Posts to this blog will not be happening for awhile. Back in late June, my mother was diagnosed with lung cancer at age 84. Within the last two weeks, the illness has become drastically worse. I am going to have to take leave to go help take care of her for an indeterminate period of time.
My parents divorced, not amicably, when I was about ten years old. I am an only child. Consequently, all matters like this fall upon me. Mom still lives in Portland, Oregon, where I grew up. I now live in Colorado Springs. My best friend from high school has, amazingly, taken it upon himself to help her in my absence, taking her to various appointments, keeping her company socially, and all the things I probably should be doing myself. I will be forever grateful to him for being there.
What scares me the most right now are the expenses that will be associated with any care (though she qualifies for most government aid), my meals, transportation, and other expenses while away from home, plus final expenses for mom, the shipping and storing of her household, etc. I honestly have no idea how I'm going to cover it all.
My mother does not have the internet, and I do not have a "smart phone," so I politely ask that you do *not* leave comments on this post. I will not be able to moderate and approve them in a timely manner. Thank you for your understanding and patience.
