After a very brief trip to Wales to see my grandparents I came back feeling concerned and a bit sad (both in their eighties, they are looking considerably more frail than the last time I saw them...) but very glad to have seen them. When he asked why I was going, Little Miss had told her brother - in no uncertain terms - that they are both old and I was worried they'd die before our next visit. Those aren't the words I'd have used, but she had certainly grasped the sentiment. Each hour I spend laughing and chatting with them is a blessing, something to be treasured. I hope there will be many more, but am mindful that this may not be the case.
As I left for home I told my grandmother to call if she needs me to come back sooner than my next scheduled visit - her characteristic reply was "Don't you worry about that. When I go, I plan to go quick." She's stubborn as a mule, so I have no doubt it'll be so! She's already given me all of the family birthday cards until the end of the year, as well as a few pounds to get the children something for Christmas, but I'm hoping this is more of a sign of her pragmatism than any impending doom.
As I left for home I told my grandmother to call if she needs me to come back sooner than my next scheduled visit - her characteristic reply was "Don't you worry about that. When I go, I plan to go quick." She's stubborn as a mule, so I have no doubt it'll be so! She's already given me all of the family birthday cards until the end of the year, as well as a few pounds to get the children something for Christmas, but I'm hoping this is more of a sign of her pragmatism than any impending doom.
Nevertheless, with all this on my mind, I'd planned to take it easy today. A quiet day in the garden, watching the children play and catching up on some knitting. In fact, it looked a lot like this to begin with:
As it turned out, I spent most of the day in A&E with mum who experienced chest pain while she was sewing. Of course I insisted on calling 111 who then sent an ambulance that I had to follow to the hospital, 40 minutes away. Many (!) hours and tests later, it seems her heart is fine - she even got a 'high 5' from the doctor for all her (fitalong) walking, but we don't know what caused her pain, and it was scary for a while.
Days like today make me feel immensely grateful for our National Health Service - the ambulance and hospital staff were fantastic and made the waiting around much more bearable. (I really wish I'd grabbed my knitting before we left, it may have been finished!)
As we got home after 23:00, my other craft plans went awry - I'll tell you what else I'm working on tomorrow. All that remains tonight is to announce the winner of the pompom maker giveaway.....
Congratulations Elizabeth - once I have your address, your prize will be on it's way from Black Sheep Wools who have kindly sponsored the giveaway. For those who didn't win, I'd absolutely recommend getting yourself a set as they are so much fun!
Days like today make me feel immensely grateful for our National Health Service - the ambulance and hospital staff were fantastic and made the waiting around much more bearable. (I really wish I'd grabbed my knitting before we left, it may have been finished!)
As we got home after 23:00, my other craft plans went awry - I'll tell you what else I'm working on tomorrow. All that remains tonight is to announce the winner of the pompom maker giveaway.....
Congratulations Elizabeth - once I have your address, your prize will be on it's way from Black Sheep Wools who have kindly sponsored the giveaway. For those who didn't win, I'd absolutely recommend getting yourself a set as they are so much fun!
I'm glad to read your mum's heart is okay. That kind of scare is not fun. As adults, we notice aging so much more unfortunately. That is no fun too.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear your Mum is fine. Now you know you are able to knit happily. All the best for you and your family. Regula
ReplyDeleteGlad your Mum seems ok. I can empathise with your feelings towards your Grandparents. I've not seen mine in 4 years but we're hoping to meet up over this Summer. Last year my Grandma spent a lot of time in hospital and with hindsight she was lucky to have come home again. It's horrible :(
ReplyDeleteSo pleased your Mum is ok. Many people are all too quick to knock our national health system, but having been taken I'll in the States and found out how much it would have cost me (1500 dollars) it really made me appreciates our system.
ReplyDeleteOh how thrilling, thank you! How do I get in touch? So glad your mum is ok, we're so lucky to have the NHS!
ReplyDeleteI am sorry you had a scare! But so good she is okay now.
ReplyDeleteI am thankfull every day, that we in Denmark have a rather good healthcare system!
It has really helped me a lot.