Troubled Waters
Posted Wed, 06/18/14
The last few months have been extremely difficult on a personal level. I would not wish recent troubles on anyone, including my worst enemy.
Mum was diagnosed with stage five-into-six Alzheimer's disease in May. The months (and to some extent, years) leading up to the diagnosis were nearly unbearable. The associated mind slippage has been growing worse over time, culminating with threats of self-harm and wanderings. The situation accelerated beyond anyone's control, therefore Mum was placed in a care facility which caters to patients with Alzheimer's disease.
My own health issues - along with those of my father - have also grown worse recently, seeming to come on just as Mum was going through her transition into managed care. There were many days when I just wanted to give up and hide my head under a pillow, but I pressed on. The lack of help from anyone - apart from a decent neighbor and my cousin JoAnn - has been eye-opening to say the least. It's as if people disappeared into the woodwork when they heard of our troubles. Welcome to Utah!
(Above): Dad and Mum pictured at the care facility (05/25/14).
Click on image to view larger size in a new window.
Needless to say, my writing schedule has suffered as a consequence of recent events. Now that Mum is in a safe place, I'm slowly getting back into my normal swing of things.
However, I've had to modify estimated release dates of various works in the process. I'm hoping to finish Glinhaven by year's end, while Bloodlust and Blood & Soul will follow in 2015 and 2016, respectively.
Speaking of works, Quixotic Crossings will be re-released next month with a new book cover to mark it's three-year anniversary.
Stay tuned!
*Related Blog Posts: Troubled Waters (06/18/14), Mum & Me (03/01/15), St. Patrick's Day Chinese (03/17/15), Mum Pics & Video (10/06/15), My Beloved Mum (12/17/15) and One Year Ago (08/07/16).
Tags: Photos & Other Images; Writing