Tag: hospital

Watched

It’s been rather weird being in my parents house today. I’ve spent many days here on my own. After all, we moved here when I was 4 years old. Today it felt different. Understandably.

But I was being watched. Literally. This photo of my Mum sits on top of the display cabinet. It was a professional photo she’d had taken when she was 21 and had just had her VERY long hair cut short. It’s always been favourite photo for me. Today it brought me comfort.

As did the photos around the house. She looked so vibrant and full of life. The past 5 years have been very tough. Many of you have been on the ‘Parental Rollercoaster’ with me over that time. They’ve both had more than their fair share of medical issues. I’ve seen the inside of far too many hospital wards. I used to joke with my Mum that she didn’t get a prize for ticking them all off! Or frequent NHS flyer point. She definitely wracked up a few! They both have.

Hopefully, I’ve seen the last ward for a while as my Dad was discharged and is now back home…

St Veronica

Dad spotted this cottage opposite the hospital that Mum’s in. Spooky as my Mum’s name is Veronica. I have to admit, I didn’t know there was a St Veronica. So did a bit of research. She offered her veil to Jesus so he could wipe his face on the way to the cross. And is the Patron saint of laundry workers.

Mum was a bit of a mixed bag today. Part Saint. Part very much not. Still she was calmer by the time I left to drive back to Norfolk.

I have a feeling I’m going to be putting a lot more miles on the Comedy Car. Good job I enjoy driving (though the M25 does test that sometimes).

Bin humour

I saw this bin at the hospital today. Made me laugh. So many jokes to make. And so many questions! Who decides what waste is offensive? When did that even become the term?

Do we live in a world where everything and anything can be deemed offensive? Or is that’s just how it seems. We seem to have lost a lot of the joy and things are all very serious.

I’m saddened by so many things I see today. There are many sides to every story I know. Right now, there seems to be a lot of very loud voices drowning out the voices of reason. Common sense is dying. Or maybe I’m just getting older and fed up of all the bullshit.

Whatever the reason, this bin isn’t big enough for all the crap right now…

Brighton Blue

Another day visiting another hospital. It’s been a reoccurring thing over the past few years. I’ve come down to see my parents. Mum’s still in hospital in Brighton. It’s the first time I’ve visited her here. So another hospital to add to the list of hospitals I’ve visited one of my parents in. I have told her that she doesn’t get a prize if she ticks them all off!

I loved this mural on the car park wall. It’s captured the highlights of East Sussex. Brighton and Hove hold a special place in my heart. My Dad is Brighton born and bred. I spend many hours visiting my grandparents and Nanna there. And I lived in both for many years too.

I’ve often wondered why the railings, buses and taxis are all painted a shade of Aqua. I still haven’t found out. But I did find out that it’s called ‘Brighton Blue’ and changes shade slightly along the promenade to become ‘Hove Green’. Who knew?!

Musicals

So the musical theme continues. I drove back from my parents singing show tunes at the top of my voice. Pretty sure the other drivers on the M25 were grateful they couldn’t hear me belting out ‘Defying Gravity’ or ‘Into the Unknown’. I was fabulous of course! And totally nailed those high notes…

When I got back I watched Strictly. They had numbers from favourite musicals Beauty and the Beast, Wicked and Moulin Rouge. I love musicals. I mean who wouldn’t want to live in a world where people spontaneously burst into song?!

That’s got to be better than my world right now. Mum had another turn this morning. So she’s back in hospital for more tests. It’s a really worry for us all right now. The show tunes were a great distraction. Well till I got to Newmarket and I couldn’t hold the tears back any longer. Thank you to everyone who’s sent well wishes. It’s so appreciated.

Forgetful

So there seems to be a bit of a reoccurring theme when I visit my parents. I either forget something. Or need to buy more of something. The latter is usually due to the fact I’m not totally sure how long I’m going to be here. The former can come from the speed with which I need to get here.

This is today’s purchase. Yup, guess who forget the phone charger?! I have a car one, but that means sitting in the car while it charges. Fine yesterday when I took Dad to the hospital. But sadly no trips today as Dad is in for another night.

At least I can charge my phone. And I won’t miss the bright orange charger next time. Or that’s the hope!

Latte

Anyone who knows my Mum will know her love of a frothy coffee. So today I took her one when I went to visit her. It put a smile on her face.

She’s doing well but not ready to come home yet. Dad is also doing well. And actually listening to me telling him to rest.

He wanted a burger for dinner. So good daughter that I am, I drove to Hickstead to get him Burger King. Well makes a change from driving to Hickstead to watch horses.

Visiting hours

Bit of deja vue today as I’m back in Haywards Heath visiting my Dad in hospital. FB told me it was a year since I had to drop everything to look after Mum when Dad was rushed in. Sadly we’ve had a few more visits in that year.

Today I got to visit them both! Different wards, but at least the same hospital this time. I’ve had them in different ones before.

They’re both in for the weekend. So looks like I’ll be doing a few visiting hours.

It’s been a stressful few days I can tell you.