Ps Jules...your Dad sounds like he was a real character!! xx

Jacci

You have definitely done the right thing as you must remember to look after yourself as well.  Its a hard call when you are pulled in different directions but your own health and family is just as important and crying relieves some of the tension the extra stress causes.  Your must draw all the support you can around you and definitely see to your own health needs (do not feel guilty about wanting much needs recuperation time as in reality this will help you cope on a day to day basis).  By the way I can really relate to that 'weird' feeling regarding your Mum. I have never been close to mine (and never likely to be now) but still would not like to see her suffer (or anyone else for that matter) and at present am grateful she is in residential care and can be kept an eye on (this will stop when her savings are gone and then I will have  more pressures but I have to put hubby first and she does understand that (but it does not necessary make me feel good about it!!).  Your right my Dad was a 'character' but had a very different outlook on life as he survided the war (losing a leg) and felt every day was a bonus no matter what else life threw at him and he had some hard times when Mum suffered her bi polar episodes.  Its so strange now that I am facing my hubby's cancer journey (with its uncertain path) I seem to sense my Dad's presence and recall far more of his wise words and am drawing on that to strengthen how I cope.  He was a great storyteller and my parents were more of a couple than an actual family unit but there is no denying that their love for each other carried them through the blackest of times.

I hope the forum community can help us all cope and am hear to listen anytime you want to vent - is has surely helped many of us already. (As to your workplace if you can't cope tomorrow please 'don't' force it, despite what they say you must put yourself/your Mum first!!).  Hope you get some more positive news from your Mum'snurse soon.  Hugs  Jules xx

Our weekend felt like escapism (pushing the realities away for a few days and hopefully my batteries have recharged!!)

Jacci

You have definitely done the right thing as you must remember to look after yourself as well.  Its a hard call when you are pulled in different directions but your own health and family is just as important and crying relieves some of the tension the extra stress causes.  Your must draw all the support you can around you and definitely see to your own health needs (do not feel guilty about wanting much needs recuperation time as in reality this will help you cope on a day to day basis).  By the way I can really relate to that 'weird' feeling regarding your Mum. I have never been close to mine (and never likely to be now) but still would not like to see her suffer (or anyone else for that matter) and at present am grateful she is in residential care and can be kept an eye on (this will stop when her savings are gone and then I will have  more pressures but I have to put hubby first and she does understand that (but it does not necessary make me feel good about it!!).  Your right my Dad was a 'character' but had a very different outlook on life as he survided the war (losing a leg) and felt every day was a bonus no matter what else life threw at him and he had some hard times when Mum suffered her bi polar episodes.  Its so strange now that I am facing my hubby's cancer journey (with its uncertain path) I seem to sense my Dad's presence and recall far more of his wise words and am drawing on that to strengthen how I cope.  He was a great storyteller and my parents were more of a couple than an actual family unit but there is no denying that their love for each other carried them through the blackest of times.

I hope the forum community can help us all cope and am hear to listen anytime you want to vent - is has surely helped many of us already. (As to your workplace if you can't cope tomorrow please 'don't' force it, despite what they say you must put yourself/your Mum first!!).  Hope you get some more positive news from your Mum'snurse soon.  Hugs  Jules xx

Our weekend felt like escapism (pushing the realities away for a few days and hopefully my batteries have recharged!!)