Since we've been here there's been a bit of bad luck for Mum and Dad. Last May was the aneurysm. It was a level 4 which meant it would've killed her had I not been there to find her. There was great deal of frustrating rehabilitation and therapy which followed but we were all so grateful that she was still alive, even if it left her short tempered and unable to speak and walk as well as she had before.
In June this year she suffered a mini stroke. Her progress took a set back; it scared her. And Dad. But she had the lumbar puncture, took the meds and for the last 5 months she's been grand. They've been so excited in their preparations for the trip down south so we could all meet as a family, together for the first time in 2 years.
And now this happens.
It isn't fair but we're luckier than most and it seems to be another mild one. My gran had several small ones before the big one left her unable to speak. But she was in her 80s. The point is my Mum's only 62.
Mum and Dad were planning how to spend their retirement when her brain haemorrhage happened. There was talk of cruises, weeks in Switzerland, staying with us. They were always very active. Now they're rethinking their trip to MK because this last stroke has floored them.
Its half 3 here. B has taken Daisy out so I can think straight and indulge in a bit of self pity for an hour. I'm so very far away from my family, like many, I can't just pop in and help them, Dad especially. Keep him company. When your parents are living nearby and in good health you can take it for granted. He's very much on his own up there without her and it makes me sad, almost like I've deserted them.
Visiting hour starts at 3, UK time, when we'll call and talk to her on the ward and Daisy can help cheer up Nana and Papa. I don't know if their trip will go ahead at Christmas but I do know she's a tough little lady - she'll take her little setback and get on. Until the next one.
