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Good morning! I hope that you had a wonderful weekend. Here is was rainy, windy, cold and grey. Frankly, it seems like life has been like that lately, a little grey. Pull up a chair, let me get you a cup of tea and a piece of Ina Garten’s triple chocolate loaf and I will tell you about life lately.
As I mentioned last week, my mom broke her right shoulder and her left wrist and is out of commission as they say for the next 10 weeks. My father-in-law was admitted to the hospital on Christmas eve with pneumonia and has now been moved to hospice. My mother in law is facing her golden years without her husband and at the age of 92 is making plans to move from the place she has called home for the last 35 years. Needless to say she has a lot on her plate. It has become more and more apparent with each incident that life changes in an instant, one minute you are laughing and planning a holiday and the next you are preparing for the worst.
I am a worrier, even though I know it does no good, I lay awake at night trying to figure out how to “fix” things. Everything just seems so much more helpless and depressing when it is ugly and grey and in the middle of a long winter. Aside from that life is plodding along, lets face it we all go through periods in life that suck and make it hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Sorry to be “Debbie Downer” but this is my life lately, it seems so trivial to post about a recipe, a book, a find or little things like that when things like this are so much important.
Have a great day and thanks for listening.
Anonymous says
No magic wand will 'solve' your worries. I have to keep soldiering on and when I think I am about to throw in the towel I read of someone else's problems that are so much worse and things get back in line. Look after your own health and I do hope that you get through this tough time. Lesley
Elizabeth@ Pine Cones and Acorns says
Lesley, I read somewhere once that if everyone threw their troubles in a pile they would take their own back when compared with the others. Thank you fr your comment and kind thoughts. I am looking after myself as best that I can.
Estelle's says
Well Elizabeth…I have been through this….aging parents can be a real challange..especially when you do not live close. It's a part of life we all deal with and it can be an emotional roller coaster. I am so sorry. Take care of yourself, be there for them, love them and God will see you through. It will all be ok…hugs
Elizabeth@ Pine Cones and Acorns says
Thank you. It is so hard when you live away from all that is going on, one almost feels as if they are not allowed an opinion. And at the same time are grateful for all of the family that is there to help.
Brenda Pruitt says
No problem. We all do this, try to fix things, I think. I lie awake at night trying to do the same thing. I hope things get better soon!
Brenda
Elizabeth@ Pine Cones and Acorns says
Thank you Brenda. I think women try to "fix" things and are natural worriers.
Leslie Harris says
Elizabeth. I hear you. I understand the feelings you’re alluding to… that have to do with the shaky ground beneath your feet. It’s the feeling of change. And it’s the stirrings of loss that you’re aware of now-and in the days ahead, and believe me, I know how that colors one’s world in shades of gray and sadness. I can also relate to the secret hope I wake up with lately, about the weather…yearning for bright sun instead of clouds and coldness. It’s has if the scales of my daily grief and sorrow can be tilted in the direction of hope and happiness with a little sunshine. At least that’s how it feels to me. Personally, I think there’s something primal about longing for light when we’re in the midst of dark times, it’s a sign we’re in need of a little relief.
Also. Elizabeth. You’ve been such a source of strength and encouragement to me, writing words to me that have had the power to lift me up. This is the healing part that happens when we risk sharing. Please never hesitate to share whatever difficulties you might be going through. And although the idea of being a Debbie Downer is one I grapple with on my own blog right now, but there’s something truthful I’m learning each day. We can only be where we are. This is how we live authentic lives, and that means honestly owning the good and the bad of life. Because it’s part of living a meaningful life. It means owning our pain and sometimes sharing it earnestly with others. I can speak for myself when I say how astonished I’ve been by the goodness and generosity of my readers. There are real people out here with incredible life-giving energy to offer. I’ve been blessed by it and I want you to connect with that too.
Sending love
Leslie
Elizabeth@ Pine Cones and Acorns says
Leslie, it is always a conundrum on wether or not to post personal things. The world is filled with sad, negative things and I sometimes feel as if they do not need to hear about my trials and tribulations as well. A the same time I feel inauthentic writing about things that seem trivial compared to what is really happening in life. Leslie, you are a shining example of putting one foot in front of the other and living your best life under the most unimaginable circumstances and pain. I honestly do not know how you do it. Sending you love, hugs and prayers my friend.
Splenderosa says
Oh Elizabeth, I would worry too. I think this is a "woman thing." This is why a woman won't make a good President, because we always worry that we made the right decision and have to "call Aunt Harriet" just to make sure. It sounds as though your mother will recover just fine, albeit with lots of downtime. Worry for your beloved husband about his parents. They have lived way beyond the years many of us are given, and I know both of you understand this. It doesn't matter. It is still very very hard. Your mother-in-law needs all of you to lift her up, smiles, and your wonderful home cooking. So, you see, yes we do need a recipe. Even now !! I love you, my dear friend. xx's
Elizabeth@ Pine Cones and Acorns says
Marsha, thank you for your comments and thoughts. All women worry, it is our nature and frankly I think it is a way of alleviating some of the pain and uncertainty. My in laws are blessed to have lived at home alone until 92 without illness and pain. I just do not want them to suffer and linger on.
Vicki says
I am sorry to hear of your troubles. Please know you are not alone in all of this. I will be facing this in the not too distant future and I worry now for what hasn't happened yet. We women are strong in the worst of times and I hope you will gain strength of all of us out here supporting you, reading your thoughts every day and gaining strength from you, too. I hope that makes sense. Prayers said.
Elizabeth@ Pine Cones and Acorns says
Vicki, thank you. I wish you strength as you face this journey, it is a challenge. Thank you for your support, and thoughts.
Mary says
Will keep you and your loved ones in my thoughts and prayers – aging is not easy and accidents certainly test our stamina. I especially hope things go well for your mom – right now I am feeling guilty complaining about just a painful right shoulder/arm!
Take care of you too – Mary
michele says
I feel honored to be invited into your personal life in a post like this, friend. Thank you for your vulnerable sharing of how your heart is aching and how this winter season mirrors it. It's not Debbie Downerish at all to say 'here is what I'm moving through and struggling to be at peace with.' I am thinking of your loved ones and their cares – it's hard not to worry. I pray that grace will cover all these cares and lift your gaze even if circumstances worsen. Prayer is such a wondrous thing and it always heals since it is embedded in relationship, not entirely unlike these blogs of ours with their ongoing conversations. Love and peace to you, Elizabeth–may the beauty in the white spaces between my imperfect words infuse your spirit with just what you need to feel reassured. xox
William Kendall says
It is a difficult thing to see a parent's health failing. My mother passed away of cancer some years ago. All you can do is go through it one day at a time.