Life can be a Pain

Thanks @Peregrinefalcon

Hello @Emelia8 🥰

No kidney transplant yet @Owlunar , just on the list for a fistula to go on the dialysis in the future

I now have Osteoporosis and osteoarthritis to go with everything

Last year I lost 2 aunties and 1 uncle ( sorry)

My mum is in permanent residential age care part of our local hospital now as her house is not suitable anymore and she needs more assistance

Mr shaz has regular ups and downs

Oh @Owlunar It is so great to have you back 💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖

Hi @Zoe7

I have missed so much - it wasn't until recently that I logged in to the site I had left without leaving any message and read what people had written here when I suddenly disappeared - which I had to do.

I am not really good or easy about sharing the hard parts of my life - I can say some things but not all - and last year there was plenty of it.

So I don't know how you are or how you have been faring - I was thinking of you when I was in the Tower at Wrest Point - all my cousins went home the day after the funeral which was the day I arrived - we had dinner in the revolving restaurant - and although we all went back to our rooms before they threw us out I went on enjoying that party alone all night. And my cousins all went home the next day and the weather was really bad - heavy rain and storms at the beginning of May which I am sure you experienced too.

Still, this wasn't a holiday but rather family business and staying at Wrest Point meant there was plenty of places to visit and I walked around outside when the rain stopped and soaked my shoes - I need news ones anyhow. I didn't have a bad time - it was just the time of my life which every event I experience is. I had a long conversation with my uncle's minister while I was there. I usually find there is something really special in every life package I receive, and this was true this time.

I'm glad to be back and look forward to catching up with other people and how they are faring

Owlunar

Unfortunately I also suffered several losses last year @Owlunar so I can fully understand that need for space and to let the grief takes it's own time. I am so glad you made it to the funeral ...in that respect we swapped cities - I also travelled to Melbourne for a funeral and I am so glad I made it. My sister paid for me to go as I could not afford it so I am eternally grateful to her for that. I did not stay - went over and back on the same day then a week later my cousin died (suicide) and that was the final straw. I had 2 weeks off work - which my Ass. Principal fully supported (Principal was away at the time but supported me also when she was back). I was only going to have a week but it was not enough (my Ass. Princ. did not expect me back in a week so she was not surprised I needed longer). Also been having long term tooth and pain issues but hopefully that is all starting to resolve.

Whatever the time and for how long you are away Hon, you are always thought of 💖 I absolutely love your new name btw and feel very privileged that you kept your picture 💖

Hi @Zoe7

It's so good to catch up - I missed so many people

I am so sorry you have had multiple bereavements. And you lost a cousin to suicide. That is so close and hurts so much - I lost one of my cousins to suicide also - and for his funeral I flew to Hobart and back on the same day.That is a huge effort but something we do for people we love. And we would do it again. I am so glad you had the support of your principals. You really needed that time out and I know you are dedicated to your work. And it will still take time. I am sending my healing thoughts.

I really knew I would always keep my owl in the moon avatar. When I spoke to the moderators about returning - and letting them know I needed help - they suggested I change my identity - I kept my profile and esp that picture because it is precious, and I am sure you remember asking me to give a name to the owl I photographed when I saw it outside on the power lines into my unit. I also wanted to continue with my story on this thread.

And I am glad you appreciate this - and the name. Actually - I think it really suits me

Again - I am sending my heartfelt thoughts - what a bad year we both had

Owlunar

Yes such a bad year for us both @Owlunar 😥 It has been incredibly hard but we are both survivors hey 💖

I do love your name and I do remember the time you photographed the owl on the power lines. We have shared some amazing times over the years - and some not so good ones as well - but your support over time has meant so much to me ...loooove having you back and appreciate every moment you can be here with us 💖💖💖

Hi @outlander

It's great to see you again too. I have read a little about you during the time I have had time out - I know life hasn't been kind to you - I still have to catch up with a lot of things

All the best

Owlunar

Hi again @Zoe7

Yes - we are both survivors - that doesn't make life easier - but we can and do become more resilient. COVID has tested - I would estimate - at least 95% of the world's population - there might be some people in remote places - survivalists or preppers - who found life went on as it always does

Actually - the lockdowns didn't affect me greatly for the best part. I read a great deal and will look back at this time as a great novel-fest. I re-read most of my own library and started buying books from the Book Depository - some of which I know I will never read again and took to the Op-Shop. Others I have re-read already.

But I got tired of some issues - here in Melbourne it was very tight and people were pretty unfriendly when I went anywhere - I didn't go to many places of course but even in the street people weren't chatty. People chat in the street now - I guess one thing the last few years have given us is - well I - appreciate my neighbours more than I did - and all of us great each other often now.

It was when I couldn't go to my aunt's funeral that I - lost my grip - I suppose - and I needed to take time to - okay - read East of Eden three times and The Grapes of

Wrath twice - whatever gets us through no doubt. The troubles of the early C20th seemed so remote - and I was so glad I wasn't there.

Anyway - I took me back there briefly was trying to find my own picture in my collection here and what a lot of pictures I have there - I couldn't find it - I have other photos in my phone

Thanks for the support and your support has been great for me too. Getting older and the lockdown has taught me a lot about myself in particular. Wisdom can increase with age and I will be 80 in a few months - something I find hard to believe. I am really happy to hear that I help - thanks for that especially

I really missed this forum - and only reading as a guest makes it hard to read all or anything - logging is - wow - I have read some great stuff since I did - this forum is a welcoming place

Owlunar