Lake Atitlan, Panajachel, Guatemala

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Something Personal

Ten days ago my beautiful mother, previously strong and healthy at 93, suffered a massive stroke. I had some blog posts scheduled and that's what went up here while I was distracted with my mother's situation. I went out to Minnesota to be with her and took funeral clothes. None of us knew what would happen. She is weak, paralyzed but still struggling to speak, swallow and survive. She wants her life back, and she's fighting for it.

I'm back home in Utah, leaving Mother in the care of my sisters who live out there near her. I miss her every minute and want to be with her. Needless to say, it just doesn't feel right to be posting about my usual things. My heart isn't in it. Yesterday I went to write and schedule my Monday rant, and instead I redesigned my blog. So rather than carry on with the usual routine here, or just drop out for a time, I wanted to let you all know what's going on.

Once things are settled with my mom, then I'll get back to business. I'll have things to report on with the website for authors, and the authors ready and excited about launching with it. I'll be back to ranting on Mondays. I'll be wanting to know how you all did on NaNoWriMo-- (doesn't look like I'll do it this time.) I have some book reviews and interviews to do in support of some awesome authors.

But until then, here's some photos of my mom, Lucille Marker Jones, the "farm girl". Can I even express how thankful I am that I got this book done while she was strong and healthy, with her memories intact? And at 90 years old, still able to go with me to Nebraska for a book tour!




















  This last photo was taken in May when she flew out to Utah for my daughter's wedding. Isn't she cute?

76 comments:

  1. Great photos, greater memories. I wish you peace and strength, and all the best for your mother. Go where you need to be.

    Peace,
    IG

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  2. Neat pictures! Prayers for you and your wonderful mom.

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  3. Oh KarenG, I am so sorry to hear about your wonderful mum!! I hope she continues her fight and gets better! I wish her and all of you all the best. My prayers and thoughts are with you.

    Take care KarenG
    x

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  4. Beautiful pictures of your mother. My thoughts are with you and her during this time.

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  5. Beautiful pictures. My thoughts and prayers are with you, your mom, and your family.

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  6. Oh, that's horrible. I'm so sorry. Well, I will think about her this weekend and the week to come. I hope things come out all right.

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  7. My granda had a stroke and he recovered from it, am sending prayers out to your mom and that picture of you as a toddler is the cutest

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  8. Oh those photos are wonderful! And I'm so sorry to hear about your mom! I know how hard it must be to be so far away. Take good care of yourself.

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  9. Karan, my heart goes out to you and your mom. After a life time of independence, it has to be so hard for her to be challenged this way. I know the cards are stacked against her, but I'm still hoping she'll beat the odds and lives to see a hundred.

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  10. I am so sorry to hear about your mom. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. *hugs*
    ~Gabi

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  11. She looks like the ideal mum. Sorry to hear she's ill. Here's to miracles.

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  12. Oh, I love photos like this! I used to hound my mom and grandmother for the stories behind each one I got my hands on.

    Praying for your mom, she sounds pretty tough.

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  13. Those photos are wonderful, Karen. I love the one with you and your mom - lovely. My thoughts are with you and your family.

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  14. Karen, Thank you for sharing these photos of your mom. She is so lovely. You all will be in my prayers as you get through this difficult time. I'm really looking forward to reading Farm Girl and knowing your mom more.

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  15. My heart goes out to you and your family, Karen, at this difficult time. What a good, long life your mother lived! And it is wonderful that you got that book written with her when you did. I was always glad I got to my mother (who lived to 97) to do her family history before she began "losing it."

    I like the new blog design. In the past when something awful happened in my life, I would move furniture around. I still do this when I'm feeling distracted!

    You will, of course, let us know how your mother is doing...I want to know.
    Ann

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  16. thank you for sharing yourself and the memories and pictures of your mom. Mine has been gone since 1992 - she would be 95 at her next birthday. I still miss her like the dickens. I'm so glad you got to celebrate her and write about her too. Yay!

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  17. Karen, my thoughts are with you and your family at this time. Thank you for sharing such beautiful pictures.

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  18. Karen, your mother sounds like an amazing and inspirational woman and I wish her every strength and blessing in her ongoing fight. Thanks for sharing the photos, and her story through your writing.

    You and your family are in my prayers. Take care.

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  20. I'm so sorry to hear that. I'm thinking of you and praying for the best.

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  21. Karen, I'm thinking of you and praying for your mom. I love the pictures. Thank you for sharing such a private part of your life.

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  22. Oh, Karen, all my thoughts and prayers are with you and your lovely Mother. I know that feeling well, sending all my best wishes and healing to you all. What beautiful photos of such a wonderful mother.

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  23. Deeply saddened to hear of your news, Karen.

    Beautiful photos.

    Thinking of you xx

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  24. Sorry to hear the sad news. The photos are wonderful and it sounds like your mother will inspire a lot of stories for you always.

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  25. Prayers for you and your mom -- and hoping for a solid recovery for her. Hang in there!!

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  26. Oh no! I'll be praying for her.

    And I love your new redesigned blog. It's beautiful. Just like your mother. :)

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  27. My very best wishes to you and your family, Karen. I hope your mother gets better.

    Take care of yourself and know that we're all sending positive thoughts and feelings your way.

    Jai

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  28. I hope you Mum is able to enjoy her life and the time afforded to her. It must be a difficult time. Those pictures are wonderful. They must help you appreciate the wonder of a full life.

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  29. I recently lost my mom, so I understand the fear and frustration when you get terrible news and then have to leave.

    My thoughts and prayers are with you, and I pray for a good recovery.

    The pictures were so wonderful! Thank you for sharing.

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  30. Wonderful pics of a wonderful lady. Stay strong, Karen. My thoughts will be with you. Take care.

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  31. Karen, So sorry to hear about your dear Mom. I am hoping that she will have a full recovery. Thanks so much for sharing the lovely photos of her. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

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  32. Sending warm thoughts your way, Karen.

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  33. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

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  34. Oh, Karen! I feel like I know her because of your book. I'm so very, very sorry. I'll be praying for you.

    God bless,
    Amy

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  35. Every good and positive thought I can muster is flying the way of you and your family right now.

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  36. Wonderful photos, your Mum looks so happy :o)

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  37. My very best wishes to you and your mother. A stroke is a terrible thing; I know, because my own mother suffered one.

    Thank you for sharing your wonderful photos.

    We'll all be here when you are ready to be 'back in business'.

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  38. Wonderful photos and memories.

    Sorry for your sad news, there are no words to help...or I never found them.

    Blessings.

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  39. Oh my dear, I'm so sorry to read this. My heart and prayers are with you. Sending hugs.
    Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow

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  40. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Thank you for sharing the beautiful thoughts and photos of your mother.

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  41. Bless you and bless your mother. You are in my prayers and sending you big hugs.

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  42. The pics are pricelss. Thanks for posting them. Heart and prayers are with you and your mom today.

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  43. Thinking of you Karen. Glad you posted this photo tribute to your mom.

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  44. My heart, my thoughts and my prayers go out to you and your family. She sounds like an amazing woman. Love the photos of her. She has such a bright smile. May her recovery be smooth.

    Mason
    Thoughts in Progress

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  45. I'm so sorry. Wishing you and your mom the best. And thanks for sharing the beautiful pictures.

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  46. Karen, I am so sorry to hear about your Mom. My thoughts are with you and your family. Please DO take whatever time you need. We'll all be here when you get back.

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  47. How hard this must be for your Mom - and for you. Love the old photos. Isn't it wonderful to have them?

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  48. Karen,
    You and your mom are in my thoughts and prayers.

    I adored these photos. Thanks for sharing them with us. *hugs*

    Love,
    Lola

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  49. So sorry to learn about your mom's stroke. Please know you are all in my prayers. Thanks for sharing the photos of your mom, too. Hugs!!!

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  50. Karen sorry to hear about your mum and thanks for sharing your special pictures. My thoughts are with you.

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  51. All the very best wishes go out to you and your Mum and thank you for sharing such a lovely collection of photos of the Farm Girl. x

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  52. I saw this on Old Kitty's blog and came to offer positive healing energy to your mom (Light) and to wish you and your family universal Blessings and strength during this challenging time.

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  53. Karen, I'm so sorry to hear this news. I just prayed for you and your mom. Thanks for posting the pictures of your "farm girl", they each have a story of their own. Pray for healing for your mom and grace and strength for you all!

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  54. I'm so sorry to hear about your mom's failing health. I can honestly say I understand. There aren't words to express what you're going through now, I know. You'll be in my prayers, and Kristine too.

    I like the new things you've done with your blog. It feels fresh and new.

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  55. Came from Old Kitty's blog.
    We send our hugs / purrs.

    My mom too is a stroke patient - we know what you are going through.

    {{hugs}}

    P:S: Thank you for sharing with us the lovely photos!

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  56. Karen, I am so sorry to hear your mother is not doing well. I will keep her in my prayers. I hope she is able to get better, and I can understand why you've changed your blog. When dramatic events like such hit us like this it seems like the only logical thing to do.

    The pictures were lovely. Thank you for sharing with us.

    Your family is in my prayers,
    Lindsey

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  57. Thank you everyone for your heartwarming messages, for your prayers and well-wishes for my mother's health. One of my sisters called me this evening (Sun) to say she was awake more today, and talking more clearly, even cracking some jokes. Her mind is alert and sharp, although her body doesn't want to cooperate. At 93, she is still a fighter.

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  58. Best wishes for you and your family, Karen. I know how tough it is to go through something like this. Sounds like your Mom's not ready to go yet. What a great woman to have in your life. Hugs to you and her.

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  59. Those pictures are absolutely fantastic. Your mother seems like a plucky lady- I wish you both the best!

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  60. Oh Karen, how hard this must be, especially having to leave (even though your mum is well looked after).

    I wish all the best for you and your family, especially your mum.

    I know how devastated I was when my Mum had a heart problem a few years ago. So take some time to look after yourself too.

    Once again, all the best.

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  61. Your Mother is absolutely gorgeous. I wallowed around in the pictures of her. My heart cried out because they are so much like my Mother's pictures. Same vintage. What a dear sweet person and you both have the same kind eyes. I wish you strength to be able to deal with whatever your future holds. Peace and love
    Manzanita

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  62. My prayers are with you and your familyduring this difficult time. Almost three years ago my nanu (grandfather) suffered a stroke. I was still in school and found myself driving back and forth to go home every weekend. It was a shock to us all,but it was a time when we all realized how important family is and we all learned to lean on eachother.

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  63. I'm so sorry :o( My thoughts are with you, Karen. xoxo

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  64. Hugs to you, Karen--it's so hard to have our loved ones sick and needing help--I think especially when we can't be there to give it. I hope she recovers--it can happen--my stepdad's mom had a stroke at that age and recovered all but (to her annoyance) enough motor control to play the piano like she had for so many years. I wish all your family well.

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  65. Take your time,, and thoughts to you and your family..

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  66. Oh Karen, I am so sorry to hear about your mother. (hugs)

    And yes, she is super cute! What beautiful pictures. <3

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  67. Karen, my heart goes out to you. I do wish your mother a speedy recovery. Sending you hugs x

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  68. oh Karen! So sorry for your news! Thinking of you!

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  69. oh, Karen! My heart just goes out to you right now. I'm praying for you and your mom and her speedy recovery. And for the strength you guys need at this time~ xoxo <3

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  70. Sending prayers and good wishes to you. What a challenging time. All the very best.

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  71. You and your mother share the same beautiful smile. I know exactly what you're experiencing, and I will keep you, your mother, and your family in my prayers. May God's grace and peace be with you all.

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  72. Forgot. I also LOVE the new background on your blog :)

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  73. I'm so sorry about your mom. I hope that she will be okay. I'm sure she appreciates that you and your siblings have been taking good care of her.

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  74. Hi Karen .. I'm sorry to hear about your mother .. but it sounds as though she is improving & the one thing about the brain is - is that it continues to improve.

    My blog was inspired through my mother's illness & I add an addendum at the bottom about her health .. because I wouldn't be here but for her.

    I've learnt so much about strokes etc .. and obviously the blogging world has opened many doors.

    I just wanted to say - please send her love from me .. and to you and your family .. and I hope you have a few more good years with her.

    My mother struggled with talking and had left sided neglect - but with a PEG feed .. she has lived nearly four years .. but her ability to talk and communicate has been quite amazing. She cannot eat or drink .. and thank goodness hasn't bemoaned that fact - occasionally .. but enjoys the interaction - this year she hasn't been well .. but she's still with it.

    It's been a blessing in so many ways - being able to be with her for the last few years .. and seeing the process - meeting people and being in places I'd never expect to be ..

    My thoughts are with you - your mother sounds in slightly better shape than my Ma .. she had 3 big strokes, when they moved her to rehab after the first one & if she hadn't been in the building where the Acute Brain Injury is in London - best place in the country - I wouldn't be here commenting. With love - Hilary

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