Yikes! A 20 degree drop that fast would be tough no matter where you live.

Glad you got away Sue, sometimes you need a change of scenery as a punctuation mark in your life. Seeing family is always a joy, although I remember being like your daughter, so busy with my various jobs that I couldn't always participate in family gatherings as much as I would like. Trying to make up for lost time now, and grateful that I have the opportunity. But 10 days is a nice vacation, hope you did get to have a little talk with your daughter anyway. She sounds like the right one to talk to. Oh well, there's always the phone.

Welcome back, we mised you!

Sue :

welcome back, I am glad you got to spend time with your daughters family & enjoy her company. We all missed you on board, I missed your thoughtful comments & support in our blogworld.

Asha

Well you had time off which you needed very much and you can use the same swim suit next time since you didn't even get it wet. I hope you got some rest too!

Sue, I think I'd have been really honked. Everyone in the world can take off 'work' and spend time with family. Ignoring the fact that you came there, in need yourself, while waiting on others' needs, was a bad oversight, in my eyes. I know you are proud of her, BUT, you have needs and went there to try to address them, and yet, everyone else's needs were important.... but not yours. She could have taken off a few days and let someone else do it. People, like your daughter and my husband, think they are so important, no one else could ever step in for them. It's not true. I'm sorry your needs were the ones that weren't addressed. I know you are doing the stiff upper lift and so proud of her, but somewhere in your heart, you probably feel like you were swept under the rug. Being selfless and helping others, should not just apply to strangers. I hope you are not offended by what I've said, and if you are, I apologize. I just know how I'd feel, anyone, hurting, would feel.

Sue: so glad you are back. We did so miss you in Chat. Nothing like a summer with all rain.

I look back now when I was an EMT and Air lift supervisor. So many mornings that scanner would go off and I would find Brittany on the stairs, worried about who would iron her uniform. We talk about that now, so often. Izabella's birthday this weekend and yet again, Debbie may or may not be there. But like you, she knows and understands. Shirley does what she has to do, and for that I know you are very proud. One only wants the best for their children.

So you are home, in miserable weather. Will get some projects done, consider some of the programs your Organizations offer - what you might want to get involved in. And if Shirley finds a break, you can finally decide to go last minute. You have that choice - after all these years - choice!

Mary and the girls are coming for the weekend of course. Mary and I both get to the spot where we need some time together - funny how sisters are. But this has nothing to do with either of us. Sue, she tries so hard to balance family and Bruce and I - my new life. And who has been there more for me. I love that they are all coming. But it is about Izabella's birthday and both sides of the family will be there. Not real comfortable for Bruce. I plan our normal weekend and we will catch up later - never enough time. And just hope that Bruce might want to go. Tomorrow night baby! Debbie

Sandy I talked to my daughter again last night on the phone. She sounds tired. She is so busy. I wonder sometimes if we expect too much of those who minister to us, ministers, counsellors, social workers, much more than we expect of higher paid professionals. She is still ministering to those who were affected by the flooding and the tornado that occurred two weeks ago, People are only just getting back into their houses and assessing the damage and realising they need help.

I have been sick the past couple of days, just a head cold, but enough to feel I need to look after myself better.It is sad that when others were sick there I was to look after them but now it is just me on my own none of that TLC is available for me. I don't want to feel needy or selfish or that life is "all about me". But I do need others to reach out to me sometimes and that is not happening right now.

Sue, I'm sorry your holiday was rainy and gloomy in more ways than one. Still, there was a connection with family and that had its moments of joy. I do wish you had been able to have that sit-down talk with your daughter. Perhaps that will still be available to you and her in the near future. My guess is you both would benefit from it. It sounds like she is working on overload and must be exhausted.

Time for Sue. Others might need to know you are needing a bit extra right now. Any friends you could call on to bring some chicken soup and a bit of love? I know--you'd rather not have to ask. But often others are waiting in the wings, willing to help but not knowing how or when. If that's not possible, well, you gotta go for it yourself. What would a "nurture Sue day" look like? Put something into tomorrow that's completely indulgent. Some days it really can be all about you. ~~Donna

Sue, hope you are feeling better. I understand that you feel like you need some TLC, we all need that, and agreeing with Donna, we needs days when it is all about us. I hope that you get to talk to your daughter, it sounds like she is getting tired, and need time to just step away and rest!.

God bless Sue

Yvonne