So... where to begin... it's been an extra stressful week: my mentor and friend at school had a mini-stroke over the past weekend. He's having a tough time getting his medications regulated so that he feels like himself again. No lasting effects of the stroke, though, which is a real blessing. I think he's in a bit of denial how serious it is, but... I was the same when I had my pulmonary emboli. Things at school are boring and not nearly as fun without him.
Adding to that, my dad is having some heart problems. I've decided to take some time off from school to go with him next week when he has a heart cath in Portland. He's taking me up on my offer and I think it's giving him a little extra comfort to know I'll be there for the driving (it's about 6 hours one way)and extra ears to hear the results, etc.
I'm so glad I'm going to be able to do this. The timing stinks because I've got guest speakers lined up for next week--to teach my students how to take double-entry notes and another from the local Battered Womens Project. I've got to reschedule all of that now and I need to create completely different lesson plans than I'd already made for next week. I guess that's the good thing about making plans so far in advance, I can reshuffle things. I just hope the guests are able to reschedule.
My sisters and I are all having a hard time knowing that Dad is having heart trouble. That he's a mere mortal. He's always been so much more to each of us. I feel somewhat comforted by a conversation I had with a cardiac rehab nurse who explained some of what Dad's going to go through in the next week or so--it sounds like he'll be up and around the next day. He's got a huge wedding to play for on Saturday (he's a professional musician)but he's made contingency plans.
Plus, a friend who's a neighbor moved this week and I didn't get to say a very good goodbye to her. I mean, I know we'll keep in touch, but I didn't get a hug.
Without therapy, it's taken me longer to sort through all my reactions and thoughts. But I've been working really hard to sort through everything and to remain calm--not jump to the direst outcomes. I think I'm handling things well. I'm resorting to my usual withdrawal, though.
All on top of the unusually stressful start to school.
4 comments:
((((((Kwizgiver))))))
I know exactly how you feel about your Dad. My Mommy had the same procedure a couple of years ago. Knowing that her Dad had a quintuple bypass and died of heart failure did NOT make me feel better. The procedure is very easy on the patient though. He'll be the most sore near his groin where the camera will enter the artery.
Sending you, your Dad, your sisters, & your co-worker lots and lots of happy thoughts, prayers, & good vibes.
Love you bunches!!!
Oh, boy...please know that you and ALL of yours are in my prayers.
Hang in there, take your time working through everything, and trust that it will all work out.
Major hugs.
I think I can appreciate a bit of what you're going through. You have blogged in the past about losing your mom, and my dad died in 1992. So when my mom was ill last spring, it was ESPECIALLY jarring. But just as my mom came home and is on the mend, I'm sure your dad will come through just fine. It will be good for both of you for you to be there with him.
I know how much you love your hugs, so I'm sorry you and your neighbor didn't have a proper farewell. Work relationships make the days go by more smoothly and I know how you must miss your mentor.
I bet you are handling this better than you know. You will probably look back on this stressful time and be very proud of how together you were!
Keep your readers posted.
I know this is very hard for you and your family. You are fortunate, though, that you're able to be with your father to give him the sort of support he's given you.
Please keep us informed on how this goes. We care about you.
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