Sunday 16 December 2012

Highs and Lows

I must apologise for my lack of blogging over the past week and the fact that I haven't managed to comment on many of the blogs that I normally visit.
I have been busy with Christmas, as most of you must have been.  Christmas shopping and grandchildren's school Nativities have taken up some of the time. I have also done some childminding to help the family.

I am upset that Harry has to start emergency chemo, probably before Christmas as his cancer is getting out of hand again. Although it was on the cards that he had to have it, we had thought it might have been staved off until after Christmas. However, we are waiting for Oncology to call us for an exact date so cannot arrange any activities as we don't know when it will commence.  My daughter is coming over for Christmas and obviously was hoping that there would be no illness or treatments over the holiday period. One or the other of us has been ill every Christmas for the last three years when she has been here.
My brother Eddie's wife is really ill after the fourth of her second batch of chemo treatments and was unable to come and see us last week when Eddie and my nephew came for a visit to our home. It was lovely to see them again though and we had a lot to catch up on.
I think Eddie has had to postpone blogging for a while because of the upset of this illness and treatment and the fact that he has so many extra things to do while his wife is ill. He is known to many people as Eddiebluelights. I really hope he will be able to get back to his blog before too long.

I was absolutely appalled by the pointless killing of all those children in the USA school by an obvious madman. The pictures of them came onto our TV screen this evening and I felt  my blood run cold. It is so terrible that I can't comment further on it.

This afternoon, I went to a concert performed by Sandy's pupils. She teaches the flute and is my son, Sam's partner. I thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon and thought everyone did very well. My granddaughter, Amber had only ever had two lessons and she went to the front and confidently played two little pieces. I was so proud of her. My step grandchildren are also very musical and Ossie played the piano and Jessie the saxophone. Maybe Millie will be playing in next years concert. I really enjoyed my afternoon and feel really proud of this musical family and the route they are taking. My mother and father, who were also very musical would have been so proud of them all too.
Lets end on this positive note!


21 comments:

Jackie said...

May the highs outweigh the lows for you and your family, my sweet friend.
It is always good to see your blog when you are able to post; understandably, health of our loved ones and ourselves come first.
I am thinking about you...about Harry, about Maria, and all of those who I know and love who are battling cancer.
I love you, my friend.
Jackie

Celia said...

Glad to hear from you even if it's not the greatest news. Glad you made it to the concert. Those young musicians are balm to our hearts.

Hilary said...

I'm sorry to hear about Harry and Eddie's wife. Such a difficult time of the year for so many.. and for so many reasons.

I'm glad that you're doing well though, Maggie. Not to worry about not posting or visiting. Real life always trumps the blog world. Keep on enjoying those grandkidlets.

Brian Miller said...

i am glad that you got the time at the concert, that is def a positive thing to end on...will pop over and let eddie know i am praying for them...it is a busy time of year and all that only adds to....take time to breathe in the good things this season

Jeni said...

That concert sounds like it must have been a really great event. So nice that the grandkids have talent in that area. I'm sorry to hear about Harry's returning for more chemo -especially right around the holidays. (Also, your brother's wife, too.) Chemo is a good tool yes, but it does often -all too often -wreak havoc on the patient as well as family members too. Peace and Joy for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Wendy said...

I too hope the highs triumph over the lows and wish Harry's chemo goes quickly and as well as possible.
That concert sounded wonderful - a true lifting of the spirits. At least I always feel so much better after spending quality time with the grands. And Christmas shows and concerts are so much fun.

Sally Wessely said...

You truly are having a time of highs and lows. I hope your time with your daughter is joyous despite the cancer treatments. I will be thinking of you.

Irene said...

It's good to get a sign of life from you, Maggie, although the news is not all good. I am glad that you have your grandchildren to be proud og. That does make your heart grow bigger, doesn't it? Regardless of everything, I wish you the best of holidays and quality time with your loved ones. xox

Sueann said...

My prayers for you and hubby and for the Eddiebluelights!!!! So distressing,
As for the shootings....I am just numb!
Hugs
SueAnn

Formerly known as Frau said...

Prayers are with Harry and Eddie's wife....and with you during this rough time. I'm happy you can find the joy of the holiday season especially hearing the talents of your grandkids. Hugs and strength for you all.

Suldog said...

Prayer being said for you, Eddie, and your loved ones. God bless.

Dimple said...

Life is a series of ups and downs, isn't it?
I'm glad you are only partly in the downs...

May your Christmas be bright with family and friends!

Anonymous said...

So sorry to hear about Harry! Wishing you all a joyful Christmas in spite of everything.

Rose said...

So sorry to hear about Harry--I hope this round of chemo goes smoothly.

I haven't been blogging much lately either--first I was (and still am) busy with Christmas activities, and then I haven't been in the mood since the tragedy on Friday which just left me heartsick.

I hope that you and your family can still enjoy a merry Christmas!

Akelamalu said...

Sorry to hear Harry has to have more chemo and also Eddie. I hope it won't spoil your Christmas. Wishing you all well m'deario. xxxx

Optimistic Existentialist said...

Harry will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Anonymous said...

Those concerts and children's plays do compensate for the bad things happening in our lives. I do hope Harry will be okay and you can get through Christmas as peacefully as is possible.

God bless you, Maggie. And my thoughts are also with Eddie, a lovely man.

CJ x

Rosaria Williams said...

Oh Maggie, your plate is full! Don't fret what you can't change; life is bound to give you respite, and then everything will feel as though spring had arrived.
Warm wishes for you and yours.

Secret Agent Woman said...

I've just come from Eddie's blog, where he'd posted an update on his wife. And I'm sorry about your husband's need for more chemo. I am thinking about all of you, wishing you well.

FeltByRae said...

So sorry to hear about Harry, I hope it all goes well

Wishing you the very best for the new year xxxx

Mimi said...

So sorry to hear of Eddie's wife being sick, I will call over to his blog to wish her well.
That concert sounds lovely, I remember when my kids were little and learning piano, we regularly attended such concerts and they were great. Since I started playing myself have I realise how great the kids are to get up there and play!
Sandy sounds like a great teacher!