by pennifold 14 Nov 2022

Hi gals, I’m sure you’ve noticed I’ve not been on here much over the past 3 weeks. I’ve been looking after Mum.

We have carers coming now on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday for breakfast, lunch and as of tomorrow dinner hooray!
Mum’s memory is shot and it’s difficult having conversations. I’m trying my best to keep her home as long as we can, but it’s getting harder and harder and she’s constantly confused about practically everything. It’s so sad.
I keep Jewls (my sister) updated every other day and she knows what I’m going through as she had mum for nearly 3 months whilst we were away and 5 weeks before we left. She is constantly asking about Lily (her little Maltese terrier) but we want Jewls to keep her. Mum can’t feed herself let alone look after a dog’s needs.
It’s so disheartening watching all this happen again (my Dad also had Dementia). Please keep me in your prayers, as I know a lot of you have gone or are going through the same thing.
For my sanity I’ve made 2 articles over the past 2 weeks. I hope you like them. An FSL Butterfly from EmbroiderybyTM and a Christmas table runner for my kitchen bench from Sweetpea ( a company here in Australia). Love Chris

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by sonjapotgieter 25 Nov 2022

as always..Beautiful!!

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by basketkase 16 Nov 2022

Stunning work, Chris!

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pennifold by pennifold 18 Nov 2022

Thanks so much Vicki, I appreciate your comment. Love Chris

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by peafarm 15 Nov 2022

Chris, both of these are so lovely. I don't know how you found the time. I wallow is such low energy mode anymore. I would have loved to have had my mom here with me but not my husband. Lifestyles such as hot and cold and loudness of t.v. and other things would have been difficult with the declining health. I keep that with me since she has passed. I'm trying to catch up with a few things also. I pray the strength of our Lord will carry you through, in the end I feel you are doing the right thing so you won't regret things. God Bless You!

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by dragonflyer 15 Nov 2022

Both are lovely, Chris... It's so sad when our loved ones suffer...and so difficult for family, especially if you are a caregiver...Love and blessings to you for a happy holiday season.

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pennifold by pennifold 18 Nov 2022

Hi Kim, thanks so much for your kind words. Yes, it's so sad watching Mum go down so fast.
We all hope to be together over the weekend of Christmas. Love Chris

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by worthy 14 Nov 2022

Know have added you to my prayer list. Went through this with sister-in-law. It is hard.
Lovely butterfly and tablerunner, thankful (as has been said) you have your embroidery to give you an occasional mind relief.

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by shirley124 14 Nov 2022

Lovely embroideries as usual.
Thanks for the update on your Mum. Great to hear you are getting more help with her. Take time to take care of yourself. Hugs

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pennifold by pennifold 15 Nov 2022

Hi Shirley, yes, that's what everyone is telling me, but it's difficult to 'let go'. I know Mum doesn't want to go into care, but it's for her own safety and care. She's lost so much weight and is down to 67kg! She was in the high 70kg's!! Lov

shirley124 by shirley124 15 Nov 2022

It is hard having to put your loved ones in to care but sometimes you just have to do it. I have my sister in care and she is lucky to have one of the best Nursing Homes here in Tasmania. They really care for and look after our loved ones. Hugs

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by robertahilde 14 Nov 2022

This butterfly is gorgeous and the table runner so colorful and cheerful, I am glad you find solace in your work which is always so beautiful. Hugs Roberta

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pennifold by pennifold 15 Nov 2022

Hi Roberta, thanks so much for your kind words. It's always so relaxing to sit down and watch your embroidery machines do their thing!! Love Chris

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by noah 14 Nov 2022

Oh no i can't see these again:(:(I know there lovely just like there creator.Big hugs i thoink i am getting it to can't remember anything lol Big hugs xxx

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pennifold by pennifold 15 Nov 2022

Hi Carolyn, thanks for your thoughts. I hope you will be ok. We all forget things at times. Love Chris

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by rescuer Moderator 14 Nov 2022

Beautiful work!
I am so glad you will have help now. It is so hard when they don't understand. My sister had trouble knowing if it was 3am or 3pm. We would get calls at all hours. She passed away this last February. It was hard to see her suffer and also hard to say goodbye.

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pennifold by pennifold 15 Nov 2022

Thanks so much Rescuer, yes, it's been very hard and at times so frustrating, but I know it's time for Mum to have more care. I don't know how long it will take to get things rolling, so I just have to be patient. Love Chris

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by test 14 Nov 2022

Cherish every minute you spend with your mom...
My prayers are with you, dear friend.
Great works. Take care, Chris.
Love, Veronika

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pennifold by pennifold 15 Nov 2022

Thanks so much Veronika, I appreciate the time you've taken to answer my post. Love Chris

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by 02kar Moderator 14 Nov 2022

I had wondered if your Mum was needing you more. It's so hard to see a loved one slip away. I'm thankful that you and Trevor and your family have been able to manage this long. I know you still have a tough road ahead but know you can always vent, and we are always ready with an ear, shoulder and cyber hugs. After all, your Mum has also been a part of Cute for years thanks to the beautiful pictures of her.

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pennifold by pennifold 15 Nov 2022

Hi Karen, yes, Mum needs a lot more care and fortunately I received confirmation that the Aged Care Assessment team will be at Mum's place next Tuesday. I'm so happy to have this appointment, as we've been waiting literally for months. The last time we had an appointment with them was last year!! Thanks for your care and concern, love Chris

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by dlonnahawkins 14 Nov 2022

Chris, it is very hard with caregivers having to go through what you are at this time. My mother had Alzheimer's, and my daddy cared for her. He kept it from all of us children until it became a great burden for him. Unfortunately, we couldn't all be with him, as we all lived across the United States. You have a good support system, and now some assistance with your mother's care.
Beautiful work you have done, as usual. I love FSL, and butterflies.
Blessing to you and your sweet family.

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by sebsews 14 Nov 2022

Dear Chris, I know exactly what you are going through. I am glad you have the care givers to help you. Sometimes I think my sister should be with me, but the reality is I am not able to give her the care she needs. Conversations continue to be repetitive. This dementia disease is awful, and I hope for a cure at some time in our lives. We continue to love, help and support our loved ones during this most difficult time in their lives. I keep you and your family in my prayers.
I too had a bit of time to sit and embroider some FSL. Yes, it was enjoyable. Your projects are beautiful. We must remember to take time for ourselves. Love and hope, Suzanna

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pennifold by pennifold 14 Nov 2022

Thanks dear Suzanna, yes, I knew you were going through the same thing as me. It's great to have someone else to vent to. My poor sister, she now knows what I've been going through for the past couple of years, but this year has been the hardest. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your sister, plus family. I too pray for a cure all the time. Love Chris

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by asterixsew Moderator 14 Nov 2022

Chris I am very sorry to hear about your mum. There is something about sitting in front of our machines and stitching away, very soothing for the soul.

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pennifold by pennifold 14 Nov 2022

Hi Caroline, yes, it's a great distraction from my daily life.
I'm finding it difficult to sleep at night too, worrying about Mum. I play meditative podcasts when I go to sleep and they seem to be helping. Love Chris

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