Sunday, November 11, 2007

Hello, hello

So it's been a busy summer, and not in a good way. On top of dealing with my husband's death, my father (who's ninety) had his first major health crisis. He developed congestive heart failure. They decided he needed a pacemaker, but before that operation could be done, he came very close to death. They managed to stabilize him, and put in the pacemaker, and then he nearly died again. He wound up spending a lot of time in the cardiac ICU, and I was told by the doctors that he probably wouldn't ever be able to live on his own again.

Ha. The doctors failed to take into account my father's extreme determination and intense dislike of nursing homes. When he was eventually put into a rehab facility, he dedicated himself to improving his physical condition, amazing his physical therapists. I spent a great deal of time running back and forth to see him in the summer and early fall, but the upshot is, he's now back in his own house, living on his own, healthy and happy.

Of course, the downside to this is that I haven't gotten much writing done. I got a note from an editor today asking me where the heck my book for her was. I assured her I'm working on it, and asked if I could deliver the book in January. Hopefully she'll be okay with that. And hopefully I can avoid any further family crises this year, and get myself back to serious writing!

6 comments:

  1. You've been in my thoughts. I hope things improve for you.

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  2. Your family continues to be in my thoughts and prayers. You are one strong lady and I'm sure the book will work itself out!

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  3. (((hugs)))

    I've thought of you often, especially lately, and I agree with Joely, you are one strong lady!

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  4. Oh, gosh, Ellen, you've had quite the year. I've been thinking about you and appreciate the update. I'm wishing a much better 2008 to come your way.

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  5. Nice to hear that your father could be that determined to get well despite his age, though I know what a trial it must have been for you.

    Keep writing!

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  6. *checks date, sweeps away cobwebs* El, hope you're staying busy in a better way!

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