Feel free to join in on That Was The Week That Was.
Monday, I had a long chat with a brother who has the same condition(s) I do. He was hospitalized and put on intravenous antibiotics as one of his symptoms was high fever. So infection for him and chronic anaemia for me. But interestingly, no pain for either of us.
Tuesday I had a spyhole installed in my door to avoid the cranks that this snarly hermit tries to avoid at all costs. Started compiling a writing workshop layout for a series of eight workshops I am giving for another anthology.
Picture is of Fogo Island, Newfoundland from a few years ago.
Rolled with two cancellations of social plans on Wednesday. I am never bothered by such things as I have masses of plan Bs to amuse myself with.
Thursday not much, several books arrived, two from Ireland and one picked up at my local charming library.
More on books later, my books read list is waaaay overdue.
Friday, we had a meeting with local bank to start legitimizing Support Our Seniors, the group I founded. I am always amazed at the emotion showed by young people including my CBC interviewer and now the bank manager, when they learn about the dismal poverty many seniors are in, living way below the poverty line in a "wealthy" country. More awareness is needed. More on that later.
Had to cancel today, Saturday, though not much was planned as I had dizzy spells this morning which discombobulated me. Now thankfully gone. But had a long nap in the afternoon to recover.
Tonight. I was alarmed at not reaching my friend Lana (read about her here) for the past month so contacted her son and she has been put into a luxurious assisted living facility. Something she, like many of us, never wanted to happen.
She had been ill with clots in her right leg and her mental stability had worsened, so he made this decision and caretook her all the way through it. He gave me her number and I was so delighted to hear her - so accepting of her new situation. She is rapturous about the care she is receiving and the incredible meals which she told me about. And how the staff chase her down, laughing, to give her her pills as she walks all over the building to get her exercise. And how she is accepting she is there forever, so to speak. I cried I was so happy and moved. She is younger than I by a few years but one never knows when life can change irrevocably.
This dear friend died during the week. She lived to a great age (94) and this was a study I took of her for a painting by an artist about 6 years ago. He wanted her eyes downcast as she had a "saintly and modest demeanor". He didn't know her obviously, as she could swear and curse with the best of us and had endless talents.
Some lovely conversations with Sherkin Island aficionados, sharing memories and with one planning a trip to Newfoundland.
Sherkin - a part of my heart resides there. Always.
A very mixed week.
ReplyDeleteSadly underfunded seniors seem to be a constant in our 'affluent' societies.
How I love that such a beautiful place is a home for your heart...
The ups and downs of life EC even in a day sometimes. Such concerns for those less fortunate and we can only do so much.
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I am glad your friend's son was there to help with her move to another home.
ReplyDeleteI love your photos of sea and islands.
Thank you River, I was so glad too, their relationship has been rocky but he is there for her now and I am so happy.
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What a pretty part of the world you are in.
ReplyDeleteI think you will appreciate the spy hole and I'm pleased you are advocating for impoverished seniors. We really could do better.
I love my spy hole, now I can see who's outside my door ringing that ridiculous and startling bell. :)
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Your late friend was being very Queen Elizabeth. It is is a great photo.
ReplyDeleteYour brother is in Ireland?
I hope my Mother's situation can be like Lana's soon. She is not quite there yet, in her opinion.
I have 4 brothers Andrew, 2 in Ireland, 1 in Malta and 1 in Costa Rica. My "baby" sister is in Ireland. We are quite scattered by Zoom glues us together every Sunday afternoon.
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Looking forward to your Books Read list. Hope all is well with you.
ReplyDeleteThanks Tom. I am much better, can't believe this Lazarus thing that happened to me. Much good books read this year.
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Dizzy spells can be very discombobulating. Soo good that Lana is now in a nice place, and happy about it, sometimes we do not know what's best for us, and luckily for all of us the future is hidden. Condolences on loosing a friend, she sure looks saintly.
ReplyDeleteShe was no saint Charlotte but quite the activist and full of creative endeavours and reading, etc. Her decline was slow but manageable.
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Beautiful old photos, and lovely descriptions of friends and children. Our elder care is abysmal, I know. After my sister and I took care of our mother, I expected much the same of my children. That has proved a futile expectation; they anticipate me to carry on as I always do.
ReplyDeleteI am currently re-reading "Being Mortal" Joanne and it's as enlightening as ever. I love his anecdotal approach to the aging process and how we are so ill-equipped to handling it all.
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I love your photos and your writing. I don't anticipate having an old age but we shall see...We should do better by our elderly here.
ReplyDeleteEverywhere we should do better especially with assisting the elderly to live in independence rather than be institutionalized
Deletewith every hour of their lives regulated. Much like prison.
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Surprising that so many people are still unaware of the large numbers of elderly folk living in poverty. The myth persists that we're all rolling in money and going on endless luxury cruises.
ReplyDeleteThe word poverty in old age is anathema to all government agencies "assisting" the elderly. I have to laugh as to how carefully they avoid it. And the ads don't help of tennis playing elderly.
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I'm sorry about the loss of your friend.
ReplyDeleteSpyhole. I don't know why that made me laugh. I guess it is no funnier than peephole.
Peep hole sounds a bit pervy, SAW. Spy hole sounds more 007.
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I am sorry to hear about your brother. I hope he is feeling better. You sound like things are going well for you as you have many things to do. Good luck with your projects. Your friend lived a long, interesting life, which is a blessing.
ReplyDeleteYes, she was a light in her community and the larger world and never stopped.
DeleteYes, my brother is doing very well, thank you.
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What a wonderful and monumental task you've taken upon yourself. I know many older single women who worked all their lives but are attempting to survive on $800-900 a month.
ReplyDeleteIt's incredibly awful and I liken it to abuse.
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I hope you are okay. I am sorry about your friend and brother too.
ReplyDeleteI had to make some hard decisions E, but I will update later today.
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