the best laid plans
I had an idea of exactly how the next two weeks would go. And then Life interrupted me.
On Sunday, I couldn’t reach my mom by phone. Doesn’t sound too critical, does it? But on Saturday, she’d had a bad cough and my imagination got away with me. After trying her for three hours, I was imagining her passed out (or worse) upstairs in her house, all alone but her dogs and cats. I finally managed to reach the neighbor, who told me she’d rushed mom to the ER the day before and that mom had been admitted. They’re calling it an acute COPD episode while waiting for test results (and to see which, if any, meds actually have an effect).
On Monday I decided maybe I should paint the living room instead of stitching. Later, I realized I have not one but two stitching deadlines this week. (I had thought one was this Friday and the other was next Friday.) The living room (and hallway) look great, but white and off-white walls do not make for interesting photos.
Last I checked, today’s Tuesday and I spent the day running from one appointment to the next – each one ran later and later, and by the time 5:30 p.m. rolled around, I was all-in. But I have those two stitching deadlines, so wish me luck!
PS: To the many people who’ve contacted me for the Five Birds freebie by Kathy Barrick-Dieter, I’m awaiting permission to distribute the chart. I contacted Kathy a few days ago, but haven’t heard back from her yet.
Shoot, Barbara, I thought there might be something going on. You were so quiet! I do hope they have your mother on the rails very soon. Have you managed to talk to her? And why didn’t anyone inform you sooner? I’m really sorry for you. This is not what you need at all. Especially with two stitching deadlines coming up!
Annemarie
07.07.09 at 9:33 pm
Her friend who normally notifies me of these things decided to take off for a few days. Sh*t happens. I have talked to her, though talking is really hard for her because her lungs are literally filled with fluid.
Barbara
07.07.09 at 9:37 pm
That is so scary. It must be so hard for you emotionally to be so far from your Mom at this time. Sending good thoughts your way.
Annie
07.07.09 at 9:48 pm
So sorry to hear your mom is in the hospital! I sure hope that she recovers fast…I know this makes you wish your trip was now instead of later.
Hope you make your stitching deadlines. Good luck!
Valerie
07.07.09 at 9:58 pm
Ah Barbara, I’m so sorry to hear about your mom! I thought you were a little quiet too. I hope she recovers quickly – keep us updated!
KarenV
07.07.09 at 10:06 pm
Hope your mom is soon feeling better, thank goodness your neighbour was around to help your her.
Hope the stitching helps you calm down and recover from the troubles your currently experiencing.
angela
07.07.09 at 10:09 pm
Barbara, I am so sorry to hear of your mom not feeling well. It must be so hard not to be closer, but you will be visiting her soon. I hope she gets better real fast. It’s so nice to have freshly painted wals, I am sure they look nice, until the kids are sliding up against them. I always have dirty marks by the door, where they put their hands to use the wall to slip off their shoes, lol.
Ranae
07.07.09 at 10:38 pm
Oh, how worrisome for you! Fingers crossed that she feels better soon and that they find a good drug combination that will allow her to breathe easily.
Glenna Gregory
07.07.09 at 11:08 pm
Big hugs, Barbara, and lots of prayers for your mom. Best of luck with the deadlines!!
Siobhan
07.08.09 at 12:08 am
Oh my girl, it never rains but it pours. I am so sorry to hear about your mom. That must have been very scary not being able to reach her. Glad you know what is up now. I hope she recovers quickly. I am sure the knowledge that you will soon be there will help.
Good luck with those stitching deadlines. I can smell the smoke from your needles all the way here lol
Kathy A
07.08.09 at 1:24 am
Barbara, Firstly I do hope your Mom gets better real fast and you can talk to her again because that will make you feel heaps better I know.
The Second thing is I hope you reach you stitching deadlines but if you don’t nobody will be angry because sh*t happens. Lots of Love Patti xxx
Patti
07.08.09 at 1:37 am
As soon as I saw the title of this post in my blog updates I started to worry. At first I thought your trip to Maine had fallen through again. But this sounds even more concerning. I hope your mom is doing better soon.
Jennifer
07.08.09 at 1:59 am
Fingers crossed for your mother…..
Mary Eman
07.08.09 at 2:14 am
Goodness a lot going on! I hope your Mom is okay-please keep us posted!
Sharon
07.08.09 at 2:47 am
I hope all goes well with your mom. ***hugs***
Why is it when I sign up to do an exchange I think it’s no problem…then panic like crazy when the deadlines approach. Sheesh! I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you!
Daffycat
07.08.09 at 3:10 am
Sorry to hear about your Mom. I hope all will soon be well with her. {{{Hugs}}} to you.
Mary
07.08.09 at 3:22 am
You must have been so worried about your mom! I’m the same way — my imagination runs wild if I can’t reach someone. Smart of you to call the neighbor! Good luck with those deadlines! Try to enjoy your paint job when you have the time.
Margaret
07.08.09 at 3:55 am
Oh Barbara, I’m sorry to hear about your mom. I can sense you feeling frazzled. I hope she gets better soon. As to the deadlines, people will understand if you’re a bit late – don’t add more stress than you need to! (it’s only stitching!) Take care!
Melissa
07.08.09 at 4:22 am
I’m sorry to hear about your mom, but fingers crossed for a speedy recovery. I’m sure knowing that you’ll all be over soon will be helping her!
And good luck with the deadlines
)
Nic
07.08.09 at 10:49 am
best wishes for you mom! and for you to cope with all that. stitching and deadlines shouldn’t be named in one sentence, maybe… good luck
anneke
07.08.09 at 11:38 am
Hugs, kisses and prayers!
Sara
07.08.09 at 2:19 pm
Hope your Mom is better soon. Congrats on getting the painting done, the stitching will come later. Thanks for working to get use all the freebie pattern. CJ ok;-)
cj
07.08.09 at 3:13 pm
I wish you strength dealing with your challenges, but most of all I hope your mom is better really soon. That must be so distressing for you.
hugs to you and your mom
xxx
Coral
07.08.09 at 3:53 pm
Oh my – it’s bad enough when you’re in the same time zone as someone you’re concerned about, but to be in another time zone AND another country must really add to the frustration and anxiety! I’m glad your mom has people looking out for her and hope that she’s feeling better soon!
Jennifer
07.08.09 at 8:19 pm
You must have been frantic with worry. ((((HUGS)))) Thank goodness for the help of neighbours.
Joanne
07.09.09 at 2:12 am
Sorry late on commenting-I wish your mom all the best in getting well soon.
Dianne
07.09.09 at 7:51 am