.
May you all have fun and happy times and hopefully not too much bad weather with the big storm that is impending.
medical issues and all the running back and forth are tiring and your daughter in law has medical problems too if I remember right - I hope she is doing alright. I didn't have to deal with Alzheimer's with my parents but one of my aunts did and although she communicated it was always hard to tell if she even know who I was when I visited. Have a good holiday!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the visit, much appreciated. Sounds like you've been busy with family and stitching, not to mention the travel. Your Mother is so cute holding up the crocheted cutie. You're so right about how we get a different perspective on things as we age. I'm glad despite the Alzheimers that you were able to spend quality time with your Mother. I'm surprised to hear you say the Canadian medical care seems less than you're used to. With what I've learned from some Canadian friends it always seems far superior to what hubby and I have, as well as friends here in the states. The lake picture is breathtaking, and your quilts are gorgeous!! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Best of luck for your stepfather.
ReplyDeleteSandy's Space