No travel or writing post today, but it seemed time to post. Our dog is improving, but still acting weird, and I don't think he'll ever quite come back to where he was before his episode. His head still waggles when he looks up at you. He lurches from side to side when he walks. And he can laboriously climb the four stairs to our back door, with one of us hovering near by, but we have to help him down the stairs or he loses balance. I think this will be the pattern for the short rest if his life, but he still has his sweet personality.
But there are other concerns in my life and my husband's as well. My godfather has been quite ill with pneumonia. He's out of hospital and into a "restorative care" facility, but it's a bit touch and go as to how "restored" he'll be. He's on an oxygen tank now, and when he goes home, it will go with him, and his wife will need some assistance with the times he needs to get out of bed. He's 97 and has had a blessed life. He and my godmother are incredible people who have impacted so many lives. They live about 90 miles away from us, so the past few days my husband and I took turns going to the Bay Area to visit.
Though it's sad to see him so helpless (and it really bothers him -- even at his age, he wants to be up and about), it's also an inspiration to see him and his wife. They have a wonderful, loving, even romantic relationship after 65 years of marriage. They laugh and tease each other and hold hands. (The whole family is like that. Their son and daughter and their spouses are as near and dear to us as they are, and even while visiting the facility, a lot of laughter fills the air and keeps all the attendants chuckling as well.) And, behind all the laughter, they have always been deeply philosophical folks, so the conversations get profound at times as well. You can see their spirits in the pictures above taken just a few years ago.
It's nice to write about this, because I walk around thinking about them all the time. Writing about anything else (travel, writing posts, book reviews, etc.) just doesn't seem, well, meaningful right now. It seems a time to be away from all that; a time for introspection and appreciation of the part they've all played in my life.
All this by way of saying that I won't be posting for awhile, though I'll definitely be back. And I will take time to read your posts when I can. Meanwhile, I wish you all happy writing until I "see" you again.
Ciao for now.
I want to wish you and your husband all the best and strength possible, as I can't even imagine how tough things are for you.
ReplyDeleteI am also sorry about your dog. I am an animal lover and I can relate to how sad one can feel when your pet is no longer as he or she used to be.
The relationship of your godparents sound beautiful and I think you are so right about appreciating them.
Best wishes.
Thanks for your wishes, Murees. They mean a lot.
ReplyDeleteAll the best to your family members, Elizabeth. Your description of your godparents sounds remarkably similar to my own parents. Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Victoria. I stopped by your blog and saw your parents are having their 60th! That's great.
ReplyDeletewishing you both the best for these trying times.Prayers heading your way.
ReplyDeleteYes, Elizabeth. I know what you mean. I wish you much strength and inner peace during this time of introspection. Love and hugs.
ReplyDeleteWishing you all grace and peace.
ReplyDeleteWe'll be here waiting when you return.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this, Mitty. I find it very inspiring. At our age, we all have to face things like this. How wonderful to hear of how your Godparents are facing this chapter with such grace and strength.
ReplyDeleteCatherine, Julia, and Joanna, thanks so much for the good wishes and prayers.
ReplyDeleteRichard, thanks for the assurance.
Rosi, thanks, and yes, they are such examples of grace and strength. Absolutely. The whole family is.
Take care of the sick folks, and take care of yourself.
ReplyDeleteR
I went through this recently. Sometimes, real life steps up and wakes up, demanding that we do something other than writing. Your godfather and his wife seem like wonderful people.
ReplyDeleteShannon, Managing Editor at Writing From the Peak
Rick and Shannon, thanks for the good thoughts.
ReplyDeleteShannon, yes, they are really wonderful people.
Take all the time you need with your family~ we'll be here when you get back :)
ReplyDeleteWell, glad to hear that your dog is improving, stay strong:)
ReplyDeleteSo sorry about your godfather. The idea of losing my independence is absolutely terrible. I hope he does get better.
ReplyDeleteComplications happen. Take care of your life and those closest to it. They are, after all, what's most important. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone, I really appreciate the good thoughts.
ReplyDeleteSorry to read your news. I wish you well, and hope things improve for you.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Glynis; I appreciate it.
ReplyDeleteWow, 97 years old. So lovely to hear of a romantic relationship after 65 years of marriage! I hope their health improves and gives them many more happy days together.
ReplyDeleteI'm arriving late to this post--and know already that his health is improving--thankful for that. What a beautiful story they are! Becoming rarer and rarer in our world. :-)
ReplyDeleteGlad to see that you're back to writing, Elizabeth. :-)
Thanks, Carol and Teresa. It looks like he might go home soon. He's sort of up and down. But you are so right: their relationship is rare for this day and age. They are always an inspiration to me.
ReplyDeleteThose wonderful photos capture two very dear human beings. May all go well with them, and you.
ReplyDeletexo, Skeeter
Those wonderful photos capture two very dear human beings. May all go well with them, and you.
ReplyDeletexo, Skeeter