Happy New Year, my friends! I sincerely wish each of you had a joyous and safe passage of the New Year. I also send you the very sincerest of wishes for a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous 2013.
You are probably wondering about my absence and why I have not been posting as usual. I am very sad to say that my sweet Daddy had a stroke the day after Christmas, and just a few days after his 80th Birthday and my parent’s 60th Anniversary. It was the second or possibly third stroke he had had. He is home now, but unfortunately needs 24/7 care. My Mama is unable to completely care for him unaided because of her own health. My sister and I have taken on this role, and it seems that our lives have taken a new direction, at least until we can figure out a few things.
To say I am sad is an understatement. If you have been reading my blog for any time, you know how extremely dear my Mama and Daddy are to me.
For the next few weeks, I will be relying on some wonderful Blogger friends to help me out, as they will be Guest Posting here at The Everyday Home.
I hope within a few weeks, with daily therapy- my Daddy will be in a slightly better place where he does not require 24/7 assistance. If he is not better, I have no choice but to make the call here in the near future, to put this blog on the back-burner until he is better. As many of you know, its called life and making priorities.
I look forward to introducing you to some new Bloggers you may not know – or showcasing some Bloggers you may already follow. I know you will adore what they have to offer.
Please join me tomorrow for my first Guest Post Blogger – Suzy at Worthing Court.
I would appreciate any and all prayers for my Daddy for a speedy recovery, and keep his caretakers in thought, as well, that we may stay healthy and strong in a time when it is most needed.
xxoo
suburban prep says
I know where you are.
View CommentFor the last year and a half I have been there.
In the fall of 2011 my father then 83 had a stroke. He went through a number of weeks of rehab. Just as he finished at the end of Jan last year in Feb of 2012 my mother had an emergency aortic aneurysm dissection. She went through rehab and completed that at the end of July. Two weeks later my father and I thought she was having a heart attack and she had the same 14 hour surgery five days later. A month after she was released she had a bleeding issue and had to be placed in the hospital for 10 days. Interspersed through this my father has had three cancer surgeries and been treated for cellulitis.
I have 6 younger siblings but 4 either live out of state or out of the country. I have a brother who has been living with them to help take care of them but I also have a sister who lives 6 blocks down the street and he helps with her four children too. I go to my hometown quite often (as I live 15 miles –but 35-40 minutes away).
I wish you all the best as you meet this challenge. Prayers for a healthy 2013 for you and your family.
Barbara F. says
Oh Barb, I feel so bad reading this. Mu mother suffered a stroke and caring for her became all consuming. I had aides, some good some not so good, very expensive all cash too, and I had to take her to a nursing facility. I am an only child and no one to share the work with. I will say prayers for you and your family to find strength and to make the best decisions for all concerned. xo
View CommentNanaDiana says
Oh Barb- My heart aches for you. You do what you have to do and the blog world will be here waiting for you when you get back. Blessing to you and I will be praying for your Dad and for your Mom’s peace of mind- Blessings- xo Diana
View Commentℳartina @ Northern Nesting says
Barb I am so sorry to hear about your dad, I will keep you and your family in my prayers!
View Comment♥ Sonny ♥ says
Prayers for your Dad and for all of you Barb.
View CommentOur thoughts and good wishes are with you.
Betsy@ coastal-colors says
Barb, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers! I’m so sorry that your Dad is ill! Just know you and your family are being lifted up in prayer all around the world! My dad is 93 and I certainly understand the need to be with them through any illness. I have just gone through a similar event. I know you are exhausted. Your blogging family will be waiting when you get back- for now, take care of your dad and yourself.
View CommentJen says
Barb, sending up prayers for your parents, especially your father. And more prayers for you and your sister as caretakers. It hits close to home as we have had similar issues in the last year; I feel your heartache. Thinking of you this evening and in the coming days.
View CommentJen
Betty Mayfield says
Barb, my thoughts and prayers are with you. My husband has had a stroke in the last year and now they are saying he is starting the stages of dementia. Bless you and your family and may God give you strength while you help your Dad to recover.
View CommentJennifer @ Town and Country Living says
Barb, so sorry to hear about your dad. My mom had a few strokes and has Alzheimer’s too. It’s hard to watch parents age. 🙁
View CommentYvonne @ StoneGable says
Barb, So so sorry to hear about your Dad’s illness. What a good daughter you are… of course you need to take care of him. I just prayed for him and you and your sister and of course, your Mother and asked God to bring healing and comfort. I’ll continue to pray.
View CommentValerie says
Barb,
My mom just passed away on Dec. 15th she was only 36 and me 34. Her memorial is this weekend.The only thing I regret was not spending more time with her 24/7 while she was so ill. If I could do it all over again, I would drop everything and go. I was caring for 6 kids 6 and under and it was impossible to be there all the time. The things you regret the most are the things you don’t do. Family is most important.
Praying for you and your family. Many blessings to you all and for a quick recovery for your dad.
P.S. did you ask for the medicine within the first hour of him having the stroke to reverse it?
Blessings,
Valerie
View CommentCottage Making Mommy
http://www.lovingmyheartandhome.blogspot.com
Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR says
Barb, I am so sorry to hear about your father. You and your family will be in my prayers!
View Commentsuzyq says
Dear Barb, you will be in my thoughts here in Australia. It is so sad when our parents get to the stage where they are unable to care for themselves. Wishing you all the best and just remember the wonderful party you all shared just before Christmas.
View CommentSuzyq
Laura from Top This Top That says
Hey Barb, hang in there my friend. Continue to cherish every moment that you can. Your father( and mother) are so fortunate to have you and your sisters care during this time. I will continue to keep your fathers recovery and your strength in my prayers. Please let me know if you need a fill in, I would be happy to help.
View CommentKathy @ Creative Home Expressions says
I’m so sorry to hear this, Barb! I, of course, will say a prayer for him and your whole family.
View CommentBabs says
Barb, I’m so sorry to hear about your Dad’s stroke, and I’ll certainly remember him in his recovery, and your family as you care for him. God bless you all.
View CommentHugs,
Babs
Cynthia says
Barb, I am so sorry to hear this news, I am and was very close to my mother who passed away at the young age of 56 and I am still very close to my daddy. I will keep you in my thoughts and many prayers.
Cynthia
View CommentWhite Weathered Hutch, says
Prayers go out to you and your family!!
View CommentPatty says
Barb, I pray that your dad recovers, and your mom finds peace, and you and your sister will get through this together. I took care of my mom after my dad died. Since my brother had distanced himself years before, I was on my own. It is very very difficult. You are stressed beyond belief and challenged physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. But in the end, I hope that you, as I, feel blessed that you were there to help. Our parents raised good kids, and it is our job to give back when they need us the most. It is difficult that roles are reversed and you feel like the parent to the child. Keep praying, make some time for yourself, and ask for help whenever you can, accept it when offered. I should have done this much more often. God be with you all.
View CommentJanice says
Bless your heart for honoring your Mom and Dad. I hope to encourage you because it affects every area of your life. Looking back you will understand why God makes it a priority. He will never leave you. I will say a prayer for your parents.
View CommentShirley@Housepitality Designs says
Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family….with all the of wonderful attention and care he is getting from you, your family and the doctors, I am sure he shall make a good recovery…Let me know what I can do to help!!….Hang in there!!!
View CommentSharon says
Barb,
View CommentI follow your blog regularly. I will be praying for your father, mother, you and your family.
I know the difficult place that you are in. God Bless all of you.
Kathysue says
Barb, I know where your heart is and it is always with your family. I will continue to pray for YOU and your family. Life teaches us lessons, sometimes easily and sometimes hard, I would say this falls in the very hard category, Hang in there, I am thinking of you and praying for you. xo Kathysue
View CommentJill Flory of Sew a Fine Seam says
So sorry – it’s so hard to see your parents unable to care for themselves completely. you are doing the right thing! I will pray for you and your Dad and your Mom!
View Commentruthie says
You know in your heart what you must do. You will have no regrets. I’ve already passed that part of my life. My parents have been gone several years. But oh how I miss them! Wish I could redo their final days. I would not leave for even a minute. I enjoy your blog. We will be here when you come back. Remember this to shall pass. Praying for strength for you and your family.
View CommentPeggy says
Praying for you, your dad and mom.
View CommentCindy Miller@http://LivingontheBliss.com says
Your parents are blessed to have you in their life! I pray for their health & your strength!
View CommentBeth says
Barb, please know you and your family are in our prayers. You are and will continue to be a blessing to them of which I”m sure they are thankful. We hope the best is yet to be in 2013 for everyone. Please let me know if I can help in any way. Beth@WelcomeLaneDesigns.com
View CommentKim @ La Belle Époque says
I am so sorry to hear about your dad, my friend. He will be in my prayers.
View Commentthistlewoodfarm says
Oh Barb…..I am so sorry to hear this! I know how important your parents are to you…..and being a caretaker can so overwhelming! Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers!
blessings,
View Commentkarianne
Amy Katie says
Praying for you and your family Barb at this difficult time.
View Commentxoxo,
Kim