May I have a hug for me and prayers for a friend (long)

[emzhengjiu]

This is only a vent but I'm feeling very guilty about not helping a friend today. She has been in the hospital since last Thursday when my daughters (11 & 8) and I took her to the emergency room. We stayed in the ER with her for almost 8 hours until they decided to admit her. We've visited her every day and gone by her house every day to either pick up things she needs or to clean / do the laundry. In addition, I'm a single mom who is self-employed. She's being discharged today. Her almost 40 yo adult son is leaving this morning to spend Christmas in Hawaii with his dad, her ex. His trip has been planned for weeks. Her much older sisters (in their late 60s) left this morning to spend time with their families out of town. My friend can't go because she's not suppose to be around crowds. Neither her sisters nor her son have done much to help her during this time. I've ended up being the primary person. She found out today that there's some dense spots on her recent mammogram unrelated to this illness. Her doctor wants her have have additional tests today after she is discharged as an outpatient. I told her I would gladly take her home but couldn't take most of the day for the other appointments. She decided to call a neighbor instead but I feel I've let a friend down. Scripture says to not tire in doing good works but I'm so very tired today. Plus I've not completed shopping for my girls or preparations for tomorrow. Christmas is only a day even though we celebrate it as the day of our Lord's birth. People come first. Anyway, I'm feeling very guilty about saying no to the additional appointments. I know she has to be scared. So if you've read this far, I would so appreciate some virtual hugs and more importantly prayers for my friend.

 

Thanks so much.

Judy

[laughing lioness]

Judy, :grouphug:

It sounds like you have been an awesome friend! It also sounds like you have more than your fair share to deal with anyway. It's o.k. to take a rest from caring for this person, esecially as she has other resources.

Have a good rest and Merry Christmas!!:grouphug:

[elegantlion]

Judy, prayers and hugs here for you and your friend. :grouphug:

[Sparkle]

(((Judy))), you're a terrific friend! It sounds like you've already been there a lot for her, and I'm sure you'll help her in the future too. Don't feel bad. Enjoy your Christmas, and I will be praying for your friend. :grouphug:

[Jean in Newcastle]

Give her neighbor an opportunity to bless her too. It's ok for you to have some rest. Even Jesus went away and got rest even though people were following him. And your family is a legitimate priority too just as your own health is.

[G5052]

yes, pace yourself. My DH has battled chronic illness for six years now, and part of loving him is pacing it so that I can be there when the need is overwhelming. There are times that I delegate to others when I'm exhausted or ill myself, trust me.

[emzhengjiu]

I realize now I had let myself get way too overwhelmed with everything, her needs as well as ours as a family. My friend got home but it was in a taxi. The hospital provided a voucher. Thankfully she rescheduled the other appointments for today and the first of next week. You all are so right that I have to pace myself. Thank you all so much.

 

Judy