My mom fell last Friday and life has been crazy ever since.
She’s going to be fine (Thank God). Two days in the hospital, a C-Scan, one MRI, and numerous blood tests later, she’s back at home and eager to be living independently again. I won’t tell you her age; let’s just say she’s definitely a card carrying member of the Greatest (and toughest)Generation. She’s still sore, cranky as hell, and stiff (damn arthritis!), and so she’s still healing, meaning 24 hour surveillance for awhile. Not that she’s happy about it, but she’s agreeing to it for her kids peace of mind, and we appreciate her motherly sacrifice.
Needless to say, my days aren’t my own at the moment, and this blog will have to sit here quietly while I focus on my mom. I figured I should let all of you know since I’ve already had a couple of emails from people telling me they miss this blog and wondered if everything was fine. Well, things are getting fine. But there’s not much time for writing anything except grocery lists, caregiver schedules, and to-do lists. So please bear with me until life quiets down enough for me to find my way back to the keyboard again.
This week made me realize, by the way, that sometimes you can take for granted that which you love the most. I’m not talking about my mom, although there are times when maybe I might take her a wee bit for granted. She’s one strong lady and I’ve gotten used to that vitality and tenacity of hers, always assuming she’ll bounce back from whatever troubles come her way. She’s proving me right in this latest challenge that’s been thrown in her direction, and it doesn’t surprise me at all. But the one thing I never realized before was how much I’ve taken for granted my writing.
Every day I wake up and writing is always there for me. When I get an idea I reach for a pen or click on my computer and the words flow – sometimes effortlessly and sometimes after a little prodding. But this week there’s been no time to write and no way of predicting when I’d find the time to even think about writing.
That was a first for me.
I’ve always found the time. As a professional screenwriter with a paycheck waiting for my words to fill the paper, it was my job to make the time to write. Even when my two babies came along while I was in the middle of of screenwriting assignments, I’d write the scenes in my head while breast feeding. And after putting the little darlings back into the crib, I’d scribble down those scenes in the middle of the night and write them up the next morning.
Somehow I always found time to write.
But this last week was way beyond hectic, and juggling my own needs (my husband, my kids, my house, my dog) with what my mom needed was more hours and energy than this writer could barely manage. Through all of these busy days and nights I realized just how full my life feels when I’m writing. And how empty and lonely it can be when I’m not.
It might be a little quiet around here for awhile. So please, leave a comment just to let me know you’re still out there. It’ll give me a chance to write you back, and it’ll probably be the only writing I’ll be able to do for awhile.
Still here and sending my respect! I also looked after my mom at this stage of life. Believe me-and I think you do- it leaves the baby stage looking like a vacation. You are gathering so much to write.
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You are SO right, Kathleen. Right now my mind is mush, but yes, maybe later I’ll write about it. If I remember! Thanks for your support.
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Sorry to read that you mother took a fall but I’m glad she’s okay! You are definitely missed, I was just thinking yesterday about you and wondering if you had found a mother of the bride dress yet?
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Actually, I DID find a dress. If you look at my last post you’ll see a lovely “Emerald Mist” (in color) dress and I was lucky to find one in Wedgewood Blue. Blue is one of my daughter’s colors and she has given the dress her “official” bridal okay.
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I loved that dress!! both the emerald mist and the blue!! glad you found a blue one to fit you!
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Yep, I feel so lucky that I was able to find that dress in my size. After shopping with my friend, Marie, a few Saturdays ago I decided to check in on the online Nordtrom’s site to see if they had that dress in blue. Up until that Saturday they only had it in a 2 and a 4, both in petites. In my early years I never wore such low numbers, and there’s no way in 2013, after two kids I’d ever wear either one of those sizes. But when I checked that Saturday there was my size (okay, did you realllllly think I’d tell you my size?) but in a petite. That made me nervous but I ordered the dress anyway. And thank the fates it fits! As a matter of fact the petite is perfect because it’s shorter and the hem is exactly where I want it to be, especially once I wear a low heel.
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awesome that you got the dress in blue – I just went back and looked at it again – I love it — it will look lovely on you with your silver hair!! Now, one less thing to worry about!! (of course, now you have to find the “right” shoes, purse, jewelry etc!! but those should be easier). Hope your mum continues to feel better and you get some rest! You’re lucky to still have her around!
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Yes, I am. I think about that a lot.
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that’s awesome, i’m going to go check that out!
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Go take a look and tell me what you think.
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Spectacular!!
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Oh, I just read this! I was commenting on your last comment and didn’t notice you went to check out the dress. Yes, it’s a beaut, and I’m so happy I found it.
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lol it is!!! are there going to be pics?
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Depends on how I look in them. 😉
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ha! you will be beautiful!! you are beautiful. xo
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Now I’m speechless. (Blushing) Thanks.
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you’re very welcome 🙂
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Hope your mum is okay, Darlene!! I was wondering what happened to you!
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I was on the fence about writing this post, but I owe it to everyone who has been so kind in supporting this blog. I didn’t want you all to think I disappeared into the internet. Thanks for kind sentiments.
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Love to you and Mum. Deep breathing!
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And a cold glass of Chardonnay helps too! Thanks, June.
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Glad your mom is doing well. We forget that they are vulnerable because they have always been so strong. Good reality check.
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So true! I guess this is what happens when you have a mother who’s so strong. Her fortitude is amazing, so it’s easy to forget that she’s just as vulnerable as the rest of us.
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Sorry to hear about your mum, Darlene. She’s lucky to have you around 🙂 Don’t worry, we’ll still be here when you come back on line 🙂
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I appreciate that. Thanks for your kind words.
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Sorry to hear about your mom. Take care!
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Thanks, Catherine. I appreciate you taking the time to comment.
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I am still here.
Hoping things improve for you ad yours.
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Thanks! I appreciate you stopping by and your heartfelt sentiments.
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Hope you’re adjusting to life in Sweden.
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It’s good to read that you have your priorities in perspective: Family first. I understand that writing is a critical outlet for you and this blog is a byproduct from which we benefit. Best wishes to your mom and enjoy being MOB.
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I’ve still got a few months before I’m a MOB. Right now I’m a DOM – daughter of the mom.
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I too was wondering were you had been Darlene. I imagined you dress shopping and wedding planning. Did you find a dress yet?
Sorry to hear about your Mom. I’m glad she is back at home and doing better. I’ll let my Mom know if you haven’t yet.
Love
Nancy
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Mom hasn’t wanted to talk with anyone so thanks for letting your mom know. She’s doing much better, just still super sore.
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I went back to check out the dress…it is beautiful and you will look stunning in it in blue.
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Thanks, Nancy!
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Yikes! Sorry to hear about your mom and so glad to hear about your dress! The dress is beautiful! Check in with us when you can…it’s symbiotic.
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Thanks for your well wishes, and I’m glad you like the dress. Now, for shoes, a bag, jewelry, new eyeglass frames (my own personal splurge) and anything else I need for the wedding. But that will all have to wait until mom is doing better. I will keep you posted!
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This is the first post I’ve read on your blog but my heart goes out to you. I hope your mom is back to herself soon!
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Thanks so much.
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Glad to hear your mom’s on the mend. She’s fortunate to have a loving daughter like you!
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I try. But we do bump heads sometimes – mothers and daughters, you know? And yes, each day she’s getting stronger, thanks!
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Glad to hear all is well with you and your mother! I’ve often thought about writing as being a “true love.” No matter what gets in the way, it will always be there waiting for you when you’re ready. Thinking of you!
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Thanks, Heather, for your kind thoughts.
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Still being here and waiting for you Darlene!! I hope your Mom will be up and running in no time. Of course, at a certain age it will take a little longer… but believe me, you’ll be missed and we’re waiting until your back at your desk writing your blog!!
Good Luck!!!
Thinking of you and your Mom!
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Thank you so much, Raani. I really appreciate your words of support, and yes, as years pass it does take a little bit longer to get back on our feet again. That can be frustrating, but mom is strong and a fighter, so my money is on her to bounce back.
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Darlene,
My prayers are to your whole family. I so enjoy your blog and you way of writing and thinking. Come back when all is well in your world. Just know I miss you. Blogging is new to me over this past year, but reading yours is one of my favorites. Besides I am hooked because you have a wedding to tell us about and all that leads up to it! With much respect, Alesia
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You are so kind! I’m new to blogging too, and just stumbling along. But I really appreciate it when someone like you takes the time to connect with me. Thank you for your prayers – they mean a lot to me and my family. And yes, we have a wedding coming up! Yikes! Time is really flying, but we’re getting ready for it one.thing.at.a.time. Venue. Florist. Photographer. Now, I’m getting nervous 😉
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I would like to say This to shall pass, but there is so much to enjoy about it all!
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Oh, yes, planning for the wedding is wonderful. Just a little bit stressful though – There’s so much to do! But at least I now have my dress, so I’m feeling much less anxious.
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So sorry about your mom’s accident. I had a similar experience with my mother. Opening up your heart about your writing has really touched me. I don’t have a paycheck waiting for words to fill a paper, I don’t even know what that feels like! However, when I’m not doing something related to writing I go a little stir crazy. I can imagine how difficult this time is for you. We are here for you when you get those emotional and physical energies up and going again.
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I really appreciate your kind words. Thank you!
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There is one thing you can take to the bank. The days spent with your parents in their latter years are never wasted and always treasured. I hope she makes her come-back soon. Please stay away from anything less important. Hugs
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Thanks for your support – it’s much appreciated.
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Sorry your mum had that accident. She must be glad you are there for her and I bet you are glad
you can help her now. I wasn’t able to do anything for my mum. I shall always wish I could have. May your mum get well and up and about soon. May God bless you both and all your family.
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Thank you so much, Yasseen. It’s always good to read your words.
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