It's not been the best of times recently. I wasn't sure whether to mention this on my blog as I like this space to be my happy space, but it's part of my life too and we all have lives with ups and downs, sadness and happiness.
It started with my husband's brother dying just before Christmas, expected, but still desperately sad to see a relatively young man (he died the day after his 55th birthday) lose his life to cancer. Unfortunately my father is now very ill. He hasn't been well since Christmas, but put it down to tiredness as he has been caring for my mum recovering from her second hip replacement. Eventually my mum managed to persuade him to go the the drs (he must have been feeling pretty horrendous to agree to go) and he was diagnosed with diabetes with very high sugar levels. He remained quite ill though so my mum tried to get him another appointment. Everything was fully booked for a couple of weeks (as seems to be the norm nowadays), but she was lucky that she was able to have a quick word with one of the drs on the phone, who requested he come to the surgery straight away. Quick examination, an ambulance was called and the hospital advised the dr to have a defibrillator on standby, my poor parents were in shock as you can imagine, thank goodness they had the phone consultation. After having his heart restarted 4 times to slow it down, by poor dad was diagnosed with endocarditis and a leaky heart valve. After weeks in hospital on IV antibiotics trying to get it under control and catching 2 infections in there, he now has also been diagnosed with cancer. How dreadful it has all been, my poor mum is exhausted, but keeping a smile on her face for her husband and everything is now in limbo until the original infection (heart) has completely gone so operations can go ahead firstly to find out what's going on with the cancer and secondly to fix the leaky heart valve. They live so far away from us, but son and his girlfriend are going down for Easter with Imogen and we're paying for them to stay in a hotel so as not to give my mum any extra work with changing beds etc.
Now I'm going to talk about something happy, things to look forward to, our forth coming grandson, my parents first great grandchild.
It's the first blanket he has had made for him. I used a Jody Pyott design, so it was made in lots of pieces... and took lots of time
I finished all the pieces a few of weeks ago, but hadn't had a chance to put them together with one thing and another.
I crocheted them all together, which still left one job,my least favourite job, but a necessary one. So yesterday afternoon, I sucked it up and sat down sew all the ends in and boy was there a lot of them!
A pile with some of the ends of the ends I had woven in.... do you feel my pain...
It was worth it, all sewn in and ready to be snuggled around my beautiful grandson when he arrives. I really wanted to make this design as I thought the words were particularly lovely.
Take care
xxx
It started with my husband's brother dying just before Christmas, expected, but still desperately sad to see a relatively young man (he died the day after his 55th birthday) lose his life to cancer. Unfortunately my father is now very ill. He hasn't been well since Christmas, but put it down to tiredness as he has been caring for my mum recovering from her second hip replacement. Eventually my mum managed to persuade him to go the the drs (he must have been feeling pretty horrendous to agree to go) and he was diagnosed with diabetes with very high sugar levels. He remained quite ill though so my mum tried to get him another appointment. Everything was fully booked for a couple of weeks (as seems to be the norm nowadays), but she was lucky that she was able to have a quick word with one of the drs on the phone, who requested he come to the surgery straight away. Quick examination, an ambulance was called and the hospital advised the dr to have a defibrillator on standby, my poor parents were in shock as you can imagine, thank goodness they had the phone consultation. After having his heart restarted 4 times to slow it down, by poor dad was diagnosed with endocarditis and a leaky heart valve. After weeks in hospital on IV antibiotics trying to get it under control and catching 2 infections in there, he now has also been diagnosed with cancer. How dreadful it has all been, my poor mum is exhausted, but keeping a smile on her face for her husband and everything is now in limbo until the original infection (heart) has completely gone so operations can go ahead firstly to find out what's going on with the cancer and secondly to fix the leaky heart valve. They live so far away from us, but son and his girlfriend are going down for Easter with Imogen and we're paying for them to stay in a hotel so as not to give my mum any extra work with changing beds etc.
Now I'm going to talk about something happy, things to look forward to, our forth coming grandson, my parents first great grandchild.
It's the first blanket he has had made for him. I used a Jody Pyott design, so it was made in lots of pieces... and took lots of time
I finished all the pieces a few of weeks ago, but hadn't had a chance to put them together with one thing and another.
I crocheted them all together, which still left one job,my least favourite job, but a necessary one. So yesterday afternoon, I sucked it up and sat down sew all the ends in and boy was there a lot of them!
A pile with some of the ends of the ends I had woven in.... do you feel my pain...
It was worth it, all sewn in and ready to be snuggled around my beautiful grandson when he arrives. I really wanted to make this design as I thought the words were particularly lovely.
Take care
xxx
Oh Cheryl I felt so sad reading this, so sorry for you all going through all of this.
ReplyDeleteThe blanket is absolutely gorgeous.
Take care my lovely xxx
I am so sorry for your loss, Cheryl, and send a big big hug.
ReplyDeleteI must also add that the blanket is so unique and lovely, not seen anything like it before.
Amalia
xo
Dear Cheryl
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear your news. While life can have horrible times it can also offer wonderful ones too. I am sure that family and friends will provide support.
Best wishes
Ellie
I'm very sorry to hear this news about your dad. It is surely a worrying time. How lovely that your children are going to go and spend some time visiting, I bet that will cheer your parents no end.
ReplyDeleteThe blanket you have made is stunning and clearly made with lots of love.
Lisa x
Hi Cheryl, I am so very sorry to read of all your worry with your Dad & also the loss of your brother in law. 55 in indeed young & it is a terrible disease this Cancer. Like you, I too try to keep my blog a happy place but the reality of life is that these things confront us on a daily basis. Your blanket is absolutely stunning ... so much beautiful work in it. Pardon my ignorance please, but is it crocheted or knitted ... I am finding it hard to tell. The detail in it is just stunning - it will be treasured I am sure. Hope you have a lovely Easter Cheryl. xxx
ReplyDeleteIt's crochet, made with double crochet stitches and bobble stitches xx
DeleteHello Cheryl ... I am so sorry to read about your loss and then the worry with your Dad, thinking of you and sending my good wishes to you and the family.
ReplyDeleteYour blanket is lovely and the words on it couldn't be better.
Take care and I hope you can find some peaceful moments over the Easter weekend.
All the best Jan
So sorry to hear about your parents. I will put them on my prayer list. I start my out walking with praying.
ReplyDeleteThe baby blanket is beautiful. What a treasure you have created.
I'm so sorry learn about your dad's illness. I hope your father can recover and get the medical care he needs. Your blanket is absolutely beautiful. Such a unique and pretty design. Sending you happy thoughts, Pat
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to read of your sadness Cheryl. It must be such a worrying time for you, but please know that by sharing you have the love and support of people in Blogland.
ReplyDeleteThe blanket is beautiful. I've not seen anything like It before. It will be treasured. X
Oh Cheryl....I am so sorry for your loss and health problems of your parents. What a worrying time for you.
ReplyDeleteI will keep you in my thoughts.
What an absolutely amazing blanket and such beautiful words. A family heirloom I think.
Stay strong.
Hugs-x-
Sending my sincere condolences on the loss of your brother in law, 55 is so young, cancer is such a terrible thing. You must be out of your mind with worry over your dad at the moment, it's often the case that just as we think we've got one thing sorted out, another comes along to knock us back again. I've had a similar experience with my own dad. Fingers crossed that they get his infection sorted out soon so that they're able to progress with his treatment. I'm glad you've got something positive to focus on as illness in the family can be very draining, it's all the worry. The blanket is so pretty and the sentiment is lovely. Keep your chin up and keep thinking about that lovely grandson you'll soon be cuddling. xx
ReplyDeleteFirstly let me start with the happy - the blanket is absolutely beautiful. Definitely something that will be treasured for years to come.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear about the death of your loved one and the cancer diagnosis of your father. My Mum had cancer a couple of years ago and I know how difficult it is when your loved one is far away from you. I offered to come over but Mum didn't want me there. I think she was waiting in case things got worse. Luckily treatment worked and she has been cancer free for a couple of years. I was so thankful that she got wonderful treatment. I think once they discover the cancer, treatment is very prompt and the nurses/doctors are all so wonderful. I'll keep your family in my thoughts and you too as I know how tough it can be.
So sorry to hear about your Dad's illness. It is so difficult and worrying when you live far away from each other. I so know that! I do hope your father is back on the road to recovery very soon.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely love the blanket...perfect gift!
Take care now :-)
Amanda xx
I think that blanket expresses your hearts perfectly. How exciting to be expecting your first grandbaby. You must be experiencing so many emotions right now. Cancer is an awful disease. My sweet dad passed away in September from stomach cancer and I experienced first hand what cancer does to people. I hope and pray your father will take to treatments well. Wishing the best for him and yourself.
ReplyDeletexx Beca
Cheryl, I am so sorry for everything your family is going through. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteYour baby blanket is beautiful, you are so talented.
Take care.
Robin
Cheryl, I am sorry for the loss of your husband's brother and for the health issues your parents are going through. Please keep us updated on your father.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely adore the baby crocheted blanket. It is gorgeous.
xoxo
What a mix of sadness and joy you must be feeling. My heart and hopes are with you all right now. I hope your fathers treatment goes well, so that you also have the time to look forward with joy to the arrival of your grandchild. I think that blanket will be treasured for a very long time. Xx
ReplyDeleteThat blanket is so beautiful. I love the saying. I'm glad you have something to look forward to after so much sadness. I'll say a prayer for your dad. It's so hard seeing our parents get older, isn't it? One day at a time is all we can do. This year has been a terrible one as far as deaths are concerned. We shouldn't take anything for granted. God bless. xo
ReplyDelete~ Wendy
http://Crickleberrycottage.blogspot.com/
So very sorry to hear that things are so hard for your Dad and your family right now. I hope that all will be as well as it can be for you all. Thinking of you, sending good thoughts, prayers and hopes for good times ahead. Hugs xx
ReplyDeleteBlessings.
ReplyDeleteSending love your way.
ReplyDeleteHi Cheryl...I am so sorry to hear of the things your family have been going through. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Your blanket is lovely and I'm sure will be treasured. Debbie x
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to read about your dad, good job the doctor took that phone call! It seems to be the thing will all doctors appointments wherever you live now, we have 3 surgery's and it's still so hard to get an appointment that you don't have to wait a week for! I hope he is on the mend.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the baby blanket! Such an apt sentiment too :-)
I'm sorry to read you are experiencing such sadness.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful blanket you have created for the new arrival to come.
So sorry to hear all the bad things that have been going on. The thought of a new grandchild will give you a much need lift. Your blanket is absolutely gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear of your husband's brother's death, my condolences to you and your family. I hope your father is doing well and taking to the treatments. I love the baby blanket, the words are so lovely. I think your grandson will feel the love when he is wrapped up in the blanket!
ReplyDelete