I had planned to write this blog a few days ago but life, as it is prone to doing, got in the way and I am only just now getting to it. What distracted me from getting it done was the fact that my dear old mum took a bit of a tumble and has ended up in hospital. She is 82 and all alone for the last few days in a serious amount of pain. So you’ll forgive me if I am, perhaps, not as focused as I could be. She stepped out of a cab (returning from getting her flu shot) and stepped onto an uneven pavement and dropped like a sack of potatoes.
She has been in two different hospitals already (It’s only been about 36 hours since it happened) because she not only dislocated her shoulder, which she had to have reset, but also has osteoporosis, so there is a distinct possibility that she may have fractured it as well, we are waiting to find out. On top of that, she also tore up her arm so badly that she had to be taken to surgery to have it put back together again because her wounds were so deep. The doctors said it would have been impossible for them to stitch it together in A&E and also she wouldn’t have been able to bear the pain even with local anesthetic. Most troubling of all, though, is that she has also been unable to stand or walk since it happened and currently no one is sure why that is. We await more tests and scans to see what the issue is. I am so aware that at 82, a bad fall like this can have a long term and detrimental effect so I am living in hope. Which reminds me of one of my mother’s favourite, and frequently used, sayings: “Live in hope should you die in despair”.
Worst of all is that she is in so much pain, and if mum is complaining about pain then it must be bad. Mum comes from the stoic generation, the ones that didn’t moan or complain but just got on with things. I have seen her before when she has had bumps or accidents that to look at, you know must have hurt, but she has always shrugged them off, saying that she was ok and that it was fine. Knowing that, and knowing that she is actually being vocal about how much pain and discomfort she is in, leaves me sick thinking about the levels of actual pain she is dealing with.
Add to that the fact that she has been all alone since it happened with no one allowed to travel in the ambulance or be by her bedside, a story familiar to too many people this year, and you get some idea of why I’m a bit distracted.
I wish I could be there for her just to hold her hand and let her know that it will be ok. When a crisis hits, that’s when you remember the importance of family. My sister, who usually is really involved with mum’s care, is currently quarantined and trying to recover from Covid-19 herself so she can’t even leave the house. So currently that’s two members of the family who are unwell. If you are someone who prays (mum has a very strong faith) please say a prayer for them. Personally I’ve never prayed as frequently as I have the last couple of days!
I’ve needed to distract myself while I wait for more news so I have decided to get a start on my Autumn/Winter gardening. I only have a balcony but you can still achieve a lot with container gardening. I’ve also been cheering things up indoors with my plants by buying some cut flowers to put in vases and it has really helped.
For the balcony I have got myself some gorgeous heathers that are various shades of pink, white and purples, which I will put into containers and later today I am going to go and get some Cyclamen in reds, whites and pinks to plant up as well. I need pretty things to look at this winter, especially if we get locked down again. Gardening is so therapeutic, both whilst you are doing it and also afterwards, as you enjoy the results of your labour.
We have got some great plants and garden ideas for the autumn winter from our incredible QVC Gardening brands, like Thompson & Morgan, Hayloft Plants, Plants2Gardens, Richard Jackson and de Jager. In fact, we have a great offer from Thompson & Morgan on a set of 2 Autumn/Winter tubs with all the plants and compost and everything you need to create a gorgeous display.
The festive season has already arrived at QVC, so another way of distracting myself from everything that is going on is to start browsing for little gifts!
I’m really pleased to see the wonderful brand that is SBC are bringing us a cleansing gel. They have a Lemon Myrtle & Thyme Cleansing Home and Away Duo available right now! It has over 60% alcohol in it as well as a 100% natural fragrance. It also has added macadamia oil and glycerin to keep your hands soft and it is made up of 99% naturally derived ingredients!
Our sleep is one of the most important ingredients in our overall health and wellbeing, not to mention our skincare and beauty regime. That’s why I’ve been mostly sleeping with a sleep mask these last few months, as my sleep quality and has gone down hill quite badly this last year or two.
I have to start that wearing a sleep mask makes a big difference for me. If you’ve never tried one I would recommend it, and in fact we have one that’s coming to QVC very soon from a company called Smug. Their contoured 3D blackout mask has been specifically designed to block any unwanted light, giving you the best possible sleep time and helping to restore and repair mind and body.
They have put together a great kit that will be perfect for you or as a gift for someone you know who takes their beauty sleep seriously! Trust me, the last few nights have not been the most restful so I need all the help I can get.
For now, though, I wish that you and all your loved ones are safe and well and now I’m off to do a little gardening to restore some balance and keep me distracted until the next hospital update.
Stay safe. Stay well.
Until next time,
Miceal Xx
26 Responses
Thinking of you, your Mum and Sister Miceal.
Virtual Hugs
X
Dear Miceal,
I was so sorry to read your latest news. Stay strong and keep positive. These days I seem to go from one worry to another but I try very hard to remain positive ( it’s hard ) and it helps, otherwise I would slip into melancholy.
I do pray and I will pray for you.
Sending love,
Helen
Michael, so sorry to hear about your sad situation with your Mum. You must be so concerned. My heart goes out to you as you have been through such difficult times over the last few months. Stay strong. Sending my love and prayers.
Awwwww lovely Miceal so sorry to hear about your mums bad fall. My heart goes out to you not being able to be with her. Sending you a virtual hug and an even bigger hug to your dear mum. Take care xx
i hope your mum is better. She must be in so much pain. Sending my prayers and love to you and your mum and sister. That is the trouble when they are getting old and fell. It takes so much out of them. Love to you all from val. ps Please lets us know how she is getting on. al my love val.
So sorry to hear about your mum,will keep her in my thoughts and prayers.
Dame Julia of Norwich saying ‘All shall be well,all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well’ is a mantra I find comforting.
Wishing your my and sister a speedy recovery.
Wishing your mum and sister a speedy recovery
Dear Miceal I’m so sorry to hear about your mom’s awful accident and to hear your sister has been ill with this horrid virus.l understand how you feel regarding not being able to be with your loved ones it’s so hard at the moment not being able to be with family when they need us and we need them.
My husband had cancer as covid began in March and I was unable to be with him to support him and as you say able to hold his hand .
I will say a pray for your dear mom and sister and for you to keep positive Miceal and try and have time for you to I am always being told to have time for me but I’m not good at that as I alway put me last as long as others are ok and well I’m ok. I have a little balcony garden and I love potting around with it when I do get some me time.
Take care keep safe and well xx
So sorry to hear about your Mam’s fall, I will light a candle and say the rosary for her tonight. I really hope she is feeling a little better soon. Take care and stay safe Micheal x
Oh Miceal, I’m so sorry to hear the news about your dear mum – I know from your blogs how much you love her. It’s so hard to bear when loved ones are in pain, especially in these troubled times when you can’t be with her. Thoughts are with you both. Sending a virtual hug (((( ))))
Oh Micael, I can fully understand your emotional pain not being there to comfort your mum. I am sure she is the very best of hands and will be on the mend soon. You also need to take care of yourself after last year. If your mum is anything like her son, she will be surrounded by lots of friends who will help her
Until family can get to her. I hope your sister also makes a speedy recovery. Your family has certainly
Had it’s fair share of illness, so hopefully that is all in the past and the future will be brighter. I will
Say a prayer and send love and light. X
Miceal I am so sorry for you and your Mum I have been in your posistion with a loved one in hospital and I haven’t been able to be there for them. I send lots of love and prayers to all of you.
Marie xx
Hi Miceal
So sorry to hear about your mum. Hope she starts her road to better health very soon indeed. From one NI person to another!
Take care.x
Oh Miceal
I am so sorry to hear about your dear mum, the injuries she suffered would hit anyone, let alone anyone of your mums age. I certainly will say a prayer for her, my own mum was a lovely Irish lady sadly no longer with us but was such a special mum to my sister and myself, so I know how you feel about your mum.
Take care and send our wishes to your mum for a good recovery.
Carole. x
Hi Miceal hope your mum recovers really soon feel for you I had similar things with my parents not easy when your along way away you take care of yourself and enjoy your garden best wishes Loraine x
Sorry to read that your mum is poorly Miceal and hope that she is making some progress. It’s very hard when you are so far away for you too.
Take care and look after yourself.
Sorry to hear about your mother’s misfortune. poor lady suffering that after being out for her flu jab. Hoping she will mend quickly and get home to see family soon. Take good care yourself! Best wishes, Carole
In Micael so sorry to hear about your lovely Mammy God Bless her stay strong my friend and safe praying for you bothx
Aw Miceal
So sorry to hear about your lovely Mum. X Tell her that I am praying for her, prayer is powerful and I know God hears so am praying God is near her to carry her and I know He promises in His word to never leave us or forsake us when we are following Him. He is her strength and Comfort and Her peace. He carries us and I know He will help, our ever present help in times of trouble. He is our hope. My friends mum recently had a very bad fall coming from a taxi and has recovered enough to walk in her garden for the NHS. She s 85 and of the same stoic generation of your mum. They are very strong and we have an anchor that holds us firm and safe. Though the billows roll, it is well with my soul!!!
My friend has had some bad health news lately and she’s already planting spring flowering bulbs in hope for the joy of spring. Like you, focussing on your heather’s and cyclamens, such a wonderful thing to do. Let’s keep moving forward in all this uncertainty, we have hope and a joy and a peace and the blessing of the gift of wonderful strong mums..
Sending my love and prayers to you and your mum and sister. Always… We’re with you.. Do tell her wont you.
Love and God bless
Christine X X
I’m so sorry to hear about your mum Miceal. It’s so hard when you can’t go and see her because of these horrible times. Sending positive vibes, love and hugs to you,your mum and your sister. Hang in there xxx
Hi Miceal I work in a hospital and just know your Mum is getting the best care and being well looked after. I know it is difficult for families not being able to visit but your Mum must be kept safe from Covid. You must be very worried but keep positive. Take care
Hi Miceal….sending my very best wishes to you, your mum and sister. Take care. Bev x
Hi Miceal,
So so sorry to hear of your mum’s accident and 100% know what you’re going through because we have been through pretty much the same situation. It’s been the worst year and add to it that we’re all trying to work and cope with all these things on our own and it’s really taking its toll. I haven’t heard your mums saying but I like it. I’ll try to do the same which is hard at the minute. No wonder we can’t sleep!
Thinking of you x
Hi Miceal, So sorry to hear of your Mum’s fall & after being for her flu jab too, my heart goes out to you as it’s such a worrying time made more difficult with all the restrictions we have in our lives just now when all you want is to hold mum’s hand & reassure her. I will keep you all in my thoughts & prayers & send special wishes to your mum to mend quickly & start to feel less pain & bit more comfortable soon.
Also sending your sister speedy recovery wishes back to good health.
Stay strong, take lots care & stay safe
Love & big hugs
Pamela
xx
Dear Miceal, sending my very best wishes to you, your sister, and your lovely Mum xx