Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Dear Friends,

I debated about writing this...you know, putting it all out there.  But I've come to realize that the term "blogging friends" really just means "friends".  As an army wife, friends come and go, some are friends just for a season, and a few are friends for life.  When I started this blog, I had no idea what the support, in comments and emails, would come to mean to me from my blogging friends.  So, I wanted to let you know what is going on.

As I've mentioned, we are moving.  Movers will be here next week.  What I haven't told you is my husband will be moving to Virginia for his new job and I (and the Scotties) will be moving back to my parents' house in Tennessee.   My mother is fading away.  My dad is her caregiver, but things are getting to be too much for him, as his own health is declining.  Hospice is now involved and my sister keeps warning me to be prepared for how bad she is.  I think I've cried more in the past month than I have in, well, forever.  And I'm not a pretty cryer!  But right now, I can't stop.  The tears just keep coming. 

My husband will go next week to look for an apartment.  Evidently, despite the internet age we're living in, you have to be there in person to get an apartment.  I will be here for the packers.  We are setting aside things I will take, things he will take, and then what the movers will store.  We've been through many separations before, but this is harder.  My stress level is pretty intense; I'm eating Tums like candy, not sleeping that well, my mind just keeps going in circles.  I'm already missing my husband and he's not even gone yet! 

As this is mainly a quilting/sewing blog, you'll understand why there won't be many posts from me.  I'm taking a couple of projects with me, but I'm not really expecting much progress.  Diana's life is crazy hectic, but hopefully, she'll be able to post some things now and then.  I know she's working on a couple of things when she can between chasing those grandkids around!   I'll be checking in on your blogs, may not have time to leave a comment, but I really enjoy seeing what all you're doing.

Love to you all,

LaDonna

28 comments:

  1. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. I just lost my Monther-in-law and know what you are going thru with hospice.

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  2. Dearest LaDonna,
    You will all be in my heart and prayers during this time. It is never easy to be separated from family, especially your spouse. Remember the Lord is with you always. Lean on His strength, grace and love. Post when you can and keep us posted. Some of my favorite people live in my computer and you are one of them.
    Love and hugs, Deborah

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  3. My prayers are with you and your family. I'm praying for God's grace and comfort as you go through this rough time. Take care of yourself and we're here for you.

    love and peace
    Kiera

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  4. LaDonna, will be thinking of you and your family. It won't be an easy time for any of you. Somehow you will get the strength to get through it. LindaC

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  5. Sounds like stressful times ahead. I am sure your Dad will be really happy to have your assistance. I am sure you and your husband will get through this. He knows how much you are needed by your parents. My prayers are with you.

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  6. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. I am a military spouse and I understand the separation emotions but haven't had to deal with being a caregiver to my parents-yet. Take care of yourself.

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  7. My prayers are with you, also. I'm happy for you that you're able to go spend this time with your parents.

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  8. It is always so difficult when someone you love really starts to decline. It is difficult to hear about it and much worse when you are actually seeing it. My heart goes out to your family.

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  9. LaDonna, I'm so glad you are going to be in Tennessee for a while to help out, you'll be glad you did this for your dad and for your sister.
    And to both you and Diana (and your families), you will be in my thoughts and prayers.

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  10. Oh LaDonna, Tears are in my eyes as I leave this comment. I will offer daily prayers for you and all of your family! I've helped care for my parents and Mike's parents in their last days and I do understand the heartache and trials ahead. But there will such times of blessing and rewards and after a time those will be the ones you will remember and cherish. So keep the faith and know that there are many supporting you in their heart and prayers.

    Blessings

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  11. My thoughts and prayers are with you and all the family. I pray for your mother as she walks this road that we must all travel someday. For your father as he see his dear wife fade away, for you and Diana as you say goodby to the mother who has taken care of you, and to your husband, wishing him well in his new job and strength for all of you.

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  12. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Our family has already been through this same scenario with my Mom-In-Law and my Dad in the past so I truely know what you are going through. I know nothing I can say will make any of it any easier but just know we are all thinking of you and your family.

    Samantha

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  13. LaDonna.....I'm so sorry for all of your heartache. It is never easy when a parent is in decline, but my husband found out 2 years ago, that it is definitely the right thing to try and be there. I stayed home, and the separation was trivial compared to the permanent loss. You'll be grateful you were able to spend this time with your parents, and knowing your husband is supporting you by doing all he can on his end. I think being in the military produces hearty souls who can handle these situations....it's never easy, but know we are all thinking of you and your family right now. Spend every minute you can with your mom.

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  14. I am so sorry, LaDonna. I was worried. We went through the same thing with my father.
    You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. I know your father will be relieved when you move in to help him as I imagine that he is overwhelmed. Take care. Sheila

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  15. Aww, LaDonna {{{{{ }}}}}

    I'm so sorry you're going through this. We military families know how to do the separation thing, but it doesn't make it any better, and this is such a depressing reason to be apart. I'm glad you are able to go be with your parents. Enjoy your moments with your Mom, and with your Dad, too. What a blessing to them both to have your upcoming companionship.

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  16. I'm so sorry to hear about your Mom and her failing health. I know how hard separations can be after being a military spouse for 25 years. I hope that your stress level goes down soon. Take care of yourself during this tough time! I'll look forward to reading your blog when you have time....

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  17. Oh LaDonna! You are a brave woman! My thoughts and prayers are with you and Diane as you care for your mother. Don't forget to take care of yourself as well! Maybe pack projects that you can work on easily/quickly to give you some "self-care/me time." I find portable hand projects to be relaxing and I can still converse & be company to others. And remember, that this too will pass and you and your husband will soon be together again.

    Deb

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  18. You will be in our prayers. It sounds like really tough times ahead, but you will find out that you're stronger than you think you are. What a blessing for your parents that you are able to be there. Go ahead and cry all you want. It's okay. And when you feel like you need some extra support, just let us know.

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  19. Oh LaDonna I am so sorry to hear about your mom and dad. Just know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Just remember you have to take care of yourself as well. I will miss you but please know we are all here for you so if you need to vent please feel free.
    Hugs
    donna

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  20. Dear LaDonna, One day at a time, one things at a time and make some time for yourself each day, even five minutes to take a deep breath and think of something good before you go to sleep each night. Lots of people will be praying and thinking of you. i am so glad you shared this with the bloggers.

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  21. oh sweetie my heart goes out to you! just take it one day at a time and try and find some peace. God will guide you through this, just take His hand. i will be praying for you, your sister, and your entire family. take care of yourself and know that people are thinking about you and praying for you!

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  22. To you both, family is the most important thing in the world and we need to care for for it in good times and bad, happy and sad. And from someone who's own family is spread all over the place - it's not easy when you can't be everywhere at once. Just do the best you can, look after you as well as others and make time to something each day that gives you peace or makes you smile.

    Think of you, Kathy

    PS: Have begun a new blog called Sew-Happy House - follow me there for a little cheerfulness:) Will be closing Quilted notions soon.

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  23. Dear La Donna, don't worry for us or for the blog: you are going through
    an hard period but you and your family are in my thoughts!
    After the storm there is always the sun......
    Hugs Rossana

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  24. So many have written such beautiful, heartfelt sentiments! I'm not good at that, but I am sorry about your mom and will be thinking of you.

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  25. Oh, LaDonna - I am so sorry you are having to face all that's ahead. I'll be praying for strength for all of you.
    -Sherry

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  26. Hi LaDonna;
    Sorry, I have been away at the lake, and have not kept up with my blog friends.
    So sorry to hear about your mom. It is a difficult time. I just lost my mom a couple of years ago (she was 95) and the last few months were very tiring. But I am sure you will feel that you are fortunate to be able to go and spend time there. I will be keeping you in my thoughts. Take care.

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  27. Dear LaDonna,
    I am so sorry about your mother's health and your impending separation from your husband. I don't really know what to say except God and all his love will see you through this.
    Jamie

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  28. One of the toughest things I've ever done in my life is to have stayed with my mother the last two months of her life--and it was one of the best things I've ever done also. Mothers give so much, and so I consider it a privilege to be able to give just an infinitesimal bit back. May the Good Lord's blessings be upon you and your family.
    best, nadia

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