Are you there world? It is me, Robin.
Robin is MIA from this photo too. I came along six years later.
I thought I should give you an update on why I am missing-in-blog-action.
I haven’t fallen off a cliff, but it feels like I did. My life is not my own right now, which means I am away from blogging, reading blogs, and about a million other things.
My dad is still in the hospital and his condition is serious, but I am happy to report he is making slow progress. His pneumonia led to a series of complications. It seemed that when he got over something, a new health concern reared its ugly and scary head.
I spent the last week with him, which was his fourth week in the hospital. We hope he will move to a nursing home for rehab next week. And from there, when he is strong enough, we want to move him to the nursing home in Portland where my sister works. Fingers crossed.
We moved my Alzheimer’s mom to Portland to live with one of my sisters. We did this for three reasons: it was emotionally and physically hard on her traveling back and forth to the hospital, it was trying for me and my sisters dealing with her and the worry about Dad, and it was tough on Dad to have Mom visit in her addled and agitated state.
I shared many sweet moments with my dad last week. Two of them are worth sharing as a testament to Dad’s love for my mom. I asked him, “Why didn’t you tell us how bad Mom’s Alzheimer’s progressed over the last four months.” He said, “Because I didn’t want to believe it was true.” And, I said, “I don’t know how you managed to take care of Mom.” He said, “I managed because it is my job.”
Between trips to be Dad’s health advocate and companion, a business jaunt with my husband, and the upcoming Writers Digest Conference in Los Angeles, I am likely to be away from blogging for several more weeks.
I miss you guys, your blogs, your humor, and your insight. I hope to be back soon.
Take care,
Robin
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Robin Coyle 
I hope everything’s okay with you, Robin! And I hope your dad gets better soon as well.
Things are much better! Dad is still in the nursing home, but he continues to improve. We are moving him to Portland to be near my two sisters at the end of the week! It will be good for him to be near all our family up there. Thanks for checking in. I hope to be back to blogging this week.
as always, my heart and prayers are with you. Giant hugs. sweetie. You’ll get through this. If you need to vent…well, you know where I am.
Thank you Jenny. I am happy to report dad continues to make progress. We are moving him to a nursing home in Portland at the end of the week. For the longest time, we didn’t know if he would ever be strong enough to move him. What a relief!
Giants hugs back to you. I’d love to vent over a glass of wine!
that would be wonderful! I’m glad to hear the positive news about your dad. I’m always here for you.
And I so appreciate it.
XO
I hope your dad gets better soon and life will settle down again.
I think we are close to having life settle down. Dad continues to improve and he is moving to a nursing home in Portland at the end of the week to be near the lots of family we have there. Thanks for checking in.
That is good to hear.
We miss you too, Robin. But don’t worry about us. You’ve got your hands full. Keep the positive thoughts and hang in there. We’ll be here when you’re able to blog regularly again.
Praying for you and the family. Take good care.
Corey
Thank you Corey! I think things will get back to normal this week. Dad is moving to a nursing home near my sisters at the end of the week. Phew.
Missing you Robin and wishing you well x
Oh Polly . . . thank you so much. I’m happy to report Dad is looking much better. Phew. Finally some progress.
So good to see, Robin. Things are on the up for you ~ delighted to see it 🙂
Robin, I am sorry to hear about your father. I understand what it means to be away. I will keep your family and you in mind. I hope everything goes well!
I am back with him today and he looks soooooo much better. What a relief! He is still fragile, but the progress he has made over the past week is encouraging.
Hey Robin! Glad you got your mom situated! Praying for your dad as well! Hope you are able to regroup a little! I’m not receiving your posts anymore–don’t know why–so sorry this is late. I got suspicious, and checked your site and found this, albeit a little late. Hang in there.
I’ve had that happen too, where I am dropped from following someone. Weird.
Yes, Mom seems to be settled in and not too anxious about not seeing Dad. She can’t process what is going on, however, I am happy she isn’t agitated like she was when we were hauling her back and forth to the hospital every day.
I’m hanging in there. Thanks goodness my sisters and I can break up the Dad-tending.
Been thinking about your and your parents a lot the last few days. Hang in there, Robin! And please keep us posted.
Thank you so much Dana. You are the sweetest thing. The doctor took Dad’s chest tube out today! Whoo Hoo! Best news we’ve had in five weeks. Looks like he will move to the nursing home Saturday. Phew.
BTW, I received the nicest comment from your friend Nicky Wells. She said you pointed her in my direction. Thank you so much! I can’t wait to find out what she is all about. I love how our community supports and promotes each other.
Oh yay! Glad Dad is on the mend!
You’ll love Nicky, she has a very bright personality and she’s a lot of fun.
Can’t wait to hang out with Nicky when Dad’s health crisis is behind us and allow me time to check in with my blog friends!
My wishes are with you and your family. All the best.
Thank you. That is very kind. Dad had his chest tube removed today! Progress at last.
Robin, I will pray for you and your family. Your father must love your mother very much. I hope they had many wonderful years together. Do what you need to do, as a writer, a daughter, and a person. We will be here, waiting patiently for your return to your friends at Word Press. Love ya! 🙂
Guess what! They removed Dad’s chest tube today. We have some progress at last.
With five kids, a twenty-year Navy career, and lean times, they endured a lot together, but their love is still strong. It was sweet to watch Mom hold Dad’s hand when he was in ICU. I know she was praying.
Robin, they sound like truly wonderful people. You are a lucky daughter–and they are lucky parents to have your help, but I suppose a lot of that is the result of being good parents who raised you to take care of those you love. That’s an awesome cycle to repeat! 🙂
You are wonderful, Robin 🙂 My thoughts are with you (you will be really missed here)….
Thank you Dianne. I miss you all too. This situation stinks all the way around.
You’re the Best, and so is your family and that goodness inside all of you. Makes me tear up. Take care of them as they’ve cared for you and know we’re all sending our warmest wishes with you.
Good news! They are saying he will be released to the nursing home tomorrow. We’ve heard that before so I am trying to not get my hopes up, but it sounds pretty likely! Thank you for your wishes. Thank you.
Yeah!!! I hope so. Hospitals are no fun at all!
You’re going through such a tough time right now. I miss you, too, but you’re right where you need to be. Your parents are so lucky to have you.
And I am lucky to have my parents. I am also lucky that they have been healthy until now. Pretty good for 89-year-olds!
We miss you as well. Keep concentrating on your family and we will hold down the fort here. Our father’s must be from the same era. “It’s my job,” sounds like what my father would say. You are in our thoughts.
Thanks Dennis. If I remember correctly, your dad is 89, right? That is how old my folks are. It is remarkable they have been so healthy until now.
Here’s hoping everyone sees 90.
Your dad is a prince among men. Sending many many good thoughts to you, your dad, your mom, and your sister.
Thanks MW. My dad is a good guy. He doesn’t show much emotion so I know how deeply he is feeling things when he talks about his emotions.
Glad to see there is movement (that will count a progress). Pneumonia is your worst nightmare with those complications. Do hope your dad is well enough to move – it will help and feel like a step in the right direction.(maybe it will be easier for him to sleep)
It was very wise to go ahead and move your mom. Your dad is of that generation that wanted to be self sufficient and handle problems without bothering others – still he may be relieved. Hugs for all and holding you and yours i our thoughts.
Hopefully the trip and conference will give you time to recharge and rest a bit.
We’ll just chat quietly over here until you have energy and time enough to return. (More hugs inserted here.)
Moving mom to Portland was the best decision. She is in good hands and my sister is keeping her busy. Dad does want to handle himself and hates that we have dropped everything to help him. He is grateful, but doesn’t want to put us out. My poor sister has used up all her vacation time.
Thank you for all the lovely hugs. They help.
We’ll be here when you get back. Take care of you and yours.
It is nice to know that my blogging friends will be here when life gets back to normal.
Of course we will 🙂
Robin, take care of yourself, I wish you all the best. It is never easy looking after close family in circumstances such as these, it brings a number of things home (even some nice moments).
One nice thing that has come out of all this is spending so much time with him. And with my sisters on the phone.
Robin, I’ve still been praying for you and your parents. My heart is with you all. Your dad’s words about your mom touched my heart. Hugs.
Thank you for the prayers Lori. Dad needs them. I like to think the prayers are working because he seems to be getting better. Baby steps better, but it is still progress.
Robin, you take care. Will be here whenever you decide to check in and good thoughts and prayers your way.
Thank you Brigitte. It is comforting to know I have your support.
This breaks my heart. Be strong. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
It is heartbreaking to see my strong father reduced to a weak lamb. He played golf two days before he landed in the hospital so I am hopeful he will regain his strength soon. Thank you for the prayers.
You’re where you should be. And we’ll still be here when you get back.
Take care and God bless… xxoo
Nice to hear that you won’t forget me!
Glad to hear your dad is improving. God bless him. What a man.
With all that’s been going on, the conference might be a good respite for you. Enjoy being away from responsibility for a while.
I do need the break from hours at the hospital. A little distraction and pleasant diversion is needed.
Those words speak volumes for who your father is, and are also so indicative of ‘gentlemen’ of a certain age and upbringing – my father had the same attitude toward his vows and responsibilities to care for mother, even though he was probably 20 years older, and brought up in England! So glad to hear the little disasters are becoming less frequent, and that he’ll soon be with your sister, in Portland. Best wishes to you all (and enjoy the writers conference!).
Portland is the best place for him since we have lots of family in the area. Having Mom and Dad there makes more sense and looking after them will be easier on us taking turns traveling to where they live now. His first choice is to continue to live independently, but we are all realizing that isn’t possible anymore.
Sending multiple virtual hugs for all your family.
Thank you for the hugs. Even virtual hugs feel good.
Oh Robin… It’s great to hear from you but so sad to hear about things that are happening right now. I’m glad that your dad’s condition is beginning to improve, but this must be such an emotional time for you all. He sounds like such a sweetheart, he really does. Sending you massive hugs! 🙂
Dad is a quiet man and doesn’t express his emotions much. For him to talk about Mom that way, I really know he means it. Thank you for the massive hugs! I send some back to you. Sorry I’ve been out of touch. I’d love to know how school is going for you.
Aww, Robin. It’s so poignant, it really is. I’m sorry that you’re all going through this right now. 😦 Stay strong.
Things are going well with me. Hectic. Crazy. But I have no regrets! 🙂 And I got the part time job that I applied for, so that has really helped to set my mind at rest. Thank you. Take care of yourself. x
What is the job? I hope it is in a cozy bookshop or library!
I wish! Well, at least the bookshop part. I worked part time in libraries for four years. They’re unusual places! Ha! It’s a job at uni where we work in teams of tutors to prepare high school kids for uni. 🙂
That is a perfect job for you!
How are wedding plans going? I’m sure you’ve blogged about it, but with dad still sick, I haven’t had time to check in. Gosh, I miss everyone!
We miss you too, Robin! I am so behind in everything right now. Last week I took a complete break. No tea blogging and no Spineless Wonders blogging… I really needed it. Life (as you definitely know) was just too much. The wedding plans feel pretty constant. I think we’re on top of most things. I should do an update, I just don’t want to bore people, you know? 🙂
Hope you’re looking after yourself. I see you’ve put a few posts up and I shall be reading them as soon as I can. 🙂
You would NEVER bore us! We’d love to hear an update on your wedding plans.
So glad you took time out for yourself with a little blogging break. You know we all we be here when you return!
Thanks, Robin. I might just do that! Watch this space! 🙂
(((((Hugs)))))
Thinking of you honey xx
Thanks Vikki! Hugs right back at you!
I’ve been thinking about you a lot lately, hoping everything was ok. There’s been a big hole in my blogging world lately without you, an empty seat at the table. But I hope for your sake, not ours, that everything improves soon. Hope you manage to enjoy and get value out of the conference.
What a sweet thing for you to say. Even while distracted, I’ve been thinking about you too. Deleting blog posts notices has been painful, but necessary. No way to keep up but I do miss my blogging friends.
Glad to hear from you – know that we are all thinking of you (I am not just saying that) and I hope things continue to get better for your Dad–he sounds like a dear, sweet man. (hugs)
That is a sweet thing for you to say. There is comfort in knowing you care. Isn’t that funny? We’ve never met, but I feel your support and it means a great deal to me.
the support is real–that is why you feel it–and I am so glad it makes a difference (hugs)
You have a lot on your plate at the moment but you still managed to spare a thought for your WordPress community, a post and 2 wonderful highlights 🙂 I hope you enjoy your down time at the business jaunt and the writers’ conference. Good news that your Dad is improving 🙂
I am surprised by how guilty I feel about not posting and not reading blogs. It feels like I am neglecting my friends! Funny.
The break away from the hospital will be good. Recharging my batteries will make me a better caretaker in the long run.
Glad to hear there is some progress, Robin, and everyone is being moved to where they should/need be right now. Try to relax with your husband, and enjoy your writer’s conference. We will continue to pray for your family. Much love to you.
Oh thank you Maddie. I think we are on track for Dad to heal, Mom to be safe, and life to get back in order. What a tailspin this has thrown us in. It is nice to get away for a few days. Much love to you too.
It is giri, but the duty to one’s loved ones is something we bear willingly, and with love. All the best to you, Robin. We care.
It is nice how my sisters and I have pulled together and managed to have someone with Dad everyday he has been in the hospital. And, it will be a relief when/if he moves to Portland (where we have lots of family) for post-hospital care.
I can’t tell you how nice it is to know you care.
Oh, Robin. It sounds like your life is very complicated right now. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. I hope your dad continues to improve. It is wonderful that your family is working together to take care of your parents. I’m sure it’s not easy for anyone.
The experience has been awful. It is so hard to watch my strong father turn into a weak kitten. I think he is over the worst of it. And it is hard seeing my mother a shell of her former self. Thanks for your thoughts Anne. I hope to be back soon!
We’ll be here when you’re ready to come back, don’t worry. Right now, focus on what you feel you need to do for yourself and your family.
Thanks JM. Nice to know you won’t forget about me! Even while distracted, I think of my blogging friends and wonder how you all are doing.
My thoughts continue to be with you. Must be so difficult to care for both parents at the same time.
One of the reasons this is so hard is that it all came about so suddenly. Dad played golf two days before he landed in the hospital, and Mom’s mental condition had been in a slow decline until 4 months ago. She took a nosedive and is now a shell of her former self. It stinks.
Sending prayers and support. Take care Robin!
Audra
Thank you Audra. All prayers welcome, needed, and appreciated.
What a lovely man your father sounds…
He isn’t one to express emotion. So, his words touched me deeply because he doesn’t often talk about his feelings.
“I managed because it is my job.” — This is simply classic, and touching. All the best to you all, Robin.
Thank you Janet. It was a sweet moment for me. He said it with no anger, resentment, or frustration. It was just that it is what he wants to do because he loves her. Especially sweet because she is hard to be around.
I’ll be praying for you and your family Robin..You are an amazing woman.
We’ll be here for you when you are back..
*hugs*
Thank you! I am looking forward to the day when Dad is well, life is back on track, and the worry can stop.