Perspective

Warning: Self Indulgent Post

It's been a tough few weeks.  Two elderly relatives are no longer able to look after themselves and dealing with this has pushed me waaaayyy outside my comfort zone.  This had been coming for some time but they couldn't be convinced that they needed to think about the future.   They were determined to stay living independently in their home and wouldn't consider other options (would I be different?  Probably not).  Sadly it took a health crisis to change this view.  I can't provide the level of care they need so I have been trying to find a path through the maze of the Aged Care Health system.

For the uninitiated, the Aged Care System is a scary place.  English is not the primary language and for the last few weeks I have been trying to put all the pieces together.  Yesterday was a breakthrough day.  An incredibility helpful lady from the Aged Care Assessment Team put everything in place for me.  I now know what the next steps are.  They're not easy steps to take and it will take time to achieve the solution needed, but it's a huge relief to know what needs to be done.

someecards.com

Through all of this I have been feeling sorry for myself. I didn't realise how traumatic this would be and I wasn't ready to deal with this situation. I tried to escape for a night out last night out with friends, but it wasn't to be.  Add to this I'm still in pain after my spectacular (and funny) fall earlier this week (previous blog) and I am wallowing in self pity.

This morning things are in perspective.  I subscribe to the NY Times blog Lens.  This is a photojournalism blog that feature photographs from current events around the world. The photography is always stunning but today featured the rescue effort in China after the earthquake: Picture of the Day: Rescue Efforts in China

This was my reality check. Things don't seem so bad now and I can deal with whatever I need to do. I'm good.

 

 While you are there, have a look at the stunning photos of the landscape around the volcanic eruption in Iceland :

Images of Iceland's Vast Landscapes.