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Enjoy your stay under the variable skies of Eastern Washington and watch the seasons change, from planting to harvest here on the farm...be sure to wrap up in a quilt during the winter, it's cold!!

Thursday, January 3, 2019

Happy New Year, Merry Christmas...and all that jazz

I will admit the last three years have been more difficult then I realized they could be when I made the decision to move in with my dad and take care of him.  I left my hubby, horse and longarm (as well as most of my quilty things) behind in Washington...750 miles away.  The first year wasn't so bad as I stayed with my dad for 3 weeks a month then went home to Washington for a week, but that changed 2 years ago.  It was a Saturday night and I was supposed to drive home on Monday, but my dad was just beginning to show symptoms of a cold, and for some reason I decided I could not go home.  By Wednesday that week he was in the hospital with double pneumonia.  If I had gone home, I don't think he would have survived until I got home.  *Note to self, listen when your intuition yells at you*

After that, he was on oxygen 24/7.  I didn't realize just how limiting that really is nor did I understand just how out-of-breath someone on oxygen becomes with the slightest physical exertion.  Now I know.  Since January 2017, I have been home once for 4 days in March 2017 and I did get to meet my hubby in Hawaii for the wedding of one of his daughters in December 2017.  I miss my hubby, horse, longarm and all my quilty stuff!!  But I won't be going home until after my dad goes to his heavenly home, so...

Looking back on the past year, the only quilt I pieced was the one for my new granddaughter who was born this past summer.  I think I am stuck somewhere in my head I don't want to be, so...

I have decided I need some help to get sewing again, so I am going to participate in some BOMs that are free.  Marian at Seams to be Sew has a list on her post today of a bunch of free BOMs.  Six of them appealed to me, so I'm going to be giving it a go to try to break out of my funk.  I just might even post more often if I have something to show off!!

Since I really love this man, I don't want him to leave me any time soon!  This is a picture of the two of us celebrating his 95th birthday over two years ago...

9 comments:

Susie said...

It is a lovely picture of you and your Dad and I think it is a great idea to participate in free BOM as it makes you do something each week especially when you could do with that type of you have to do it or you get behind. I can't wait to see what you make. I tried a BOM last year but did not get on with it at all and although I don't like giving up I had too many other things I wanted to do then spend time on something I was not enjoying!!!!

Happy New Year to your family and your Dad.

Hugs, Susie x

Susan said...

I know it is hard, but you are doing the right thing. You are doing the thing that will leave you with no regrets. I know it's hard for your DH to get down to you, too, with the place he has to run. Animals don't take vacations! I'm so glad you decided to do some sewing this year. I think that's healthy for you. Get just what you need for your projects, and it will all work out. I'm so glad to know someone who puts the needs of others above the needs of self. =)

Barb Neiwert said...

What a heartwarming post! And I know how conflicted you must be to leave your family for...your family. Hang in there. It's great to get back into the swing of things with a little sewing. As caregiver, you really need that 'me' time. Blessings for all involved, and I look forward to seeing your progress!

Needled Mom said...

I admire what you are doing and I know your dad does too. It’s really difficult work caring for a loved one with so many limitations. It will be nice to see you participating in the BOMs and blogging more.

Alycia~Quiltygirl said...

You are such an angel on earth to your sweet daddy! and Yay for trying the BOM's - that will be a good thing for you! and thanks for sharing them - I love learning new things - Hugs to you!!

Quilting Tangent said...

Have talks about his family and chilhood. Stories he remembers about his past.

Moira said...

Sending hugs your way my friend. Great pic of you and your dad

Joy from Days Filled With Joy said...

What a sweet photo of you and your dad! He is very blessed to have you :) xx

claudia said...

Bless your heart! Caring for your parent is the hardest but most rewarding thing you will ever do in your life. I completely understand...I moved to my father's home and spoiled him for the rest of his life. It wasn't easy, but I sure wish I was still there with him.