Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Lately

It has been a rough month. My mom got very sick and we had to scramble to find alternate accommodations for Dave, since she's his full time caregiver. It's emotional and difficult and there aren't a lot of solutions and it happened to come during a month when I'm also slammed at work. So I've been overextended and weepy and angry and despairing by turns. It's not the best place to be. But we're getting through it, and my mom is gradually recovering and we're figuring out where to go from here.

And in the meantime, we've found snippets of time for things that are pretty great. Like baby showers with dinosaurs and mastering homemade pizza and a few lengthy dinners with friends. Because those things become even more important when life is really difficult.

painted
{painted}

pizza dough
{pizza dough}

resting dough
{resting dough}

onions for caramelizing
{onions for caramelizing}

wedding napkins
{wedding napkins}

This also means I have a small backlog of things I've been wanting to share with you that I'm hoping to get to very soon. So, more posts, hopefully?

54 comments:

  1. When it rains it pours, it seems with hardships. But, I believe with blessings too. The blessings are coming!

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  2. Long time reader, first time commenter. I personally think that it clear with your past posts on Dave that you are really thoughtful and considering everyone in all your decision making, and sometimes there is no great decision. I just wanted to let you know as someone who is on the younger side (25) and had to deal with major parent illness, deaths, etc with both my partner and my family, that I really think you are doing a wonderful job handling a hard situation.

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    1. Sadie, I'm so sorry that you've had to deal with parental illnesses at this age It's a difficult place to be in and I sometimes feel pretty angry about it (even though there's no one to be angry at!). And you're right - sometimes there is just no great decision. Hugs to you and your family. We'll all get through it, right?

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  3. I really find it encouraging that you are able to find bits of good during rough times. It's a hard thing to do, for sure, but like you said snippets of good things are ridiculously important when life take a turn that isn't the greatest.

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    1. Well, it's easier looking backwards, I'll admit! The first two weeks I was running on adrenaline and take out meals and I was a mess. Now that we're settled into a routine (albeit, an exhausting one) I can at least remind myself to look for those good bits and treasure them.

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  4. I'm sorry about what's going on in your life. But thank you for taking the time to update with the little snippets here or there. It looks like you had a good time with family and friends.

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    1. Thanks, Marley! I'll keep trying to update here and there, although I probably won't be as consistent as I'd like.

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  5. God you poor thing. I worry enormously about my Dad getting sick, as he looks after my Mum who had a brain haemorrhage that left her brain damaged. It does seem life throws so much t us sometimes....

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    1. Oh, Karen - I'm so sorry that your family is dealing with brain injury as well. It's such a difficult situation and it can be so lonely. I'll keep you in my thoughts. And I'd definitely encourage you (if you haven't already) to try to think out how you'll handle it if your dad gets sick. We meant to have a back up plan in place but never got around to it and dealing with it in a crisis was not the way to go. But coming up with a back up plan seemed impossible too! You really can't win in these situations.

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    1. Thanks, Daphne! I know that we'll get through it.

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  7. Another long time reader, first time commenter here. Just wanted to say that I hope things go from overextended back to just regular extended soon and that your mother is in ship shape shortly. You and your family are in my thoughts - sending lots of positive vibes your way!

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    1. Thanks so much, dear! We appreciate all the positive thoughts and I'm sure we'll get through this soon.

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  8. really sorry to hear that Rachel! hope your Mom gets better soon x

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  9. really sorry to hear that Rachel! hope your Mom gets better soon x

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  10. I hope everything calms down soon and that your mom is better. I admire your strength, Rachel <3

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    1. Thank you, Hayley - I don't always feel as strong as I'd like to be, but I keep reminding myself that we are all more resilient than we realize!

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  11. I'm so sorry to hear it's been a rough month. Sending thoughts of wellness and peace your way; I hope there's lots of unexpected goodness in your near future.

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  12. Sending your mom the very warmest thoughts and hope for a good recovery.
    great to see you back here posting and that you can find some things to enjoy during this difficult time - you are a star!
    xoxo heiddis

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    1. Thank you! I'll try to keep posting here and there - I miss you guys when I'm away too long.

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  13. Thoughts with you and your fam.

    xo

    Naurnie.

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  14. i'm so sorry to hear bout your mom, my thoughts are with her and your family. its crazy when tough things happen how you realize all the good stuff you got. as always thank you so much for sharing.

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    1. Thanks, Jill! We have so many good things to be grateful for and I love being able to share them with you guys.

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  15. Thinking of you and your family and sorry for the rough times. Take care of yourself!

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    1. Thank you! I'm trying (and sometimes succeeding!) to take care of myself too.

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  16. Wishing you and your family the best during this difficult time. Your posts always bring a bit of extra sunshine to my day so like others I'm glad you can still enjoy some of those good moments.

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    1. Thanks, dear! So glad that the blog brings you some joy.

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  17. Thinking of you and hoping this time passes soon!

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  18. Hoping things get resolved soon! These times are so unsettling but you seem to be handling it well.

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    1. Thank you, Katie! The first couple weeks were the worst but I think I'm managing better now.

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  19. Aww, you poor dear! Best wishes as things hopefully improve!

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  20. :(

    you have been through so much. it's just nuts! i hope you can make it to the brunch in november. so crazy that november is the first date we're all available!

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    1. I'll be there, Kris! I know, totally insane that all our schedules are so difficult to manage. But at least we're doing it!

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  21. Sending big hugs. I am sorry for all that you're going through and I hope that there is a break ahead soon. xoxo

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  22. <3 Sending you all the good that I can give.

    On a lighter note, I really want dinosaurs at my baby shower.

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    1. DO IT! It was the easiest theme ever. And so cute. Wait, am I so behind on my blog reading/so scatter brained that I didn't know you were having a baby?! Or is this a future hypothetical baby shower?

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  23. sending your family lots of good vibes and prayers xxx

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  24. Sending my love to you and your family, Rachel! Sorry to hear you're having a rough month.
    Cxxx

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    1. Thank you, hon! I believe it will get better soon.

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  25. Hey, I know I'm late in saying this, but just wanted you to know that I'm thinking of you and am glad to hear that your mom is doing better. Thank goodness for all of those simple, perfect pleasures that bring joy and tide us over. xox

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    1. Thanks, P! I'm focusing on the little things as much as possible right now.

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  26. I, too, am a frequent reader but infrequent commenter. I tried commenting on my phone when this was posted, had difficulties, life got hectic, but you were still on my mind and so here I am, a few days late. I really appreciate your eye and your emphasis on details (in your blog posts and photography) and hope that some of those quotidian moments give you a little sense of calm, as they frequently do for me.

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  27. i am so happy to hear your mom is getting better! i hope everything is going well with dave as well.

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  28. so sorry to hear about your mom. i had a rough summer as well and understand how much worries about health on top of the accompanying logistics really throws your life for a loop. hope things are looking up for your family.

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