My special good wishes to ALL our Kitcheners.
My sister's cancer has returned. She has had further surgery but it has spread and nothing more can be done for her. She is 64 (twenty years my junior) and thankfully has a large, supportive family living nearby in Northampton. She may be going home from hospital today. A hospital bed should also be delivered today. Our niece is a gem and has kept us updated since her mother's latest diagnosis was verified. I spoke to my sister last night. She said, "we don't do tears"...so I waited until after we had said goodnight.
We have a standing joke; I was to move in with with her when I became ancient and she was looking after a pair of tartan slippers complete with pom-poms especially for my arrival. She recently added, "the slippers are in the loft. They must be moth-eaten by now!" We have just posted a rag doll wearing Scottish dress - complete with tartan slippers which we know will make her smile.
Yesterday Mr Soop phoned the surgery to enquire whether there was anywhere local from which we could hire a wheelchair. Our family guests will be arriving on Sunday. Having a wheelchair would be very useful when we have outings. Although I have a smart new Rollator (on which I can perch when feeling weary) it does somewhat limit our outings. The surgery phoned to tell us that the Red Cross shop in Campbeltown had a brand new wheelchair, still in polythene, going for a song for sale. We have purchased it. It is too heavy for Mr Soop to lift into and out of the boot but it will be available for us to use when an able-bodied person is accompanying us. Our grandson, a rugby player, will be only too happy to assist.
I have discovered a means of doing the teeny bit of ironing that needs attention. I sit on an extra firm cushion on my chair, lower the board as far it will go without collapsing and...hey ho!
A huge, gentle, comforting, all-encompassing group hug is ready and waiting.