Thursday, January 03, 2008

The Hurrier I Go...

I was so determined to keep up with everything better this year - posting, reading blogs and commenting, but life always gets in the way.

My father had a stroke on New Year's Day, and although he is doing as well as can be expected, it is going to be a long ordeal, especially combined with AD. The stroke was on the right side of the brain, so his speech is not affected (with the exception of the aphasia from AD which has been a problem), and he can swallow and therefore, eat when fed. He cannot move his left arm or leg, and right now his vision is impaired, but that may improve.

When I can, I escape to the internet and check in on your blogs -- another benefit of the internet: distraction. Of course, I get some reading done, too. I'm loving Consequences by Penelope Lively.

I have the old stacks, the various books in progress, some new ARC's, and a pile of library books, so reading material will not be a problem for quite a while. Tomorrow, maybe I can give you a taste of some of the delicious books I have awaiting me, but tonight I'm off to bed!
at

27 comments:

  1. AnonymousJanuary 04, 2008 6:17 AM

    Jenclair, I'm so sorry about your father. You take care of yourself. I'm thinking about you and keeping you and your family in my prayers

    ReplyDelete
  2. Rebecca H.January 04, 2008 8:23 AM

    I'm sorry about your father! I hope he is doing well, and I'm glad that you have a chance to rest and read some. Take care.

    ReplyDelete
  3. LisaJanuary 04, 2008 8:24 AM

    I'm really sorry to hear about your father. Hopefully, he will have a speedy recovery from this. Looking forward to hearing about what you're reading.

    ReplyDelete
  4. 1morechapterJanuary 04, 2008 9:24 AM

    I'm so sorry to hear that! I hope he has a quick recovery.

    ReplyDelete
  5. DanielleJanuary 04, 2008 10:56 AM

    So sorry to hear about your father. I hope he recovers quickly! It's good you have some good books to fall back on when you need them. Take care!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Carl V. AndersonJanuary 04, 2008 12:44 PM

    I'm so sorry, what a rough way to begin the year for all of you. You are your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

    ReplyDelete
  7. IlianaJanuary 04, 2008 2:43 PM

    I'm so sorry to hear this Jenclair. Sending many wishes for a speedy recovery for your dad and some hugs for you too. Take good care of yourself and hope you'll be able to find some comfort in books.

    ReplyDelete
  8. StefanieJanuary 04, 2008 4:17 PM

    Jenclair I am so sorry. Heartfelt wishes for a full recovery. Don't forget to take care of yourself too.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Ladytink_534January 04, 2008 4:53 PM

    I'm so sorry! I hope he gets better soon. Take care!

    ReplyDelete
  10. jenclairJanuary 04, 2008 5:55 PM

    Kay - Thanks. I appreciate your good thoughts and prayers!

    Dorothy -- He is much the same, but having books to read helps a great deal during the waiting.

    Lisa -- Thanks, Lisa. Recover will be slow, but he is a tough old fella. I'll post about my latest stacks soon.

    3M -- Thanks, I appreciate your taking the time to give encouragement!

    ReplyDelete
  11. jenclairJanuary 04, 2008 6:05 PM

    Danielle -- Yes, I do have some good ones. And I can always check your blog for new ideas about what to read! Thanks for the good wishes.

    Carl -- Most things right now are balancing out. The new baby can keep a smile on anyone's face. I appreciate your prayers.

    Iliana -- Good wishes and hugs received and thank you!

    Stefanie -- Thanks, Stefanie. I am taking care of myself since this will be another long haul.

    Ladytink -- I appreciate your taking the time to give support. Great group, book bloggers.

    ReplyDelete
  12. EvaJanuary 04, 2008 6:41 PM

    I'm sorry. I hope his recovery goes well.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Literary FelineJanuary 04, 2008 7:32 PM

    How frightening, Jenclair! I do hope your father will be okay. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

    ReplyDelete
  14. darkorpheusJanuary 04, 2008 9:35 PM

    OMG. I'm sorry about your dad. On a new year too. I pray for his recovery. Please take care, you and your family.

    ReplyDelete
  15. RobinJanuary 04, 2008 9:52 PM

    I'm so sorry to hear about your father, Jenclair, and I hope he does well and recovers quickly. This is such a difficult stage, as parents age.

    ReplyDelete
  16. SharonJanuary 04, 2008 10:05 PM

    So sorry to hear this, jenclair. Please know I'm wishing your father a complete recovery and I'm keeping you and your family in my thoughts. Thank goodness for books at times like this!

    ReplyDelete
  17. jenclairJanuary 04, 2008 10:49 PM

    Thanks, Eva. He has been both a constant support and a surprise all our lives, so we hope for the best.

    L.F. -- Your thoughts and prayers are appreciated. Thanks!

    Orpheus -- He is hanging in there. We are hoping for the best, although we don't really know what the best will be. Thanks, I appreciate your concern.

    Robin -- It is difficult, isn't it, watching those who cared for you lose their independence. The Alzheimer's has been the hardest, though, losing him bit by bit. Yet, he has such a strong will and can still laugh at times. Thanks.

    Ex Libris -- Yes, books can be a life saver at times like these, providing an antidote to the stress and the waiting. I thank you for your wishes and for keeping us in your thoughts.

    ReplyDelete
  18. BybeeJanuary 05, 2008 12:32 AM

    JenClair,
    I'm sorry about your dad. I hope he recovers from this latest setback. Meanwhile, take care of yourself!

    ReplyDelete
  19. SFPJanuary 05, 2008 5:57 AM

    Oh, JenClair, my heart goes out to you. My dad had strokes and my mother had Alzheimer's. A combination of the two in one parent. . .

    Make the time to take care of yourself as well. You're in my thoughts.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Jill ONeillJanuary 05, 2008 9:55 AM

    JenClair: I'm so sorry to hear this. I know it will be a taxing time for both you and your dad. Trying not to hurry time is the only real approach to challenges such as this. One day, little steps, eventual progress. My thoughts are with you.

    Don't worry about the blog world; we'll be here waiting for you when you have time.

    ReplyDelete
  21. jenclairJanuary 05, 2008 3:06 PM

    Bybee - Thanks for your kind comments. We are still hoping for the best.

    SFP -- It is a tough combination, but things are moving along. I appreciate your taking the time to comment!

    Jill -- Exactly so. Taking it one day and one small step at a time is the best approach. Thanks, Jill.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Sam January 05, 2008 8:56 PM

    Jenclair, my prayers are with you and your father as you both suffer these difficult times. Don't forget to take good care of yourself while all of this is happening. Best of luck to you both.

    ReplyDelete
  23. AnnicaJanuary 06, 2008 8:07 AM

    I'm so sorry to hear about your father! I hope he recovers quickly. My thoughts are with you and you family.

    ReplyDelete
  24. NanJanuary 06, 2008 10:02 AM

    I am so very sorry to hear about your father. Thank God he is alive, and hopefully will make a full recovery. My thoughts are with you.

    ReplyDelete
  25. jenclairJanuary 06, 2008 1:27 PM

    Thanks, Sam!

    Annica - I'm reminded again of the quote that has become something of a mantra for the last few months: "All shall be well, And all shall be well; and all manner of thing shall be well" Dame Julian of Norwich 14th c.

    Thanks, Nan, for your good thoughts.

    ReplyDelete
  26. maggie moranJanuary 06, 2008 7:53 PM

    Oh, my.

    Pay no attention to my dribble; Daddy comes first.

    ReplyDelete
  27. MelwykJanuary 07, 2008 6:50 PM

    Sorry to hear this, Jenclair. Take care of yourself, and best thoughts to you and your family.

    ReplyDelete