Hi Supportivedaughter,
I wish you and your mum all the very best.
Last July, my husband ended up in hospital when he thought he was having a stroke. He worked in Brisbane and returned home to our regional town on the weekend. To cut a long story short, I left work, jumped on a plane to see him, and we didn't return home for 3 months. He has incurable brain cancer.
Whilst I was worried about my husband, I was also desperately worried about my daughters who I just had to leave at home. They were in years 11 and 12 at the time.
The year 11 child chose to go boarding, while my year 12 child chose to stay at home to look after our pets. Our extended family are all interstate, and both my parents have died.
I felt awful and guilty but my husband was so sick there was no alternative. I aked her to concentrate on feeding herself and the animals, and not to worry too much about housework at the expense of study. I'm so proud of her.
We still need to travel to Brisbane regularly and my elder daughter has taken a gap year from uni so we still have our pet sitter! The younger one is now in year 12 and continue to board full time. She loves it and it gives her some stability as we come and go.
You've done really well identifying how you feel and reaching out. I hope you and you mum find all the support you need. Does the hospital offer support groups?
My thoughts are with you and your mum.
