Give Me a Break

If you follow me on social media, you might be aware that this is a difficult time of my life.

My Mother is ill. Dying. She was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer a few weeks after I quit my radio job in October 2018. I was grateful to have been available to be with her through every appointment and treatment over these last couple of years. I’d arrive a day before the appointment and become her short-term roommate for a few days as we navigated the health care system together. No one should have to go through it alone.

I’ve been living in her condo a couple hours away from home, for a month now. For the first three weeks, I was her caregiver. Then things became impossible. The “system” decided that this woman, who wasn’t able to get up from a sitting position on her own, didn’t qualify for in-home PSW visits. “Call us again in a couple of weeks and we will reassess”, said chipper Christine at the LHIN. Within a few days, Mom could no longer stand up at all. Unfortunately, there’s only one way to discover this; by collapsing on the floor. It was terrifying for both of us. She’s been in the local hospital ever since, waiting for a hospice bed that I fear she will never see.

I will have more to say about my Mom in the future. There are things to be learned about her treatments and, frankly, her stubborn attitude that got in her own way. (I do believe some of it is generational.) But right now, I am out of words and I need some time to process what’s going on. From updating relatives and friends to coaxing her to eat – just EAT – I’m drained. It’s a road many before me have traveled and understand. I just need a little time away. I miss my co-blogger Miss Sugar so much. She and I will return here when I feel I have something worth saying. Thanks for visiting. Please call your Mother.

Lisa