I know I haven’t posted in ages, but I’ve just revisited other people’s, and decided to write something....
This past year has been the worst of my life (did you need to know that?. Probably not...). John had a bad fall in June of last year, and I became a (willing, of course) carer. But he never recovered his strength, and after a gradual deterioration, he died at home, with me beside him, on 26th April.
Then of course there was Covid, affecting us all, and we were in the middle of a house move. I’m now in a small but very nice Victorian cottage in Surrey, much nearer my kids, who are all within 40 mins drive,which is much better. I’ve done no writing for at least a year, but who knows...I need to get my mojo back first.
If any of my former followers have news, I’d love to know how you are, how you’re coping with the current plague etc. Comments very welcome 😀
Having been in touch with you over the last few months, it's wonderful to see you back, Frances. I hope that your mojo returns. In the meantime stay well and stay safe.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Graham
DeleteDear Frances, believe it or not - only a few days ago I was thinking of you and how much I regretted that you had stopped blogging (fully understanding the reasons, of course).
ReplyDeleteIt is really good to see you back. Please do accept my sincere and heartfelt condolences.
Nothing much new in my neck of the woods - the corona-related restrictions have stopped my pub quiz and disco dancing nights out with my friends, but other than that, I work, I shop, I eat, I sleep, I walk (lots!), I read...
That’s very kind, Meike. I’m not sure I’ll Return to regular blogging, but time will tell. I’m glad you’re surviving.
DeleteDear Frances, my condolences on your loss.
ReplyDeleteYour move sounds positive, even if disorienting and exhausting for a while. I hope you still have your horse. I haven't ridden since my husband's health went downhill two years ago. I don't resent it at all. This is the Caring Season of our relationship. I am sadder that I don't have the "Mental Bandwidth" to write anymore. "The Cheat to Win Culture" is a title I have in mind due to the Political, and other bad behavior here in the US.
I voted today, which made me feel better. Hand carried into an official Ballot Office, as every precaution must be taken right now.
I hope to see more from you soon.
Thank you. I’m really sorry your husband is so unwell. You have my sympathies.
DeleteLovely to have you back... my blog posts are very intermittent now but I actually managed to post today. I am so sorry to read about John and I hope you’re coping okay. Being closer to the children is a good thing and your little Victorian cottage sounds lovely. Look after yourself.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Wendy. I see that your novels are doing really well, and I’m so pleased for you.
DeleteSo sorry to hear of your loss. Getting through a day at a time is fine and managing anything else is a bonus. Being nearer the children is a blessing.
ReplyDeleteStay strong.
Just discovered your new post, but so sorry to read about your husband. I hope that you will be happy in your new home. I was only thinking about you a while ago as I recommended " Dead Ernest" to a friend and she was going to get it . Not heard if she did! Our life plods on, thankfully both well at the moment. The dog gets walked and I meet friends there. I go occasionally to Waitrose now after about 6 months away from it. I don't do my shift at Oxfam any more or get the big grands from school, which means I hardly see them, and have 3 afternoons per week to fill!!..... but the little grandson comes round about once a week with his parents...my middle son and DIL. P gets most of our food daily from our local Tesco Express and gets quite miffed when I do a Waitrose shop every few weeks!
ReplyDeleteI kept your name on my "bookmarks"and have been checking every so often....lovely to find you again this morning.
What a wonderful surprise to find a new post from you, Frances. I’m so sorry to learn of your husband’s death and you certainly have my sincere condolences and good wishes for the future. I selfishly hope that you do resume blogging on a regular basis. You are a bright spot in Blogland and have many well-wishers.
ReplyDeleteI'm very sorry to hear that Frances. I haven't posted in a long while either, exhausted by 2020. I hope you are well ( the little cottage in Surrey sounds nice) and I hope we all have a better 2021 and a hopeful future after Tuesday.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to read your sad news, Please accept my sincere condolences. Loss is hard. Being nearer to your children is good and must be a comfort in some ways. I know because the 14 November will be the fourth anniversary of my husband's death. I think many of us slipped when it came to blogging. My spark went out but only very recently I decided to make an effort. I have occasionally come to your page duringg the last few months and was disappointed to see you weren't around. Do hope you come back but do it in your time, when you're ready. Covid is a bummer and I have been in lockdown since March, working from home and only very rarely been to the office. I keep in touch with my staff via Zoom and telephone calls to keep spirits up apart from dealing with daily events. I wish you well for 2021 and hope it's a peaceful year for you.
ReplyDeleteDear Frances,
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry about your husband. I am glad you were able to be with him and care for him - and I know how hard that is, from many different angles. You are a strong woman, and he was a lucky man.
I hope that your new surroundings (which sound lovely) will give you comfort and enable you to come back to writing again.
My husband's health took a heavy blow a year ago, so I know about the "Caring Season" of a relationship, as well. There's a depth there that you can never suspect until it happens.
I think there is a sisterhood of wives who become carers, but we rarely know who each other are, because it's something we don't sometimes feel we can talk about publicly.
I hope the new year brings you all things peaceful and good, people who are kind and thoughtful, and joyful experiences you never expected.
Frances I've missed you. As Marcheline posted, I too believe there is a sisterhood of wives who become carers and it's a truth that we don't go on about it in public. My husband of 63 years suffered a stroke three years ago so I've been occupied with caring.
ReplyDeleteIt does get in the way of our writing and posting and everything else we are accustomed to in our lives. I hope you will be more comfortable near your children and the Victorian cottage appeals to me greatly. I hope you will return to your writing. I enjoyed your books and have them on my shelf where I keep those I will read several times.
Be well, stay safe and soldier on.
I was just thinking of bloggers that I miss and I looked you up and found this post. I am very sorry for your loss. And then, to have to deal with Covid 19 also...oh dear, all seems so much to think about for you. I hope you are hopeful for 2021 like I am. Take care of yourself. Love from the U S A. 🇺🇸 Kay
ReplyDeleteAs I observed your new site, which provides me with excellent feelings and stimulates me in my future steps, you did an excellent job. Thank you for taking the time to write such a comprehensive essay as the one I received. This website is simple to navigate and enjoyable to read like I get my content from College Essay Wrting Services - Buyessay.org.uk. I'm delighted to be a follower of your blog, and your essay is superb. Continue in this direction.
ReplyDeleteYou should opt for PhD Dissertation Writing Services if you want to save your time. For more details on academic writing services, you have to browse the website of the service provider and grab all information about assignment writing Online Assignment Help.
ReplyDelete