Friends

05 January 2016

The reason why there are gaps in posts

Some will have guessed why I have been absent so for those who don't know I have to tell you that my Joe was admitted to hospital two days before Christmas. It was our wedding anniversary but he didn't realise that. Poor lad didn't have much of a Christmas but then neither did his family and friends. We were all very tearful. 
The thing is, the cancer has spread which has brought about many side effects that are equally severe. He was in awful pain and still is but painkillers do their best to ease things for him. The worst news is that nothing can be done. Head consultants have had to admit that they have done all they can and now it is up to the Lord. 
I am at the hospital every day where he has a huge audience of nurses and doctors - all of whom seem to love him. I too have been honoured with free dinners and umpteen cups of tea... and some people moan about hospital treatment! Actually I have done better than Joe because he has no appetite and refuses liquid most of the time. This is worrying because he needs fluids but what can you do when lips are locked? Fortunately there are such things as saline drips!
Family and friends are wonderful, and surprisingly Joe's clients (he audits their accounts, or rather he did!) have rallied round. Some have visited the hospital and others phone regularly to check on his condition. 
Joe is Roman Catholic and the priest visits nearly every day. Last rites were given early because the Priest thought it better not to wait. Today he received last sacraments which I found very moving. It is awfully difficult to stem the emotion at such times but somehow I manage it. Daughter Rosanne says I am a strong person. Am I? It doesn't feel like it, that's for sure. 
I hope the news doesn't upset anyone, but I had to explain my absence and give a reason for future gaps in posts. I love you all. God bless. 

16 comments:

  1. Oh Valerie, I worried that this was the problem. Prayers and good thoughts for you and Joe are making their way across the ocean today.

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  2. Valerie, I got very emotional and teary while reading this post. Please know that my thoughts, prayers and energy are with you and Joe right now. In fact, yesterday I found myself thinking of you a lot and sending good thoughts.

    You take care, dear friend. And just know that much love surrounds you and Joe right now.

    (((((((( You and Joe ))))))))

    X

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  3. I thought this might be the reason too but was praying it wasn't. I am so very sorry Valerie. Sending you a big hug and letting you know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

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  4. I have been worried about you and Joe when I seen the lack of post. I already have been praying for you. I will continue to pray for you guys. We are always in the Lord's hands. You and Joe are surrounded by people who love and care for you both.

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  5. Thank you for your update. Even when going through what you are...you are still thinking of others. Bless you and Joe in this journey. I wish I had found your blog a long time ago so I could have gotten to know him.

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  6. Our prayers for you and Joe, Valerie. It is so hard but here is a better place for all of us. My spouse and I are facing the long haul of Alzheimers now and all one can do is look up and keep moving on together whatever the circumstances...

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  7. May peace be with you.
    Take care, Monica

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  8. Oh man. I am sorry Val. I wish I would have stopped by sooner to let you know that I was thinking about you, Joe and your family. Take care and let me know if I can do anything to help out. I know that's pretty difficult since I live on the other side of the world but if I can do it I will for you, Val.

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  9. I am sorry to read this too Val.

    But Joe is a lucky man in so many ways. He has a very loving wife, who has been there through thick and thin, family, friends...a lovely home, much to be grateful for. I know it is small consolation at this time but there are so many people with big health problems who face them alone and have lived alone for many years. That must be incredibly difficult.

    I hope the pain eases up for Joe. I hope you are taking care of yourself too. Take some chill time just for yourself, even for a few minutes Val. this is all draining on you too.

    Sending lots of hugs, to you and to Joe.

    PS: I am not blogging at my WP blogs anymore but still posting at MRLR, which links to this comment. I know you aren't blogging much now but I'm letting people know as I leave comments now. Hugs again.

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  10. Your Joe, your family and you are in my thoughts. I hope his health improves.

    Huge bear hug for you all.

    Greetings from London.

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  11. Valerie, I have been away from my computer a lot and I have only just read this. I am so sorry for you going through this time. I am sure you are giving Joe great comfort by your presence and I am glad that he has his faith also to sustain him. You are in my thoughts.

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  12. Valerie, I am so sorry to know about Joe..I am out of this blogging world for some reasons..but u were always in my mind and for this I switched on the computer and came directly to your blog..

    I am in lack of words to give you some comfort..but just want to say that love you both very much and you both are always in my prayers..a tight hug to you my Charming Lady..

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  13. So sorry to hear about this.

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  14. Hi Val. Just stopping by to say hi and to let you know that I'm thinking of you and your family.

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  15. Thank you all for your wonderful comments, even though I couldn't reply they brought me great comfort. It has been a very difficult time and now I have to learn to live my own life.

    I love you all.

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