Message to self!

[Kristin1812]

I was very intrigued to read a post today which highlighted just how stressful this epidemic is, particularly for people with serious health issues, and how we sometimes need to retreat, take a rest and recharge.

It also made me notice how, when I am feeling overwhelmed by my own health issues, I have less attention and concern to give to others. I had been wondering why my own contributions have been fewer, and, at times, a bit less considered.

Like many others I’ve been almost completely without family and social contact, during these strange times. My usual social supports at a distance and usual amusements and distractions, not available. This must all take its toll on us, and mean we focus more on ourselves and have less to give others.

I guess this is less a message to others, more of a message to self!

I don’t HAVE to message here, I choose to. So when I do, I must take extra care. Like others, I am doing my best, and we are all finding it hard.

[Hidden]

I can empathise with all you’ve said !

[Hidden]

Dear Kristin1812

What a great post that seemed to be your very soul speaking.

And how easy it is for us to not only physically become alone but also mentally.

Many find the mental prison the hardest to balance and I for one cannot blame them.

For what one human can endeavour to take on , another cannot.

This does not mean that their weaker or lesser of a human, but just highlights the fact that we are all individual.

I found that with age loneliness crept up on me { my version of loneliness} sure I outlived some of my family and friends, sure some friendships just fizzled out, but on the whole I was very lucky that mine was a physical loneliness and not a mental one.

Lucky because I could cure that, which is another story for another day.

I cannot ever tell you the shock of all this heart thing has been to my soul, from be dragged into this completely alien world of medics and machinery to witnessing death only feet away from me.

But I will survive it all to whatever stage I can, because I want to, because I deserve to and because others { yes they really do } want me to.

This message is for everyone that can receive the slightest help from it.

[080311]

Morning Kristin,

Thank you so much for the post, it’s made me take stock with most of my thoughts and attention being on my husband at the moment. Have not been reading the posts as I should, and maybe not considering my replies as I should. As you say we choose to reply to posts with the hope it’s going to be of help to that person maybe just starting on their heart journey.

Best wishes Pauline

[Kristin1812 Heart Star in reply to 080311]

Thank you. I have seen what a terribly difficult time you and your husband have been going through, I couldn’t access your yesterday message, for some reason, but I hope he is making some steady progress?

[francesw47]

Hello Kristin. What a wise and thoughtful post. Thank you. Pauline, I was pleased to see you there after your shock of the last week or so...how are you?

Frances

[080311 in reply to francesw47]

Have been reading a lot of posts when I am having a coffee, John is doing better, still very weak but the bleed in the scull they say as stopped. NHS South Lanarkshire as gone back to zero visiting as from yesterday, there as been a big surge in covid cases. I can take his clean pjs in but only as far as the ward doors and they will bring me his dirty ones feel like a bit of a washerwoman 😂I want him safe and the staff they are working so hard .

So will put up with it as long as it takes hopefully not too long.

Best wishes Pauline xx

[Hidden]

Hi Kristin1812

Wise words indeed.

We have all been in a bit of a vacuum.

I’m well, thank goodness, after my AVR OHS last January but I still feel , well odd!

Physically I’m fine but the lockdown and the separation from my family has had an effect on me. It was 9 months before I saw anyone other than my husband. Grandchildren, now 2&4 yrs old , grew up without a daily or weekly hug.

My two grown up sons I didn’t hug for all that time because of shielding for surgery and recovery.

My twin sister and I cried so much when we hugged again. It so cruel and it will stay with us.

It’s something that none of us have experienced before and no one has in our lifetime.

We have to learn from it and become kinder and more tolerant.

❤️