Last Sunday, my elderly mother, who’s fighting cancer, fell in her apartment and broke three ribs. Cue nightmare scenario: 911 call…12 hours in the emergency room…confusion over hospital admission…fighting the massive hospital bureaucracy that wanted to discharge her ASAP despite the fact that she couldn’t even get out of bed unassisted…it was the week from hell.
Stubbornly independent, my mom still lives alone, with a ton of assistance from me and my husband, my brother, and family friends. But as much help as she’s needed over the past two years, now she’s going to need even more. So the Writer Beware blog has to take a back seat. You may see a guest post or two (I have a great one scheduled for the first week in August), and Michael Capobianco may stop by with a post. But I’m going to be scarce around here for a while, and you won’t see me much on Twitter or Facebook, either.
I will still be answering email, so please don’t hesitate to write to me: beware [at] sfwa.org.
Thanks, and see you (hopefully) soon.
Best wishes, Victoria – and to your mum. It's our job to look after our parents, as they looked after us when we were small.
To Victoria's mum – go get 'em tiger!
Victoria, so sorry. Of course family comes first and your own health as well, so you take care of you, mentally and physically dealing with an elderly parent (especially one that craves independence) can take a lot out of you!
Will miss you!
Here's hoping your mom can regain her good health.
All the best – and loads of patience, wisdom, strength, and healing (plus naps)- to you and your mother.
Hope all is well soon.
Victoria, thanks for keeping readers informed. I'm sending warm thoughts and good wishes to you, your mom and your family.
Hope your mother heals soon. Take care.
Thank you all so much for the good wishes for me and my mom, both here and in email. I truly appreciate it, and I hope you'll forgive me if I don't respond personally.
THANK YOU!!
Family first, always. I hope your mum makes a full and swift recovery.
My thoughts are with you and your mom.
I am in the same sort of situation and I am sorry this is happening. Hope things get better soon.
All the best to you! I've got in-laws in my house and just moved my parents in 10 doors down the street from out of state – so I'm fast headed in the same direction. We'll still be here when you have a moment to come up for air.
I am so sorry for the trauma your mother and your family have been through. It's not easy, but from my own personal experience I know having family nearby makes an incredible difference in well being. Take care.
Family comes first – hope you all get all the help you need.
So sorry to hear this. Wishing you and your mom the best.
Take care, and thanks, Victoria.
Hugs to you, your mom, and all your family!
Wishing everyone better health and improved compassion from your professional caregivers.
Best wishes to your mother! (Remind the hospital that adding unnecessarily to their 30 day readmission rates does no one any good)
Sending best wishes and prayers Lyssa Mx
So sorry to hear this! Hope your mother makes a full recovery soon!
I hope your mother feels better. Take care.