Happenings…
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I thought I would catch you up on what has been happening behind the scenes here in my corner of the world… and why I have been more absent than usual from blogworld…
But first…
Membership and Freebies Update
Last month I got an email from Teachable, the platform where I host my membership and freebies sections… to keep a long story short, they are basically increasing their fees to almost triple what I paid last year… I have only just managed to break even with the current fees, so needless to say I can’t manage such a high price increase.
So for the third time, I need to find another platform. I have been working on this for the past month and hope that in a few days it will be up and running… I know it is going to be annoying for everyone to move across, and I am so sorry to have to do that to all of you – but I don’t have a choice. I hope that this new platform won’t do the same thing, but I have no control over what these places charge.
I am working on a cute little freebie (see hidden stitchery above) as a thank you for the hassle of moving across! Stay tuned!
Family Life
Over the past year, there have been some changes in our family life…. my parents are both 83 now and have some health issues that are challenging. Mum has Macular Degeneration and has severe vision impairment… and Dad has just been diagnosed with Vascular Dementia…
As you may know, I work in Aged Care – about 10 years ago I did my certification in anticipation of the time when my parents would need my help. I wanted to keep them out of a care facility as long as possible… it seems we are now at the stage where they need more help and can’t really stay in their own home anymore.
It has been an emotional and mental rollercoaster for all of us, since early this year….. There are many things to consider, and so many decisions to be made. We have looked at a lot of options, and to be honest, we have still not reached a concrete decision…
We would love to put up a little house in our back yard for my parents.. but again, that is easier said than done… so all of these things have been distracting me from my blog and my blog friends…
I have basically just been in survival mode.. and haven’t blogged like I used to, visited my blog friends and left comments, or done as much sewing…
I know there are seasons in life… and this season is a challenging one. I have no doubt that things will get sorted, but it is taking a while…
For those of you who pray, we would appreciate your prayers!
I can say, however, that I am hopeful that we will see things resolved soon. I am very much a glass-half-full person!
Like I said yesterday, Mum and I are spending a week away at a local hotel. We both needed a break!! We are at a lovely place in the country with breakfast included and a little kitchenette….. I have brought some stitching with me… and a few books!
I just want to thank you for all being patient with me during this time. For all of you who faithfully leave comments to encourage me, they mean the world to me!! Really! And for those who email me with words of wisdom and empathy – thank you…
Tomorrow is the 1st of July… and if you’ve been following me for a while, you know what I love to do in July….. 🙂 Even though I am busy with so many things, I am planning some fun for this month…
Thank you again for being my blog family, and I’ll be back tomorrow!
Ah my friend what a time you are going through right now. Holding you in my prayers. Enjoy your mini break and look after yourself, remember, if you ever fancy a break here in the west, our house is yours. Big hugs 🥰
We are at that stage in our life too. Planning the next phase but not having decided on what to do. We don’t know what health issues might help us make the decision. I will be praying for you and your family. I am sure that you are confident in God’s divine care.
Hang in there. We too are looking at a big move to downsize, and it is so hard to let go of this lifestyle and embrace one with less space. We will have to accept that our guest room is a waste since we never have guests overnight anymore, but not having it is accepting that almost all the people that used to come use it have passed away. We don’t need much of what we have, but letting go is just difficult. Cherish these times with your mom, they will be gone too soon.
Awww Joy, I’m sorry to read about your folks, that is hard to face. Does your Mom still see a bit? My Mom had macular degeneration too, and she loved to read. She read as long as she could, holding books closer and closer to her eyes. How is your Dad doing? My husband’s folks both had dementia – it’s a process isn’t it? My husband and I both turned 77 this past month, and reading about your issues makes me realize we need to start downsizing/prepping to make things easier for our kids when that time comes!
I hope you and your Mom are enjoying your time away. Good luck resolving your platform issues. Please know that all of us are just grateful for your beautiful patterns and don’t care if we have to “move over”. 🙂
Take care, and hugs to you!
We recently walked this path with husband’s parents. Never say. Many decisions to be made. Grateful that we can seek a loving God for wisdom and strength.
I’m glad you and your mom are able to take a fun break. Get some relaxing time. Prayers for you and your family to deal with this stressful time.
Sorry to read about the health struggles for your parents, and all the decisions that need to be made (and changes). It’s a tough season for all of you. I will definitely pray for you, for wisdom and guidance in the days to come. Enjoy your getaway with your mom!
I am so glad you and your Mother are away – you both deserve it. It is a struggle aging and caring for the aging. I will keep you and yours in my prayers. I had thought of doing a teaching online thing awhile ago, but it is so expensive. I will be interested in seeing what you choose.
PRAYERS for ALL KEEP the Faith!
I’m so sorry about the platform issues on top of everything else you’re dealing with in your family life. Being the caregiver isn’t an easy road as I well know, having done that for my parents and, to a lesser extent, my inlaws. You know thoughts and prayers are with you.
First, I am giving you a hug! This is a very hard time for you and physically and emotionally straining. I am well acquainted with your situation…so many of us face a very similar situation. Take your time out and know we are here for you and praying, too. Enjoy your ‘girl’ time.
Joy, I hadn’t realised so much was happening and we must catch up at some time. Bit hectic here too with young brother needing more assistance with his situation. This is the first time in a while since I could access your blog. Breathe…………take care & hugs.
It’s a tough time when parents are aging. My parents passed away at very young ages; however, my husband’s Mom lived to be 88 and she had many health issues and she close to stop getting infusions and quit the meds that were keeping her alive. She passed a week later. His Dad is 94, but still in good health, still drives, lives alone, and does his own grocery shopping. It’s tough watching loved ones age. We’ll all be there one day. I’ll pray for you and your family for strength and wisdom. 🙏🙏🙏
All the best with decisions and adjustments…. glad the two of you are having a little mini break…
Hugz
Hi Joy, I saved this post until I could come back and comment (whoops several months later!)…I hope life has got into a ‘new normal’ routine for you all and that your parents are doing ok. We’ve had a year of it with my mum and I know just how emotionally challenging it can be. Take care xx