Mental Health Mantra 37/365 Take a deep breath : a phrase my Mum used often. This week there have been quite a few deep breaths taken. This weekend more than usual. My Dad tested positive for Covid, we found out on Wednesday morning. He was isolated in his bedroom. There were 2 positives in the residential home he is in, they then retested him and others two days in a row to double check and I got the call late last night to say that he had tested positive again, although with no symptoms, he is going to have to remain in isolation. He has now done 4 days. I think it's 10 days with a test at the end that has to be negative. Out of 20 residents 9 have tested positive. Dad's specific unit within the residential home had no covid deaths last year. Four weeks after having the Pfizer vaccine 50% of the unit have tested positive. They should have had the second follow up dose a week ago but that has been extended to "I don't know when o'clock." Dad, a 91 year old man with vascular dementia, not easy at all. I have spoken to him today and he's fed up. The team there are amazing and doing their upmost to care for our family members. I am taking a deep breath. On the flip side to all of this and to calm my mind, I enjoyed doing this watercolour today - I'll use that word again, it was hypnotic. I wasn't sure whether to leave it without inking but I just can't help myself. 'Art with Heart - Calm your Mind Soothe your Soul.'
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Mental Health Mantra 3/365 I went to visit my 91 year old Dad today through his bedroom window in the residential home where he is living - I haven't hugged him since March. It was quite an upsetting visit as he was sobbing and crying this morning, part of this is his illness of vascular dementia, but he was also upset to see me outside in the cold all wrapped up and he just couldn't understand why I wasn't allowed inside to sit with him. Pretty much the whole 30 minutes he was crying and sobbing. 'Keep going' I told myself, 'don't collapse and cry with him', I was beginning to feel my voice tremble. I had brought a bag full of goodies I know he likes, fruity shower gel, under arm spray, a big carton of Osem Croutons and pictures of us that his key worker will help to stick into his on going scrapbook I made for him. I gathered all my energy for 10am on a Sunday morning and tried to talk him through those tears. The last time I visited him it was only last week, Christmas Day, the visit went well. I think it's all about the set up. Who's with him, which carer, how his day has started. I had made sure they knew I was coming but I didn't call this morning before I left, maybe I should have done. He wasn't in his room, he was in the lounge. Window visits are tough. No touch, or energy connection. Driving home I could let it go, I felt shaken and upset, I was thinking about what I needed to affirm and this popped into my forebrain. I am brave, yes you are! I know you need to know it too. Whatever is facing you in this now moment, take 3 minutes and declare .... I am BRAVE Yes you are! Sending oodles of warmth Keep shining your light and trust your intuitive intelligence. "Art with Heart - calm your mind soothe your soul."
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