Good Morning!

@Bunniekins, my Mum is 80. And is really still recovering from having advanced breast cancer and a full mastectomy in September last year. After which she developed firstly the flu, quickly followed by pneumonia. So she's really had a bad run with her health this past year. Oh well, perhaps this latest will not be as bad as the specialist seems to think. I think it is her goal to outlast my Dad, as she is his carer, and He's a very difficult man to deal with. If it werent for him, I suspect she'd just curl up and die.

Its just so hard for me now because I cant be in two places at once. Of course my priority has to be with my husband. My parents and the rest of my immediate family are a 7 hour drive away. Thankfully my brother is very good at doing the right thing for our parents, much better than my sister who lives near them as well. My sister just has no idea at all about old people - what they can and cant do, what they will and wont eat, she is totally impractical about the simple things in life, which she just takes for granted. And yet for older people, often the simple things become impossible. For example I spoke to my sister yesterday and she told me she had stocked their fridge with lots of fresh fruit and veges. She put them all in the bottom crisper of the fridge. It didnt occur to her that my Mum cant get to the bottom of the fridge. She just cant get down to it. Thats the sort of thing I mean when I say simple practicalities. My sister does her best, but she is oblivious to their needs and abilities. And she refuses to be told.

Its all very frustrating. She has said to me on the phone a couple of times, that she so wishes I lived closer. But she is sensitive to my needs to be here with my husband, and doesnt let things like that slip too often.

Sigh, I only wish there were two of me so I could split my time between the two. My brother who has a load of MH issues of his own including PTSD and suicidal thoughts, could use a break I think. I speak to him most days, and I can tell he's 'on the edge'. Wish I could do more. At least he is seeing his psych regularly, and hopefully this will help keep his head above water.

Sorry to unload. Just feeling sorry for myself, and you kindly offered a sympathetic ear.

@Former-Member, thanks so much for the invite to the other thread earlier. Love to join you, but just cant right now. Maybe another time. The tea party sounds devine.

Sherry

@Former-Member Anytime you want to unload you go ahead. I will always be around for you to talk to xx No apologies every needed. I think you are doing a stirling job and didnt you say that your nephew is in trouble too ... or do I have that wrong?

Yes @Bunniekins, thats correct. My brother's eldest boy (my 18yo nephew) is in trouble too. In fact he had an initial court hearing this morning to answer charges of break, enter, steel, possession of unregistered firearm, and other assorted charges. His case has been adjourned until next month. At least he is now receiving some psychological and drug rehab help the past week or two. And his case manager has advised him to seek admission into a mental health and drug rehab facility for a 3 month stint. He is yet to be formally assessed by a psychiatrist, but a clinical psychologist has put him at high risk and if a psychiatrist confirms that diagnosis then he will be forced into a MH facility whether he likes it or not. Drugs at an early age, the loss of his little sister in a car accident, and existing depression have played havoc with his late teen development. The rehab facility he has been referred to specialise in the 3 things he specifically needs - namely Drug Rehab, Mental Health, Self Harm. I dont know when he will be able to get in, nor how it will be affected by his court case next month. All yet to be determined. Its really tough for my brother though, having all this to deal with, on top of his own mental and physical limitations.

Life can be so damned hard, can't it?

Sherry

@Former-Member If it doesnt rain it pours doesnt it? Best wishes to you and your family Sherry and yes as previously said anytime you want to talk please I am here.

I will ask how you are going regardless as I am concerened for you. xx

Hello @Former-Member - thank you for the tag. So sorry to read that your husband has slid down hill. I am glad he has something to ease the side effects somewhat. Good to read that your mother has more energy now which would help her feel better.

You are under such a heavy load - you are "an amazing woman". Not only do you selflessly tend to all the needs of your loved ones but also help others here. I commend you. Anyone would be lucky to have you, your love and/or friendship in real life.

Please don't try to be everything for everyone least you come undone. You are only human @Former-Member and your needs equally important. Please be kind and nurture you too taking good care of your own health. We can't split ourselves in half (but I myself have often wanted to do so, get where you are coming from), it's okay to say no sometimes as at times we have to so as not to over do it and risk your own health, both mental and physical. Balance now is the key. You are important too.

I am glad you have reached out here and we are all here for you. Just call our name and we will be there. Please know how much you are cared for here and the support will always be there ❤️

Thank you @Bunniekins for being such a kind and positive influence on here for all. That's special to me.

Hello @Awpgirl@Former-Member@MovinOn1 - hope your day is going well.

Good morning All. Hope today is the start of a wonderful weekend

Good morning @soul and @Ant7 ☺

Lovely to see your morning pics again Soul! Hope you had a good day with Mrs Ant yesterday Ant7.

Hi also to @Former-Member @Maggie @Bunniekins @Former-Member @Former-Member @Sans911 @utopia and all.

And this one for @Former-Member because it was my Noodle cat again today 😂

Hope the day goes well for everyone

@CheerBear Good morning CheerBear! 🙂 Hope you have a great day! xx