but takes forever. This sampler would have been finished by now without this stitch. Simple looking and easy to do but for some reason, very time consuming. Could very well be because of my road map method. If I had rhythm, a pattern to follow, maybe it would move along. Regardless, not much more to do now. I'm liking the one thread on 35 more and more, can't imagine what a mess I would have using two threads for a four sided stitch. I was gifted a very nice laying tool and should use it along with railroading, but I get more reckless as time goes by.
Thank you for the kind words in your comments. A review of my cousin Marcia's story that I had posted about over the years.
When visiting here, she would develop crushing pain in her chest for several minutes, so severe that she would stop her car and get out. This went on for a few years, tests run, they said it was esophageal spasms. She injured her toe and when leaving the hospital ER, she suffered a massive heart attack in the parking lot. If elsewhere, she would not have survived. Sextuple bypass was immediately done throughout the entire night. Lots of rehab. When healed, a hernia that developed from a prior surgery was taken care of, and once home and healing from that, she suffered a massive stroke from a clot. Almost a year in a nursing home for rehab, still paralyzed on one side, unable to speak fluently, in a wheelchair, her family brought her back home. Her husband was killed in Vietnam. Her 50 year old son lived with her, was unemployed, and cared for every one of her needs. Shopping, cooking, cleaning, doctors, 24/7. His 13 year old son by another idiotic woman who should not have children, also lived with him. (After a year or two she would drop her children off at their fathers' homes with a note, never to see them again.) He unfortunately was the one that found his father dead in the garage from an apparent heart attack this past weekend. She has lost her son and caregiver, along with her grandson. The legal custody chain sends him back to another state once they find her. Other family members work, no one is willing to give up life to take care of her 24/7, but maybe they could pull their resources and help pay for someone to do that. Her siblings are very well off and I hope this is the decision. She is beside herself with grief and also fear of leaving her home and rescue dog, which no one would take. Many years ago, she also lost her 20 year old mentally challenged son to a car while riding his bike. Insult to injury, she was denied a settlement from the driver's insurance because they told her being challenged as he was, his life had no monetary value. Can you imagine telling a mother that? Things have changed since then, I am sure.
So we are continually thinking of what she is going through. He has been her rock and loving caregiver, her home is now empty, grandson's grief and future also taking a toll.
Brings up the question in our family which my sister continually mentions. She refuses to leave her home and expects someone to care for her in it, if that situation should arise. She doesn't have enough income to pay basic bills let alone a caregiver, neither does Marcia. Carole started saying that Marcia's sister should do whatever it takes and move her into her home. I told Carole that it is not right to expect someone to give up their life for another, regardless of how much they love them. Silence. "Well then just bring a gun and put me out of my misery." I told her do NOT put me on a guilt trip, I gave up 8 years to care for my mother. Carole didn't help me until mom was very bad, and I had to offer pay in order to get her here.
So what would you do? It's a tough situation that most families experience. Helping is one thing, but constant care in home for years is another. This isn't Hospice or end of life. Marcia is 73 and in otherwise good health. I may be selfish but I don't think I could do it. I think of Francine and her loving sisters and family and know that they would not hesitate. But me, I don't know. Maybe if the situation would arise I would feel differently. Probably would. But I feel Carole is wrong in criticizing others, especially when she was not willing at all. There are many reasons why some people are not comfortable with caregiving, or not willing, and no one should be condemned for them. But we are hoping there will be a way to keep Marcia in home.
Well that was a way too long gut spill wasn't it?
*****************************
