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Continuing the journey

Hi All

Decided to drop the 'month' from the title of this thread as time moves so quickly and the date becomes irrevelant so quickly.

Hubby and I both feeling pretty drained today but not because of his illness. However it is something that has made both us further stressed and 'outside our control'.  Prepare yourselves for a rant or look away now.

Having put in a long work day yesterday (both of us). I switched on my mobile on leaving work to find a message from the social worker for Mum (regular readers of my thread will know what we have been going through recently).  The upshott of this message was that the Social Services panel have decided that they can offer Mum a place at a sheltered housing complex but not the most local one. The call was to advise me of the panel's decision and to tell me that a visit will be arranged this week, preferably by Wednesday, for Mum to be taken to visit the flat and be told about the package of care and how it will work. They require a decision from Mrs K (this is how my mother is addressed in the follow up e-mail!!) by Friday otherwise the placement will be offered to another service provider!  Unfortunately this means Mum has little choice but to move further away (closest sheltered housing has no vacancy and they are  not willing to help fund where she has spent the last 9 months 'settling in').  The guilt I feel at being unable to cope with this is overwhelming, my hubby is very supportive and angry in equal parts and I am dreading the days ahead.  I am unable to take leave and my negative feelings towards her social worker would not work in Mum's favour as she needs to go on the visit with an open mind and the care home staff state she is quite able to make her own mind up.  If she agrees I will be unable to visit as regularly (my problem not theirs of course) but apparently the social worker will accompany her and I have asked to be kept informed.

Even typing this is making me sad/angry/frustrated and emotionally/physically drained.  I was due to visit Mum today but this is on hold until I have spoken to the care home this morning. Hubby says I should leave it till later in the week when we know what is going on and I suspect he is right (bearing in mind my physical upset involves many 'loo' visits (enough said!!)).

Sorry for all the negativity but just needed to get it out and try and get  myself together before I start on the phone calls.

Hope everyone has a good day.  Regards Julesxx

Parents
  • Morning Jules,

    Was just wondering how you got on when you visited your Mum this week, and also how your daughter got on at hospital?  I do hope things are not too stressful for you and that you can try and have a relaxing weekend.

    I'm waiting for my eldest to come home, he has spent somewhat of Freshers sleeping on fellow pupils floors after social events - latest was a toga party last night!  I'm off to my counsellor this morning, had originally been thinking I wouldn't need to see her for too much longer but have been so emotional this week so will talk things over with her.

    The weather is forecast to be nice this weekend but is looking a bit gloomy at present.  Here's hoping it brightens up and the sun shines on us all.  Take care  Hope x

  • Hi Hope

    Hope you visit to the counsellor was helpful and its good for you to be able to talk things through and this should last as long as you need it.

    I have just returned from visiting Mum and she was ok though I am sure a little concerned at how long she will be able to stay where she.  She has amazed the staff at how forthright she was when social worker 'interviewed' her and they are left in no doubt as to what she wants. All the care staff came to see me whilst I was visiting to make sure I was okay too - very sweet.  I stayed until she was due to go into lunch and we even managed a bit of a laugh when I showed her latest photos of her great grandson.  He has really enjoyed his first week in Reception and keeps telling his mum that his teacher is the most beautiful one in the school!!

    Hubby and I picked him up from school on Friday as my daughter had to return to hospital for a second day of tests and monitoring.  Specialist blood tests with regard to her liver function have been sent off and unless she hears otherwise she returns to clinic next Friday.  The last set of bloods were borderline but all readings for the baby were good.  If the new blood tests show certain 'rises' she may have to be taken in and possibly induced (she is now 37 weeks and would probably welcome is being over and done with!!).  Anyway so far so good.  I have an overnight bag ready and waiting and she has several friends on standby to get her to the hospital if her hubby is at work.  Mind you she is still driving herself at present!!

    When we met our grandson at school (its only 10mins to his home) he told Grandad that he could meet us there as it was healthier to walk!!!  My hubby's face was a picture as he drove off and I walked the little tyke home!!

    Life's stresses seem to come and go but having the forum to offload certainly helped me to see things in perspective this week though I think my mood swings are more due to hormones than current circumstances.

    Sounds like your eldest having a great time during Freshers but will no doubt be looking forward to some home cooking.  Have a great weekend with the family and will catch up again soon.  All the best and look after yourself. Jules xx

  • Hi Everyone

    I haven't been on here for a few weeks now and then discovered this morning my uncle died this morning from cancer.  He was diagnosed back in the summer.  A funny thing happened this morning I kept thinking about one of my cousins who I haven't seen in a while before I heard the news.  I expect the funeral to be this Friday or Saturday.

    Jules I read your story about your mum's situation.  Not a bit of wonder you were exhausted and frustrated due to everything going on at present.  You really are a tower of strength for everyone in your family and you are always prepared to put everyone else first.  It can't be long now until the new addition arrives.  I am sure you can't wait.  Is your daughter keeping OK.

    How is your wee grandson getting on a school?  Has he settled in well?

    Well nothing else to report for now just hope that everyone else is keeping well.

    Take care Jules and chat soon

    Mickied

  • Hi Jules, Brian & Mickied,

    Just want to start by saying Mickied I am so sorry to read about your Uncle, I hope and pray that someday we will find a cure for this terrible disease that claims the lives of so many and affects their families so deeply.  Thinking of you.

    Brian, thanks for your kind words - this site really seems to help and I'm feeling a bit better the past few days.

    Jules, Hope you haven't worked too hard today.  So lovely that you (and now hubby) spend such quality time with your grandson, sounds like he really is enjoying school.  I caught up with a friend for lunch today (day off) which was nice.  Also touched base with the law firm who are sorting out probate - seems that I completed all the forms completely correctly (miracle!) but they are now waiting for the original will which is with another solicitor.  Everything takes so long; as an ex secretary myself I can't believe people in offices are so disorganised today, and that they can't sort out basic paperwork quickly!  Anyway I will leave it up to them now and let things take their time.  Have a good evening.  Hope x

  • Hi Mickied

    Lovely to hear from you and thanks for your supportive words as usual.

      So sorry to read of yet another loss in your family to cancer - sometimes you wonder when the next bit of good news will come for the family. It seems to hit you like a brick wall and just as you are pulling yourself up again you get knocked back.  Its such a rollercoaster of emotional turmoil and yet here we all are chatting and somehow coping - this forum is just an awesome source of support.  Do hope all goes as well as it can for the funeral. Come and chat whenever you need to bend someone's ear - you have been so supportive to others and we can return the favour anytime.

    My daughter is doing well at the moment (just over a week to due date) and our grandson has settled well into his new school class, loves his teacher and though a bit tired (for about an hour after he gets home) is no problem getting him to go.  We went with our daughter yesterday to see where his new classroom is as it will be us picking him up when daughter first has the new addition.  Next hospital check up one day before due date unless something happens beforehand.  Fingers crossed and yes it will be very exciting.

    Hubby has now taken early retirement and so is pretty miserable at present and probably needs time to re-adjust. Am taking it day at a time but he needs a little help now and spends most of his time watching tv or sleeping. I am still doing part time at the moment and we shall have to see how his illness progresses as to if and when I need to be at home.  Will cross that bridge as and when necessary. Am refusing to worry about it until it becomes neccessary.  He can still drive short distances and also walk slowly but the motivation is difficult so its easy does it. Our son visited today and he always perks up when the kids pop in.  We are so very lucky to have them fairly close by but want them to live their own lives too.  We are all 'talking Christmas' at present and trying to sort out Christmas ideas/shopping. Before that we have our grandson's 5th birthday at end of November and the thought of 30 kids in a hall is pretty daunting but my son in law is absolutely brilliant and loves children so am sure it will go very well. I am going along as a 'pair of arms' for the 'newbie' all being well so that my grandson has his special day.  Best laid plans............

    Sending virtual hugs and best wishes   Jules xx

  • Hi Hope,

    Quite a coincidence, I was a secretary in a former life (pre children so a good few years ago).  How we managed to be so organised (and little technology) seems amazing now but if anything we appear to have gone backwords with all the form filling and waiting around.  Hope you can get things sorted re probate soon but these things seem to have a pace all of their own!!

    Work was busy but no complaints; it makes the time go quickly.  Our store is set over two floors so have been up and down all day moving stock (~kids annuals mainly) into thier new Christmas layout - amazing how many different titles there are.  Was certainly  giving me plenty of exercise (so was quite hungry when I left).  Managed to last till I got home at 2.45 and had a very large banana and a yoghurt!!  My son had popped in as it was a day off for him and we chatted gardens/wildlife and he has made a great pond which we saw the new pictures off.  When he left he was off to the garden centre to buy some trellis as he wants climbing plants to cover the small brick outbuilding(shed to you and  me!!).and has decided that maybe sweet peas might do the job!

    Hubby promptly dropped off to sleep as soon as our son left so dinner will be a little delayed as he usually sleeps for around an hour or so and would rather he woke naturally.  Well thats today sorted and as they say tomorrow is another day.  Take care, chat soon. Jules xx

  • Morning Jules,

    Seems like we have quite a lot in common other than just our experiences that brought us to this site - only children, work etc!  Talking of work I expect you will be getting busy now, Christmas shoppers seem to start earlier and earlier every year.  I'm not bothering too much this year, intend to have a low key Christmas after all that's happened.


    Well latest news is that eldest has got halls at Uni; didn't get them automatically hence the commuting which has been fine. However he has decided to take them to gain the whole Uni experience of being away and with friends etc, (will probably commute other years anyway especially clinicals).  So looks like he'll probably move in at the weekend.  I'm OK about it as he will be home every weekend (with his washing!) and I can always go up to London on my days off sometimes.  I think my youngest will probably miss him, especially when he needs help with his A levels!  Anyway may not log on for a few days as likely to be busy.  Have a good weekend and speak again soon.  Hope x

  • Hi Hope

    Thank you for your words of support as always.  How have you been coping lately yourself and how is being back to work going.  The funeral is tomorrow so I have booked a half day off to attend.

    We didn't see much of him but in the end he is still my father's brother.

    I know all about office work Hope because I work in a solicitors office and have done so for the last 21 years.  Some probates can take some time to be sorted and you are completely right about the forms that have to be completed.  I take it the law firm has requested the original will from the other firm.  I know from experience here in N. Ireland that if someone requests a document relating to another person a certain procedure has to be followed through before the document can be released.  It has all to do with the new Data Protection Scheme but let's hope you don't have much longer to wait.

    Take care and chat soon

    Mickied

  • Hi Jules

    Yes the funeral is tomorrow so I have booked a half day off to attend and then back to work.  Sometimes you wonder how you cope Jules but somehow we always manage to.

    Everyone used to say this uncle was my father's double whereby I could never see the resemblance but maybe when I go to the house this evening I may notice how much they looked alike.

    He was 71 a year older than my father.  Thank you for the invitation to "bend" someone's ear mainly yours because you have been a tower of strength to others on this forum me included.

    Jules the other night I had a dream about my birth aunt.  I saw her clearly and I asked if everything was OK.  She told me the reason she hadn't been in touch was because her two nieces had only had two babies and no mention of her husband or daughter.  I see her other daughter still posts on FB as I was checking her profile for any clues about her sister but nothing.

    It will fly in Jules for the rest of you but not for your poor daughter.  Glad to see your little grandson settled into school.  Sometimes they surprise you.  Our Sarah was off school on Monday for teacher training day and she will be off again at the end of this month for Halloween.

    How is retirement going for your hubby.  I know you said he always enjoyed his work but had cut it down to a few days a week.  You are right about waiting until the time arrives when you are needed much more at home and let's hope it is a long time off Jules.  My father-in-law used to always perk up too whenever he saw my kids and used to keep the both of them going.

    Our Sarah still mentions that she misses her granda every so often and sometimes it sets me off too.  I can get so emotional sometimes Jules it is unbelievable.

    We had our Sarah's 6th birthday at the weekend and invited three of her friends to a kids play centre.  The food was awful and the kids didn't eat it but enjoyed the rest of the day then they all went back to my house and up to her room.  About half an hour later she came down and said she wanted to put on her pyjamas because she had saw enough of her friends and wanted them to go home.

    She wouldn't even go with her dad to drop them off home.  About an hour later she was fast asleep.

    Well nothing else to report for now.  Take care and take it easy

    Mickied

  • Hi Mickied, Thanks for replying to me individually.  I really hope the funeral goes as best as it can tomorrow, will be thinking of you

    As for me I am coping the best I can, I think I'm doing OK but as you know emotions creep up on us out of nowhere at any time!  I guess I wouldn't be human if I didn't feel the way I do after losing both parents, especially so quickly and close together.  The paperwork seems to really get to me, I think it is because it is something out of my control and I am a very "in control" sort of person.  Yes it is the law firm I'm using that has requested the original Will from the other firm; thanks for your advice speaking from experience of working at a solicitors, I just have to leave things in their capable hands and let things take their course - easier said than done for somebody as impatient as me!  For some reason I think I'll feel better when all the estate is sorted out legally but in truth I probably won't feel a lot different

    Anyway best wishes for tomorrow and let us know how it goes.  Hope x

  • Hi Hope

    No need to thank me.  I really feel for you losing your parents in such a short space of time.  The same happened to my father's brother and his wife.  He died in April that year and his wife died in July 3 months apart.  I remember someone saying to his daughters they didn't get much time to grieve for their father and then to lose their mother.

    You don't need to talk about being impatient Hope.  I must be the worst impatient person known.  Sometimes I wish I was more laid back like the rest of my family and let things take their course.

    You are right about feeling you are coping well one moment and then the next you feel you are about to have a nervous breakdown.

    A few weeks ago I was going through my telephone calls in work and came across the date my father-in-law died and I got a bit emotional as that date brought it all back what happened.

    Dreading tomorrow but these things have to be done.

    Take care and chat soon

    Mickied

  • Hi Hope

    I am sure your eldest will enjoy being in Halls and its where many friendships can be made.  My son did Halls first year and then moved into a house share.   He also held a part time job for some of the time he was away.  He came home during the holidays and we visited on his 21st!! but other than that he looked after himself extremely well, coming home able to cook and budget which would never have happened so well at home!! (and I did not get involved in washing etc as he was too far away and they had all amenities on campus.)  I think my daughter (older) missed him a bit but also relished not being constantly badgered when she had her friends in!!  He came home at the end of his three years very well rounded and stayed home until he was able to move into a flat share (about 6 months later).  My daughter moved out at aged 21 to live with her then boyfriend (now husband).Both have stayed close by and with modern technology its a lot easier these days.  In fact I used to joke that Iheard more from the children than I did from my husband when he was away working.

    Yes work very busy and never enough hands but its only part time.  At least we get to see whats on offer and can do our own Christmas shopping.  I am late this year - normally start in the summer months and as a family we have quite a low budget per adult, preferring to spend Christmas Day together (usually 8-10 of us) relaxing and sharing the chores and food bill.  Has worked this way for many years and our children have carried it on, taking it in turns to visit respective parents/aunt and uncle on both sides and sometime enjoying their own.  This year we are at my husband's sister for 3 days  (she loves to cook!!) and no doubt it will be mayhem with the addition of the grandchildren and 2 dogs but would not miss is it for the world.

    Dont wear yourself out this weekend but do enjoy the family time.  Take care. Jules

Reply
  • Hi Hope

    I am sure your eldest will enjoy being in Halls and its where many friendships can be made.  My son did Halls first year and then moved into a house share.   He also held a part time job for some of the time he was away.  He came home during the holidays and we visited on his 21st!! but other than that he looked after himself extremely well, coming home able to cook and budget which would never have happened so well at home!! (and I did not get involved in washing etc as he was too far away and they had all amenities on campus.)  I think my daughter (older) missed him a bit but also relished not being constantly badgered when she had her friends in!!  He came home at the end of his three years very well rounded and stayed home until he was able to move into a flat share (about 6 months later).  My daughter moved out at aged 21 to live with her then boyfriend (now husband).Both have stayed close by and with modern technology its a lot easier these days.  In fact I used to joke that Iheard more from the children than I did from my husband when he was away working.

    Yes work very busy and never enough hands but its only part time.  At least we get to see whats on offer and can do our own Christmas shopping.  I am late this year - normally start in the summer months and as a family we have quite a low budget per adult, preferring to spend Christmas Day together (usually 8-10 of us) relaxing and sharing the chores and food bill.  Has worked this way for many years and our children have carried it on, taking it in turns to visit respective parents/aunt and uncle on both sides and sometime enjoying their own.  This year we are at my husband's sister for 3 days  (she loves to cook!!) and no doubt it will be mayhem with the addition of the grandchildren and 2 dogs but would not miss is it for the world.

    Dont wear yourself out this weekend but do enjoy the family time.  Take care. Jules

Children
  • Morning Jules,

    Just thought I'd quickly log on and say hello (although now logged on I've started to reply to others as well - this site is addictive!).  Hope you and your family are doing OK?  I take it no news on the new addition just yet?  As you know I'm in for a busy weekend moving eldest to halls tomorrow - guess he'll only need to move half his stuff as he'll be home most weekends.  Anyway exciting times for him, a little emotional for me but I've been living on emotional times all year so nothing new!  Have a good weekend and catch up soon.  Hope x

    MICKIED - Just want to say I hope the funeral went as best it could yesterday.  Thinking of you.  Hope x

  • Hi Hope

    Always nice to hear from you and do relate to your comments about being on the forum.  Somehow its like its become my security blanket - I have been here over a year now and don't know how I would have coped without coming to chat.  Offering support just seems so natural when  have had so much from others. Not having a 'chatty' other half (anyway he is still snoring at present) means I find relief in being able to 'chat type' though funnily enough I have never signed up to Facebook (sure I would know even more about my children's lives if I did!!!).

    My daughter is still playing the waiting game though keeping well which is the main thing.  Every time the phone rings we wonder if we are about to 'go into action' in having our grandson (who is like a cat on hot bricks he is so excited about getting a brother before his birthday) whilst his Mum and Dad go to the hospital.  Mind you hope she has an easier time than last time (18hr labour!!). Quite handy for her having her 'nearly 5yr old' as he is very much like his Dad and loves to help her do the housework!!  Maybe I will borrow him anyway.

    Sure the emotions are running high for you this weekend but another wonderful goal in how well you are supporting your eldest (probably emotional for him too!!). Certainly will give you weekends to look forward to when he pops home (even if it is with the washing ha ha). Spreading the wings is something we encourage all their lives as we bring them up but when it happens there is often a lump in the throat.

    Look after yourself. Jules xx

  • Morning Jules,

    Well I see no news on your grandchild just yet, but anytime eh!  You must be on tender hooks now.

    Moved eldest into halls yesterday, nice room with all modern facilites overlooking a big green, also in a gated courtyard - all very nice for central London.  Seems a real trendy area and I do envy him, oh to be young with so many opportunites ahead.  So even though I've been very emotional of late (Friday was a bad day for me emotion wise), I'm actually feeling OK and quite positive about his move.

    I hope all is good with you, how is hubby adjusting to being at home?  His hands will be full soon with new addition and of course an already excited grandson who I'm sure will be ecstatic one he has a sibling.

    Have a good day.  Hope x

  • Morning Hope

    Glad that your eldest son's move went well and do feel that once you  know  and can see where they are going to be it really helps to picture them there and does not seem so alien.  I was brought up in North London and its great for the young to be in the centre of everything and I spent a lot of  my childhood walking the green spaces - wonderful memories.

    Hubby has been fairly quiet (no change there then!!) but is visiting 'work' this week (you can tell how lost he is without this part of his life) but also has a day's fishing planned with our son so weather permitting he has this to look forward to.

    Off to work myself in 15mins so I had best get washed up and out of here!!  Have a good day. Chat soon.  Jules x

  • Evening Jules,

    Hope all is OK your end, I keep thinking I will read that your new addition has arrived!  Hope your hubby gets on OK when he visits his work, must be very difficult for him to adjust, especially given his circumstances that have forced this upon him.

    My eldest is doing well, I speak to him every night and will see him at the weekend.  Youngest has gone to watch a football game with hubby so I'm home alone!  Been emotional yet again today, yesterday I was clearing through some personal things at the house and I found letter that my Mum had written to my Dad before I was born, he had kept it all those years!  It was a nice letter but set off all the pain for me again and even this morning before work I was in tears thinking about it, I really do want to stop feeling so emotional all the time.  Anyway have a good evening, speak soon.  Hope x

  • Hi Hope

    No baby news yet but would like to think it will be within the next couple of weeks as due date is 11th!!! Its new territory for my daughter as her firstborn was 8 days early.  She is doing Ok and still out and about and doing quite a bit of walking, thankfully keeping generally well.  My grandson still enjoying his new class and is now planning who will come to his birthday (not until the end of November!!)

    Hubby is his usual quiet self (just I notice it more now that he's at home all the time).  This is quite strange as before his illness was diagnosed he travelled a lot with his work and could be away for  quite a few of the jobs the company had (they are off to China to do a job soon) and I know he is really missing this side of his life. To be honest I cannot do or say anything to help as this is just met with silence and I keep myself busy finding things around the house to do. Strange I am the restless one as he seems intent on doing nothing but watching TV when he is awake.  Not sure what is going on as his consultant has told him to keep up gentle exercise as this will help and at the moment he still has the capacity to do so though we know this will eventually not be the case. Unfortunately I saw his Dad be this way so it must be in the genes!!   Am hoping that the new baby may help but he shows little interest other than when my daughter visits and I sometimes feel like I am surplus to requirements (then I feel silly and sad to be thinking this way).  I would like to be making the most of our time together, as we dont know how long this will be but the Cancer seems to have given us different outlooks and I cannot break through to the inner man. Hey ho, think he may go to his old workplace today so  may see a smile later.  He is also going fishing with our son tomorrow.  The family are trying their best and no sure what e)lse we should do.

    So pleased your eldest is enjoying life at Uni and it must be lovely that he is in regular touch.  See the footie bug is very big in your family too so I  hope their team won last night and they enjoyed themselves.

    One thing I have learnt in the past 2 years is that you cannot necessarily control your emotions and though it may not be the norm for our characters to feel this way, it is something we have to go through, to come to terms with the 'new' life we are facing.  I had similar experience to you when clearing Mum's flat as there were lots of correspondence that I have never seen to/from/about my late Dad that she had kept and I had never seen before. (I have it stored at my place now as she does not show any interest in wanting 'stuff from her past' and will have to decide what to do with it when her time comes).  Its a bit like going through a family history lesson and certainly made me see some things in a different light! Probably learnt a bit about myself too (not as hard as I thought thats for sure).  How are you getting on with the counselling? do hope its helping to talk it through both with her and with the forum - not sure where I would  be without the latter.

    Well have been eating my breakfast whilst chatting here and had best go do the washing up (it will still be here if I dont as apparently thats not a man's work!!) before heading out to work.  Remember to take care of yourself Hope and chat again soon.  Virtual hugs to you and the family. Jules x

  • Hi Jules,

    Hope you are OK.  I felt sad reading about how much your hubby has changed, this disease is so cruel and I really pray we can find a cure oneday.  It must be so difficult for you, I understand how you want to make the most of your time together and it must be frustrating that you can't seem to break through. When my Mum was diagnosed everybody told me to spend quality tiime with her, but the truth was that although I spent lots of time with her there was no quality time left.  It was like the minute she was diagnosed she went rapidly downhill even though she didn't know her diagnosis.  We did take her out a few times in a wheelchair and she did smile, but I know she felt so ill and she was never the same person again.  Hopefully the new baby will lift your hubby's spirits, and what about his trip to work today, how did it go? Maybe the fishing trip will also do him good weather permitting.  You always seem so upbeat Jules, I don't know how you manage it, I'm sure it is very hard for you at times.

    I'm still seeing my counsellor who has helped me a lot but think I may be finishing this week.  It is my choice as I can go for as long as I want, but I think now it is just time and I have to just go with my emotions.  If I do stop she has told me I can contact her again anytime if I feel I need help which is great, and of course I have this wonderful forum too.  Anyway have a good evening.  Chat again soon.  Hope x

  • Hi Hope

    Thanks for your response and did not mean to make you feel sad (you have enough sadness in your own story without being affected by my ramblings).  I had never really though of myself as upbeat.  I just seem to have to get on with things, deal with it and move on.  I have to accept I cannot change my man (have  not been able to in 36 years of marriage so why now!!!) and the way he is dealing with his illness.  Also his sister and brother are not conversationalists and I think perhaps this is something they definitely inherited from their Dad (got on really well with my inlaws but they did not believe in idle chatter!!) .  Hubby did  not go into work on Wednesday in the end as  the 'boss' was out for the day and there seemed little point just going for the drive!!  so I still came home to his washing up.  Today I fid the housework before I left for work and am now sitting down for the afternoon as he has gone fishing with our son and his friend so have a little 'me time' and thought I would put my feet up - rest of the housework can wait until tomorrow when I am not at work.

    Our new grandchild is keeping us waiting (though due date tomorrow so who knows!!!)  My son in law is of the opinion it will arrive on Sunday and disrupt the last day of Touring Car Championship (he is an avid tv follower and has been a couple of times to watch it live). Midwife today said if he has not made an appearance by the time her next appointment comes round they will  be talking about inducing her (at least you can make definite plans if this is the outcome).   Luckily she is keeping well and still out and about - says the exercise keeps her occupied but think she is enjoying a few hours of peace during the day whilst our grandson is at school.

    Glad that the counselling has been good for you and only you can really decide when you have the right feeling to finish it.  As you say you can go back again if you want to so its there as a back up plan.

    Bet you looking forward to seeing your eldest at the weekend and no doubt planning favourite meal (my son came home during uni holidays unless he was working (mainly during first year to boost funds) and was always asked what he wanted to eat.  The response was always roast (still is even though  he cooks his own now and his yorkshires are to die for!!)  and he was very good at learning to cook and budget whilst he was away from home (a few of them would take it in turns and the house share was a great success in teaching them all how to shop and budget.  Him and his now girlfriend take it in turns to cook depending on what shift he is working so all in all it works very well.

    Well I had best  think about what I am going to do for tonights meal so I can get going when hubby returns home (probably be rather chilly and ready for something hot!!)

    Take care and have a peaceful weekend.  Virtual hugs and chat again soon.  Jules xx

  • Hi Jules,

    Don't ever worry about making me feel sad, I am always glad to listen to you, you have been such a good support to me. Today is a happier day for me, don't know why that just seems to be how it is at the moment, one minute happy the next the pain and tears come back!  I am going with the flow as my counsellor says that is what we need to do to heal.  It is great that you can chat on this site especially if your family are not the greatest conversationalists.  I bet there will be plenty of conversation with the new one arrives though, how exciting, I will be thinking of you tomorrow and wondering!  I guess we will all have to "watch this space".  Hope hubby enjoyed his fishing, I remember going fishing many years ago and found it strangely relaxing!  Yes I'm looking forward to seeing eldest at the weekend, I sent him off with a student cook book and a fair bit of food, hopefullly he will learn to cook and budget quickly as your son did.  Have a good weekend and speak soon.  Hope x  PS Let us know soon as new addition arrives!

  • Hi Jules and Hope!

    Hope it's ok to double up on a post. I haven't chatted to either of you recently, but I'm following both your threads closely, watching for 'Baby' news and 'Med school' updates!

    See you're both offering support to so many 'virtuals'  out there, old and new!

    Hope you both have a peaceful weekend and the windy weather that's been forecast, misses your parts of the country!

    Take care, both of you, hugs to you and your families,

    Jo xxx