It's been a rough first week in Illinois. Art caught a cold almost as soon as he got off the airplane at O'Hare. We both got hit with jet-lag. Tif and KC arriving from Singapore the day before also were suffering the effects of jet-lag and travel exhaustion.
It was still wonderful for us to all be together at last.
I am having the worst time getting my brain acclimated to the five hour time difference. Art had trouble staying asleep because of his congestion. Benedryl seems to help. I might even take it tonight just as a sleep aid.
A couple of my very dear friends took me out for a long lunch on Thursday to catch up and just smile at each other after a year and a half apart. I'd love to have sat with them all day. When I returned home, Tif laughed and said that KC asked, "Why is it taking so long for grandma to eat lunch?"
It was such a happy day... and then things took a downward turn.
I received a message from my cousin saying that Auntie Grace had collapsed and he was sitting outside the ICU waiting for the prognosis. I called mom to relay the upsetting news. She was waiting for news about her other sister who was having some surgery done at another hospital. Now both of her sisters were in the hospital undergoing serious operations.
We've just spent two weeks with Auntie Grace in Alaska a month ago. She is the most energetic, vibrant person I know. I was up all night remembering the way she embraces life. My heart went out to my cousins, because I know how worried I would feel if it were my mother.
I did get heartening news this morning. My cousin e-mailed that Auntie was already reading in bed and giving him a million directions on feeding the dog and how to care for her plants. This is excellent news.
Maybe I'll be able to sleep tonight.
It was still wonderful for us to all be together at last.
I am having the worst time getting my brain acclimated to the five hour time difference. Art had trouble staying asleep because of his congestion. Benedryl seems to help. I might even take it tonight just as a sleep aid.
A couple of my very dear friends took me out for a long lunch on Thursday to catch up and just smile at each other after a year and a half apart. I'd love to have sat with them all day. When I returned home, Tif laughed and said that KC asked, "Why is it taking so long for grandma to eat lunch?"
It was such a happy day... and then things took a downward turn.
I received a message from my cousin saying that Auntie Grace had collapsed and he was sitting outside the ICU waiting for the prognosis. I called mom to relay the upsetting news. She was waiting for news about her other sister who was having some surgery done at another hospital. Now both of her sisters were in the hospital undergoing serious operations.
We've just spent two weeks with Auntie Grace in Alaska a month ago. She is the most energetic, vibrant person I know. I was up all night remembering the way she embraces life. My heart went out to my cousins, because I know how worried I would feel if it were my mother.
I did get heartening news this morning. My cousin e-mailed that Auntie was already reading in bed and giving him a million directions on feeding the dog and how to care for her plants. This is excellent news.
Maybe I'll be able to sleep tonight.
Glad to hear that Auntie Grace is picking up. It's so worrying when elderly relatives fall ill.
ReplyDeleteWishing you all the best and soon.
ReplyDeleteI loved reading about your grand daughters first day or school,, she's such a cutie,, I hope everyone is healthy and happy by the time you read this and that you enjoy your time away,
ReplyDeleteCatching a cold is the worst thing when you're traveling. And it does seem to happen more often than not to me, too. I do hope Auntie is going to be okay. I loved getting to "meet" her on your last trip.
ReplyDeleteso glad your Auntie Grace is doing better, it is shocking because I saw her having such a good time in Alaska.
ReplyDeleteI have a bad cold myself so I can sympathize with Art. Oh, the coughing.
I hope both Art and your two aunts recover nicely. David and I both have a cold, too. Sleep well.
ReplyDeleteI hope the news about your Auntie keeps improving. I know it is hard to hear that kind of news when you are so far away, but it sounds like she is getting the best of care.
ReplyDeleteTake care and hope Auntie Grace continues to get well. Hope it was not anything serious that caused her to collapse. I worry about my father's fragility too, always asking if he needs to go to the doctor whenever I see a change in his appearance or habit. It is tough getting old. One day we'll be there too.
ReplyDeleteL.
Holding good thoughts for you, Kay, and for your family and particularly, Auntie Grace! You and your family have been traveling so much lately -- I get worn out just reading about your adventures! They're still wonderful! Much love to you all!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
We all feel like we know your family Kay...I am sending healing thought your family's way...feel better yourself..I too have down with something ..
ReplyDeleteLife can certainly be a bumpy ride! Hope everyone feels better and sleeps well!
ReplyDeleteI´m so sorry about your aunts. I do hope they are doing better today. NOthing can prepare us for such emergencies.
ReplyDeleteIt's so hard to be far from family when you are worried about them. I hope all is well.
ReplyDelete'to catch up and just smile at each other after a year and a half apart.'
ReplyDeleteThis sums up you wisdom, Kay.
Roll with the punches, and COME HOME SOON!
Warm Aloha from Waikiki;
Comfort Spiral
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Oh, I'm so glad to hear Auntie Grace is bossing people around. That's such a good sign. Dreadfully worrying when someone is sick and you're so far away. I hope your other aunt is better, too.
ReplyDeleteI can sure sympathize with jet lag, and understand about old friends. I've been here 10 years and still miss British Columbia.
Hi to Art. I hope he's also feeling better.
Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie’s Guide to Adventurous Travel
try not to worry, it does no one any good...
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear Auntie Grace is better.
ReplyDeleteMy best wishes to your whole family and hope everybody starts to feel better soon. Mom must be pretty worried with so many of you having difficulties right now. My best to her. (((HUGGSS Too)))
Feel better soon, please. My prayers are with you (all).
Gosh, Kay -- you've had a busy week! Hope the aunties continue their recovery.
ReplyDeleteI was told to change your watch as you enter each time zone, to match the time of the zone you are in. Then when you arrive at your destination, it's not such a big mental shock. (So gee, how am I still awake since leaving Hawaii at 8 p.m. Friday.....) Maybe it doesn't work so well in reverse. DrumMajor