It was been a very, very trying summer for us, not totally without joy, but we have really taken quite a few gut-wrenching hits.
Two of the hardest ones -- our four-year old grandson tripped and fell onto a fire pit. Although our son quickly grabbed him and got him to cool water almost immediately, Tyler suffered second and third degree burns on his face, neck, and hands. He was air-lifted to Bloomberg's Johns Hopkins Children's Hospital where he remained for several weeks under the care of angels in the form of nurses. He continues to improve, and believe it or not, his scars are minimal. He's quite a trooper.
Then, the first week of June, my mother had a stroke which has left her, a woman who still took care of her own finances -- and did so expertly, who walked three times a day and still argued politics and discussed current events -- needing assisted living. She can walk with assistance, but does not have the use of her arm. Cognitively she is good. Now we are faced with some very big changes that we will make regardless of our readiness, regardless of our liking.
Since June we have lost more than several close friends. It's just been one of those times.
These times of intense difficulty and grief occur in all our lives. And in spite of them, we must continue to find the joys; they are always there even though we must sometimes search for them -- the laughter of children, the kindness of strangers, conversations with friends, "the bright blessed day, the dark sacred night..."
About Me
- KathyA
- I am a retired English teacher and department head, the mother of three grand mother of four, and have been married to the same man for 52 years. I subscribe to Dr. PM Forni's concept of Civility. I was born in South Philadelphia and grew up in the 'burbs. I love soft pretzels and cheesesteaks, the Phillies, the Eagles, and San Diego. I love being Mom, Aunt Kathy, Nona Kathy, and Teacher. I spend a lot of time in my gardens in the spring and summer, and in the winter I plan what I'm going to plant. I also am an avid reader and photographer.
5 comments:
that was a very difficult summer indeed! I certainly hope you have come out the other end into a time of more pleasantness.
I am so glad to hear that your young grandson is recovering well.
It must have seemed like a roller coaster. I am so sorry for the loss of your friends, but rejoicing wildly at the recovery your grandson has made. Your summer sounds like a microcosm of life, with the highest highs and the lowest lows, in such a short period of time. I pray the fall is a time when things settle down and you can relax a little in your beautiful oasis.
You really have had two very difficult events in your family. It is amazing that the accident your grandson had was not life altering in a major way. I still marvel at how he was rescued and cared for and how well he has healed. I am so happy to hear that your mother is doing well cognitively. I am so sorry that this stroke has meant that her life has been altered so much.
I love the way you were able to weave the title of that great song into this post. The real tragedy in life would be if we missed those joys in life that are there despite the difficulties we also encounter. I am also thinking of that beautiful garden of yours. I'm glad you have the place of beauty and comfort that you enjoy creating so much. Hugs.
Not the best of summers by any means, but it's wonderful to know that your grandson is on the road to recovery. Sorry about your mother. These changes are never easy, not for her and not for those who love her. Life can sometimes turn upside down in a moment, but your "trees of green and red roses too" must be a great comfort to you.
Thank goodness your grandson is OK now and especially that the scars are minimal. That is a relief. I'm sorry about your mom. That's so hard. I guess this is our time in life that loss and difficulties occur more often. Please take care of yourself as well.
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