Smiley baby,

You don't have to apology for having a bad day or be strong here. Everyone on this site knows exactly what you are going through because we've been through the same things that your family is facing now. It's a long road back after a stroke touches someone in the family. The ripples from a stroke are far-reaching as you are finding out.

I can't promise you that everything is going to be okay soon but I can tell you that there isn't any problem you face that others before you haven't lived through and found a way to come out stronger on the other side.

Jean :friends:

Tess, If I had long enough arms I would hug you from here. You are right to be mad about a lot of things, this is not what you want to face at this time of your life. You want to be carefree and ready to go out and about just like a lot of your friends are, not hanging around the hospital. My son was fifteen when Ray had his first stroke and I guess felt the same way.

I too wanted to collapse in a heap when Ray had his major strokes, and he was not as long in a coma as your Dad has been. It is really scarey when these major traumas happen in your life and none of us are prepared for them.

Just hang in there and take everything a day at a time. I know that is a lot easier said than done but it is what we all had to do. I am not going to say it will get better, how the heck would I know? But you will be able to bear whatever lies ahead. Time heals, your heart, your soul, your life. Just hang in there.

Sue. :friends:

ometimes it's good to have a "bad day" thats how we know when we are having a good one. As Jean says stroke hits everyone in the family.

Can you talk to the manager where you work and explain you need more hours and a short explanation of why. Maybe he/she thinks you need time off now to go to the hospital or be with family?

Also contact a social worker at the hospital, you may be eligible for social security benefits or if your dad was a veteran there may be some assistance there. Did your dad have mortgage insurance on the house so if he became ill it would cover the payments..

Your mom may be too upset at this time to think of these things. Does your dad have disability insurance benefits thru his work?

Just some ideas to look into. School grants are available usually, you need to contact the school counselor and they will have an idea of grants available and the forms to fill out.

Instead of fighting with your boyfriend, jus tell him, I am really frightened about my dad's condition and I just need a hug and some quiet time with you.

Bonnie

Smiley Baby-

This is Jenny, Tom's wife. I lost my father when I was 12 years old and I understand your situation when it comes to family members. My husband Tom suffered a stroke two years ago April. Based on your blog, things sound pretty bleak right now. Regardless, you sound very strong from your blog. That part will be what carries you through this ordeal, trust me. Right now things are in disarray and you plainly miss your father and the strength he provided. Keep talking to him, he can hear you. And he may at this point be the only one that will listen and understand believe it or not. Take care.

Jenny

So sorry for your FDad's stroke, and that's bad enough, money troubles are not needed

Try to get him and your siblings on social security asap and because he's disabled, he'll collect for himself and his dependents -

My stroke was in 1985 at age 39 :Tantrum: & they put me on S.S. that day, and my children got a check, too -

Having less financial burdens will make his stroke easier to swallow

June :big_grin: