The last time I blogged was September 17. The last time I posted on Instagram was September 18. While I was never prolific, 14 weeks is a significant gap, especially as I was almost getting into the swing of things. But after years of making pulmonary fibrosis look like a head cold, my dad suddenly worsened.
We’d had a content, peaceful few months together. We already knew things would never be the same, as our 20-year-old cat was clearly basking in her last summer. Then in the middle of September, dad started to decline. I had to call three ambulances in ten days, and eventually he spent several weeks in hospital before finally leaving us in October.
Obviously this isn’t a very festive post, but today, Boxing Day, was his birthday, and I couldn’t just return to blogging in the New Year without explaining my absence or mentioning that my entire life had changed forever.
I didn’t exactly have a typical relationship with my dad. He was a very popular and funny man – in his final decade he had become something of a local legend/eccentric. But underneath the jokes and the outgoing persona he hid trauma, and grave mental and physical illness.
He was very brave, incredibly tough, and his faith only got stronger.
Having witnessed his determination, held his hand at the end, and barely survived a funeral, I finally think I might want to write again.
I’m very hopeful that I’ll be back in 2019 with my light-hearted reviews. I always did find comfort in books and movies; so far this holiday I’ve watched his favourite movie (Elf) twice.
Perhaps I will have more time and energy and will belatedly gain a new efficiency. (This post alone is a slight leap of faith – far more personal than usual.)
So here’s to 2019. xx
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Very sorry for your loss. Wishing you the very best for 2019
Thank you. Best wishes to you.
Sorry to hear about this. Yes, books and films can be a great way to cope during times like these.
Thank you. L
So sorry you lost your father and I hope you found it helped to write about him and share your experiences. It was a lovely post. My own Dad passed away five years ago and I still watch his favourite movie, Apollo 13, on his birthday every year.
It helped more than I expected. I’m sorry about your dad. These things are very difficult to learn to live through.
I miss my own daddy every day….I wish you all the best in the new year!
It’s very tough, yes. Best wishes for 2019 to you and your family. L
So sorry for your loss!
Thank you. L
I’m very sorry.
Thank you.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Sending lots of love and prayers your way.
Thank you for your kind words and prayers. Lindsay
I’m so sorry.
*hugs*
Thanks so much. Lx
I’m so incredibly sorry for your loss, Lindsay. I have wondered where you were, and I will definitely be looking for your beautiful reviews again when you are up to writing them. Your post is a lovely tribute to your dad, and I know many of can relate to a complex but loving relationship. Sending positive thoughts and hugs.
Thank you for your lovely and very kind comment. Lindsay
Sorry for your loss.
Thank you. Best wishes, L
I am so sorry, Lindsay… I wish you all the strength during this tough time
Thank you so much for your kind words, and my best wishes for the New Year.
Oh, Lindsay, I’m so sorry. I’ve missed your posts and wondered about your absence. I’ll include you and your family in my prayers.
Thank you, this is much appreciated. Best wishes, Lindsay.