Good morning! Today’s post will link up to The Sunday Salon, The Sunday Post and Stacking the Shelves, for weekly updates.
**Mailbox Monday is hosted at the home site: Mailbox Monday.
And let’s join Kathryn, our leader in It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?, at Book Date.
Last week I planned to write a weekly update post, but it didn’t happen. I had some overwhelming feelings of malaise, so I decided to take a nap. On Monday morning, I found myself on the floor, disoriented and unable to get up off the floor.
Long story short: 24 hours later, after a friend checked on me, EMTs took me to the hospital, and I was admitted. They did a series of tests, poked and prodded, and eventually I was moved from the ER to a room, where I had a diagnosis. A seriously infected gall bladder that would be too risky to remove right now. They put me on a course of antibiotics, did more tests, and when I started to stabilize, they discharged me until they could schedule surgery. I have several upcoming appointments and a slew of bitter pills to swallow…including the one about needing to find a new place. Meanwhile, I’m staying with my daughter temporarily. She is an excellent cook and well-organized with the meds. She has set up reminders on my phone.
I hadn’t finished a book at all last week, but when I came home, I posted on Amazon my NetGalley review of Sunset Beach. Today I read and reviewed Dreams of Falling.
My diet is restricted, of course, but I was allowed a smidgen of coffee this morning. Sigh.
BOOKS READ AND REVIEWED IN THE PAST TWO WEEKS:
Someone Knows, by Lisa ScottolineDreams of Falling, by Karen White
***
What a convoluted journey! Tomorrow we’re heading to my condo with lists, to decide what I can take to the new place and what has to be sold. The weird thing: I have no feeling about that process, except I wanted to be the one to decide. My daughter would have taken over…but then I found my voice. No. I want to decide these things.
I’m learning to ambulate with a walker, but that wasn’t bad…until my knee developed an infection, swelling up to twice its size, making it almost impossible to learn the process. But after icing the knee, taking some pain medication, and patience…I was “on the road again.”
Now I’m trying to resume some of my routines.
NEXT WEEK? I plan to clear out the fridge at the old place and collect the mail. And find the light at the end of the tunnel.
PERSISTENCE IS THE KEY.
Have a great week!!
***
Oh Laurel Rain my heart goes out to you. A big ouch for sure in so many ways. Just as well you had a friend who checked up on you. So happy to hear you found your voice. That is so important – its your life and you can make the choices that are best for you. Sending a big hug.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Kathryn, I’m so fortunate that my friend rescued me!
We’ve known each other since 1972!
As you know, my daughter likes to be “the boss of me,” so finding my voice was necessary. Lol
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh I’m so sorry to hear that! I noticed you missing from the Sunday Post and wondered if all was okay… such a huge life change. All my best wishes for as smooth and painless a transition as possible, with whatever you end up doing. You must be going through so many emotions right now. I’m glad you’re okay, though- that’s maybe the most important thing?
Take care this week, my friend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Greg, and I do have big changes ahead.
I’m trying to see them as challenges I can overcome.
Enjoy your week and your books.
LikeLike
Take care, Laurel-Rain, and may you be good as new in your new condo! Thinking of you and your daughter on mother’s day ! Be 🌞 bright!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Harvee, great thoughts! Enjoy your week, too.
LikeLike
I am so so sorry to hear about your health issue. I am sending good vibes and thoughts your way. I hope that your Mother’s Day is great!
LikeLike
What an awful time you’ve had! I hope things look up for you soon and you can draw on the strength of friends (including your virtual ones in the blogging community) and family to get through it. I’m sure you will 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Cathy, times like these do require the strength and support of friends.
Enjoy your week.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh wow… What a week. Or a couple of weeks, rather. Wishing you the best with your health! I’m so glad your friend checked in on you. Please stay safe!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Evelina, I’m also so grateful my friend checked on me.
Enjoy your week!
LikeLike
Laurel, I missed you! Seriously, I went looking for your posts! I’m so sorry for the reason for your absence but how wonderful that your friend checked on you. Did you find a new place already? I’m glad you can be the one to choose what you take. Sending you thoughts of strength and healing as you continue to move forward.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Mary, the place we looked at a few weeks ago had an availability, so we’ll be checking it out again. I didn’t think I was ready, but there are different levels. And I was stunned by how everything can change in a day!
I’m looking forward to no cooking and cleaning, although we can cook in our kitchens.
LikeLike
I’m so sorry to hear this! I’ve been awol myself lately so currently playing catch up.
My friend at work had gallbladder issues last year so I understand how restrictive the diet is while waiting on surgery to remove it. I wish you lots of luck, hopefully, the surgery won’t be too far out and you can finish healing properly.
Sorry to hear you are moving too! You mentioned last year when I was moving how much you didn’t want to have to do that and now here you are… Fingers crossed that goes smoothly too and isn’t more painful than it has to be.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Nicci, it’s funny how quickly we can change our minds after a traumatic incident. I was seriously frightened, with no hope of rescue.
Apparently my phones had no juice, but my friend got through on an emergency line. Is that a thing?
I am now eager for that “clean” slate.
Enjoy your week.
LikeLike
Wow Laurel, that must have been scary. I hope you hug your family and friends a little tighter.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Trin, and what a great idea.
Enjoy your week.
LikeLike
I’m going to have to scroll back through your blog! Somehow I missed the story about having to move and whatever is wrong with your knee/leg and why you have to use a walker!!!!
And now this with the gallbladder??? Man…I really hate it when life throws SO MUCH crap at one person like this. Especially a wonderful person like you.
I’m glad you found your voice and will decide for yourself what to keep. As I’ve been here taking care of MY mother for the past couple years, I noticed how she tends to just sit silently, allowing me to make all the decisions about her life so I encourage her to speak her preference about things but usually all I get is “I don’t care” or “It doesn’t matter.” Sigh…
Wishing you ALL the best with your health and your upcoming move!
And a Happy Mother’s Day!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Jinjer, the walker came after the weakness from the whole day on the floor and massive infections accompanied by dehydration.
The knee inflammation was a nice bonus, lol.
Enjoy your week, and I hope your mother finds her voice.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh wow!! All that from a gall bladder that most of us never even remember that we have lurking around inside us!!! So, so glad your friend checked on you!!!
LikeLike
Take care! You have a good attitude about all of your changes!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Patty, you are certainly familiar with the unexpected curves life throws at us.
Enjoy your week.
LikeLike
You, too! I will be thinking of you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh I’m so sorry. I hope things improve quickly. You are lucky to have a daughter close at hand to help even if you make your own decisions. Happy Mother’s Day! If you need a dessert photo I actually have one this week!
Here is my Sunday Post
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Anne, even when we don’t get along, it’s good to have family members that have your back. She just cleared off her desk for me for blogging, and elevated the bed so I can get up and about. Little things make the difference!
We will be going to the old apartment tomorrow to collect things that I will need right away, and I’ll do a walk-through list of what to bring over later. This will be my first move in which I won’t be doing the heavy lifting. Hmm.
Have a great week. I’ll check out your dessert photo!
LikeLike
I’m sorry you are having such a difficult time, and I hope things resolve quickly for you. Take care and be persistent in finding the positives.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Shelleyrae, I do hope to feel better soon, and this week will be full of various appointments, that make me feel as if I’m moving forward.
Enjoy your week.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so glad to see you blogging again! I was worried when I didn’t see any posts from you. Hope you are doing better. Take care!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Yvonne, my daughter set me up at a desk in the guest bedroom where I’m staying; brings delicious meals (and bitter meds) on schedule, just to make me happy! She doesn’t “get” blogging or soaps. I guess that’s selfless behavior. Something to ponder.
Enjoy your week. I think I’ll start reading The Mother-in-Law.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s very scary Laurel, and I’m glad your friend found you relatively quickly. I’ve been thinking about you, and sending all the healing vibes. Hopefully the transitions you need to make will be smooth, and not too hard on you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Trish; I guess I needed to be frightened out of my wits in order to make changes.
I hope you have a great week.
LikeLike
So sorry to hear about what has happened. My thoughts are with you as you are making decisions on what to take while awaiting on surgery. Please take care of yourself and allow your family to help! May you get some reading time in this week.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Nise, I’m feeling better, enjoying movies on my laptop. Hope you have a great week.
LikeLike
I am sooo sorry to hear about all the medical issues. Wishing you the best and to feel better. I don’t blame you with wanting to make the decisions. Happy Mother’s Day and feel better.
Mary
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Mary, I have started a new week with some things to look forward to….and my daughter set me up at a desk in the guest room. So I can more easily blog.
Enjoy your week.
LikeLike
I’m glad a friend found you and that your daughter can help you recover. My husband had a similar scare earlier this year and is now on a restricted diet. I’m following it to for moral support. Take care! My weekly update
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Sarah, I am finally starting to feel normal, again, albeit a New Normal. I am so grateful to my friend, too.
Enjoy your week.
LikeLike
Oh wow, that’s so tough. I really hope you get better. That must a be a pain. Get well soon!
Genesis @ Whispering Chapters
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Genesis, I am counting down the days until I can feel good again. All the support from friends has been wonderful.
LikeLike
I’m glad your friend checked on you. That sounds like a scary experience. I hope you feel better soon. Have a great week!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, AJ, I think I was pretty out of it (luckily), but what a relief to be rescued. Now i’ll be moving into a place (hopefully soon) with safety features.
Enjoy your week.
LikeLike
I’m sorry you had such a difficult week… thank God your friend checked on you! Sounds like some changes are ahead and that’s never easy. I’ll be thinking of you this week and hope you are feeling better soon!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, JoAnn, I never want to be in that situation again! As much as I resisted the senior living with safety features, it has all struck home to me in a startling way.
I like the look of your books. Enjoy!
LikeLike
It has been a difficult time for you, full of fear and change and worry. Despite all the darkness, the good came through for you, and you are now in a safe place. It will take time, but you will get used to the new place, and it will come to be home for you. You will heal and you will re-make your life, as you have done over and over in the past, and it will be good. You are surrounded by many of us out here who love you and are sending good wishes and thoughts and prayers your way.
Take care, my friend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Deb, wise and encouraging words!
It is a good thing to know that we can rise above our challenges at any age.
Thanks for stopping by.
LikeLike
Oh, my goodness. I’m so sorry to hear this. I’ll be keeping you up in prayer. Moving isn’t easy when we want to do it; never mind when we are forced to. I hope I respected my in-laws’ wishes as much as possible when cleaning out their house for them. We have a lot of stuff at our place now, but that’s the way it is.
Healing prayers for you, my friend.
Both of your new arrivals look great. I would love The Yankee Widow too. Hope you have a wonderful week.
https://imperfectchristianmom.blogspot.com/2019/05/mailbox-monday-may-13.html
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Cheryl, I am slowly realizing that some good can come of these events. While I would have preferred a slower transition, today I did decide on a lovely and very cute studio apartment with a great garden view. It is in a senior complex, and all cooking and cleaning are provided. I’m feeling a little pampered at the thought. LOL.
LikeLike
Oh no! I’m so sorry you’re going through this. But thank goodness you have your daughter and friends and a diagnosis. Good luck with the move and I hope you adjust well and quickly.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Candace, it is great to look around and see the support encircling us.
Enjoy your week.
LikeLike
Laurel, I am so sorry for what you’ve been going through this past week! Good thing you had a friend look up on you and family to take care of you. I hope things improve quickly, I’ll keep you in my thoughts ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Kay, I am starting to accept my changed circumstances and finding good things along the way.
Enjoy your books and your week.
LikeLike
Oh my, such changes for you. Although the body is not cooperating take care and stay strong in soul and in voicing your needs. Hope you are able to get some enjoyable reading in this week.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, vvb, I do find the body’s unwillingness to go along with our plans one of life’s little jokes on us.
I am looking forward to my books. Enjoy yours.
LikeLike
I’m sorry to hear that you are having health issues. I had my gall bladder removed some years ago when the doctors couldn’t decide if it was acting up or my Crohn’s Disease was the culprit. I hope you get settled in your new place soon so that you can get back to a more normal life. Come see my week here. Happy reading!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Kathy, isn’t it weird how various parts of our body seem unnoticeable until they create problems? I had seldom given my gall bladder a second thought.
Looking forward to feeling better. Enjoy your week.
LikeLike
How horrible for you. I am glad you are with your daughter and hope once things are taking care of you will be as right as rain. Hugs my friend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Kimberly, I hope that each day will bring new healthy progress. The antibiotics are bitter, but necessary.
I am especially grateful for my books!
LikeLike
So sorry to hear these issues, Laurel-Rain. I can remember having to diet before gall-bladder surgery. I hope you get stable quickly so you can get the surgery.
I hope you can continue to make the decisions needed for your move. My thoughts and prayers will be with you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am on a heavy regimen of antibiotics, as there has been a lot of infection going on. Once that’s under control, we can move ahead.
Thanks, Martha, and enjoy your week.
LikeLike
Oh my goodness, how scary! Wishing you speedy recovery. And, yes, persistence. One of the best books about writing I ever read was by Richard Laymon. His rallying cry for writers was “Persist and prevail!” but I think it’s a pretty good touchstone for just about anyone.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Katherine, it was terrifying! I’ve discovered the importance of persistence over the years, although some call me stubborn. LOL.
Enjoy your week and your books.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh no I’m so sorry Laurel!! I had noticed you missing from the interwebs and wondered if all was ok. It sounds like you have a great support system to help you out and I hope you continue to mend and heal up quickly. And it sounds like more changes are coming down the pipe as well. Hang in there, all will be well soon.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Erin, the early days were grim and painful, but gradually I’m getting stronger. I’m finding new ways to do old things. My daughter set up a computer desk in the guest room.
I found a new very tiny garden apartment to move into at the end of the month.
I’m reading and loving The Mother-in-Law.
Enjoy your week.
LikeLike
Laurel I am so sorry to hear this news – it sounds as though you have had some challenging times and some big changes looming – all the very best x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Cleo, I was not prepared for these events, but as I am taking them a day at a time, I realize that good things can eventually come from them. Every day is now like a gift, with physical therapists and nurses helping and a new little apartment with a garden view (by June 1). So…a new place to read.
Enjoy your week.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh no Laurel, so sorry to hear. Must have been very scary. I’m glad you are all right … and that you are getting stronger now. Will the new apartment be easier for you? I wish you the best and I’m glad your daughter is taking good care of you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Susan, I had resisted moving to a senior complex, but the one we found is lovely with many amenities (cooking and cleaning provided!). Until June, I’m staying at my daughter’s house.
I am loving The Mother-in-Law. It is so different than I had expected.
Enjoy your week.
LikeLike
When troubles find us they don’t sprinkle but pour down. I hope you can find some solace in a good book and you settle well in your new place.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Veronica, that sounds like a plan!
Enjoy your week.
LikeLike
What an ordeal for you. So happy you had a friend check on you,
I am so sorry to hear all of this, but things will turn around.
Sending healing thoughts and prayers your way.
Thank you for the update, and what a wonderful daughter you have.
Take care.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Elizabeth, I am so grateful for the friend who checked in, and now for my daughter’s help through these difficult days.
Each day brings improvement.
Enjoy your week.
LikeLike
OMG. I hope you are on the mend now. Stay upright and well, please. 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Serena, slowly but surely.
LikeLike
How did I miss this post? I’m so sorry about your health issues. It sounds like you’re on the mend now and I hope your move goes smoothly.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for stopping by, Vicki, and I am eagerly anticipating my new place… and feeling better. I still have struggles…but I think the new setting will help a lot.
Enjoy your week!
LikeLiked by 1 person