Thank you all for your kind wishes regarding Pops and his ill health. As regular readers, you all know how much he, and my mum, means to me.
Well, I went with my gut instinct.
I received a message in the early hours of Sunday morning to say a CT scan was required and possible surgery.
My mind was made.
We deposited the children with their other grandparents, and Hubby Dearest and I rushed (as fast as you can rush in the heat, and on a three-hour motorway journey where the M1 will inevitably have roadworks and traffic) up to Birmingham.
And I am so glad I am here with him now.
He looked so tiny when I got here. This wasn’t the vibrant Pops I knew.
The anaesthetic and morphine had him in a muggy daze and for the first couple of hours, he kept on waking up, and saying hello, not registering that we had been there a while.
He was very pale, but a welcome pale from the almost jaundiced yellow he had been the day before.
It appears (though this is not conclusive) that there may have been an ulcer caused by regular long-term medication that burst, causing a perforation, or tear in the bowel. The possibility of gastroenteritis from a few days before may have aggravated the issue, causing the tear, and then subsequent seepage into his body from the bowel, that created the extreme pain he had been suffering.
Long story short – he needed major surgery to remove the torn section of bowel, and then rejoin it all, and drain the unneccesary ‘stuff’ (yes, technical medical term there!) from around it.
The surgeon said the bowel was so red and inflamed it was angry, or ‘vexed’ in his words.
He was wired up to all sorts, tube in his nose, oxygen mask on, catherer in, various IV drips with saline and antibiotics…
But the surgery went well, straightforward, they said.
He regained a little colour before we left, but he was still really groggy.
I made the decision then that I need to be with him for a few days at least.
So, here I am, tapping into my Surface whilst he dozes by my side.
He looks wonderful (well, as wonderful as you can with tubes everywhere) a smile on his face when I arrived. It warmed my heart ❤
He’s taken a few steps and is on fluids only still at the moment, but he has definitely turned a corner… a huge one!
My heartfelt thanks to the NHS team too, who have been so amazing since he was admitted. They are always around with a smile on their faces, nothing is ever too much of a big job for them, and if you can spare a smile and politeness for these angels, they will always go that extra mile, without question.
And so, I found Ronovan’s prompt words, Old & Days, a good prompt for a little Pops based Haiku, to celebrate this time we have together, chatting in between his dozes…
Nothing better than
Spending days with our elders
Old wisdom passed onRitu 2018
It wasn’t all bad though, yesterday. There is something else I want to share… but I’ll save that for another post!
But I Smile Anyway... 
Jul 12, 2018 @ 03:00:07
Wow! So happy your Pops is ok, Ritu!!! Such a scary thing having to face surgery! So Glad everything has worked out for the best! My thoughts and prayers are with you and Pops!!! Be sure and tell him that he is blessed to have such a loving daughter as you are, Dear Ritu!!! And we are blessed to have you sharing with us!
LAH,
Chuck
xoxoxo
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Jul 12, 2018 @ 05:52:16
Thank you Chuck. I was so relieved to be there with him. It’s been emotionally exhausting but the main thing is he’s feeling better day by day 😍
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Jul 11, 2018 @ 15:21:44
Thank God he’s on the mend. Sending prayers Ritu.
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Jul 11, 2018 @ 16:35:26
Thank you 🙏💜
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Jul 10, 2018 @ 23:41:49
Speedy recovery to Pops!
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Jul 11, 2018 @ 06:35:52
Thank you! He really is speeding along! Xxx
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Jul 10, 2018 @ 22:21:12
Oh I’m so glad you shared this post! Good for you trusting your gut 🙂 Wishing him a speedy recovery!
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Jul 11, 2018 @ 06:35:19
Thank you Joey. He’s a trooper and us showing us he’s strong by getting better every day. 😍
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Jul 10, 2018 @ 18:35:21
I’m glad to hear he is out of the woods and is recovering. It is difficult to see our loved ones in pain. Being there with him made all the difference, Ritu! Hugs to you all!
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Jul 10, 2018 @ 18:36:01
Thank you Terri. I’m glad I got here xx
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Jul 10, 2018 @ 13:33:23
So glad he is doing ok…he looks so happy to see you. God bless. Xx
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Jul 10, 2018 @ 15:00:50
Thank you. It’s a blessing to be here with him xx
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Jul 11, 2018 @ 07:56:19
❤️
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Jul 10, 2018 @ 13:10:14
Happy to know he is better now. wishing for his speedy recovery!
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Jul 10, 2018 @ 13:14:16
Thank you 💜
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Jul 11, 2018 @ 13:11:31
🙂
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Jul 10, 2018 @ 13:08:39
A perfect haiku for your Pops! Thank goodness all is on the mend. Aren’t you glad you followed your gut and went to see him? Best wishes, Ritu. ❤️
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Jul 10, 2018 @ 13:13:33
Thank you Jennie! Definitely relieved to be with him 😍
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Jul 10, 2018 @ 13:42:34
You’re welcome Ritu. Big ‘whew’. 🙂
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Jul 10, 2018 @ 15:01:52
💜
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Jul 10, 2018 @ 05:53:24
Kia Kaha, be strong and a hug for you all X
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Jul 10, 2018 @ 07:06:34
Thank you Suzanne 😍
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Jul 10, 2018 @ 04:25:15
I am glad they have found the problem and done the necessary surgery, Ritu. Wishing your Pops a speedy recovery.
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Jul 10, 2018 @ 07:05:57
Thank you Robbie xx
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Jul 10, 2018 @ 04:08:02
I’m relieved to see you by his side and heartened to hear Pops is receiving good and kind care. Wishing you and your family the best outcome. ❤
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Jul 10, 2018 @ 07:06:59
Thank you Charli 💜🙏🏼
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Jul 10, 2018 @ 04:00:01
Ritu, sorry to hear what he went through.. but very happy that he is doing well. Please give him my very best. Praying for a very quick recovery. Take good care of him.. he is a very dear and special chachaji to me. ❤️❤️❤️
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Jul 10, 2018 @ 07:04:35
Thanks Rani Didi. It was all a bit crazy but luckily he is on the mend now. 💜💜💜
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 23:26:01
Thank you for the update and I am so glad you listened to your gut. I think it the long run we should be listening more. No regrets. Do it.
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Jul 10, 2018 @ 07:03:16
Avsolutely. Thank you 😍
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 23:13:19
Thank you for the very good news, Ritu! Wonderful to hear that. Your Pops and you are very strong persons, and managed it the coolest way i’ve ever heared.
Best wishes and blessings for your Pops health. Michael
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Jul 10, 2018 @ 07:02:57
Thanks for the good wishes Michael xx
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 23:09:26
best wishes and healing thoughts for your Dad. 🙂
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Jul 10, 2018 @ 07:02:36
Thank you Jim 🙂
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 22:11:39
So pleased they have sorted the problem Ritu..probably been growling at him for some time… but you know what Dad’s are like.. He won’t be lifting weights for a while but he will be back to normal soon.. love and hugs ♥
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 22:24:07
No, you’re right Sally, no yoga classes for a little while yet!
But he’s having a well earned rest at the moment, and recovering well, so far. Fingers crossed it continues! ❤
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 21:31:59
Best wishes for a full and speedy recovery to your dad!
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 22:22:10
Thank you so much, your wishes are much appreciated 🙂
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 20:56:40
Glad he’s turned a corner. Get well soon
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 22:21:55
Thank you so much ❤
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 19:22:44
Best wishes Ritu to you & your family 🌸
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 22:21:24
Thank you Sam ❤
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 18:58:15
I hope things continue to go well.
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 22:21:14
Thank you April ❤
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 18:46:42
I send my very best wishes to your Pops for strength on the road to recovery and I send you and your mum and wider family equal strength as you help him on his road
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 22:20:43
Thank you so much, greatly appreciated ❤
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 18:19:39
Sending best wishes to you and your Pops. Glad things are going well and he’s looking better. Bet having you by his side helps!
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 22:20:28
Thank you so much Gemma. I think we were both relieved to see each other to be honest ❤
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 18:16:37
Glad to hear that he is in the path to recovery and you can still find humor in a difficult situation. Our prayers and good wishes are with you.
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 22:20:00
Thank you so much. It helps when he is sat there and able to crack little jokes by the end of the day, I know my Pops is back then too 🙂
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Jul 10, 2018 @ 01:19:15
😊👍
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 17:52:11
I bet he was happy to see you, even though he told you not to worry. I’m glad the surgery went well and he’s on the road to recovery {{hugs}}
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 17:58:53
Thanks Jacqui. Now I’m here he’s relieved. We’ve had a whole day together with no other visitors most of the time. He’s rested well and it’s all helping his recovery 💜
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 17:37:54
Many days to come;
old is just a state of mind;
so prepare the years.
Best images, Pops.
G:)
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 17:38:38
How does ‘wishes’ auto-correct to ‘images’? Oh, well, best images! G:)
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 17:40:49
I thought you were commenting on the lovely post pictures! 😂
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 17:41:54
G:)
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 17:39:55
Love your verse G! Thank you 💜
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 17:24:29
That’s Marvelous news. 😎🥀
Clear blue skies
Fresh waters fall –
Stirs fragrant blossoms
A new day dawns 🌺
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 17:38:43
Thank you Dorna. Beautiful words 💜
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 17:17:13
So glad he’s on the mend Ritu after giving you quite the scare! Sending love and hugs to you and Pops xxx
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 17:20:03
Thank you Emmalene 💜 I’m so glad he’s on the mend 💜
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 17:05:20
Thank you Darlene. I’m so glad I’m here with him too 😍
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 16:56:01
Oh, how worrying. I do hope he is on the mend. Thank goodness you’re at his side. Much love and healing to him. xxx
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 17:03:05
Thank you Marje. It’s good to be his side 😍
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 16:41:30
Lots of good wishes to your dad and your family Ritu x
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 16:45:59
Thank you Orla 😍
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 16:29:55
Glad he is doing well. Hope his recover continues to go well!
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 16:36:07
Thank you Trent. 🙏🏼
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 16:08:45
Oh, I love my dad! I cannot imagine, prayers and healing sent his way!
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 16:34:01
Thank you so much 😍
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 16:06:11
Oh Ritu your poor pops!! I missed your other posts about it, so I am sending all the love now! He must be glad to have your close!!
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 16:27:57
Thank you Josy. I think it’s mumtal, us being close together xxx
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 15:37:02
Oh Ritu. Sending you and your Pops all the best. At least he has a smile on his face & is receiving the best care. Much love & healing vibes xx
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 15:41:03
Thank you Hayley! He is in great hands ❤
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 15:26:09
More healing thoughts. Glad they figured out what the problem was and were able to correct it.
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 15:40:44
Thank you so much Janet! Much Appreciated! ❤
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 15:21:48
Thank God Pops is on the mend. I am going to keep you all in my thoughts and prayers until he is out of hospital. You take care now sis don’t over do things. How is your mum coping 💜💜🤢🤢
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 15:40:13
Thank you sis! He is doing so well! And Mum, despite being sat so far away, is coping, I guess, knowing I am her with him ❤
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 15:48:46
Yes indeed she can trust you 💜
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 15:49:55
❤
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 15:03:18
Your Pops looks wonderful!! Keeping him in my prayers for a speedy recovery!! ❤️🙏
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 15:11:28
A smile can transform a face, eh! ❤
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 20:38:25
You bet! I’m sure having you there brought out that smile 😊
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 22:21:48
He’s got the best smile, I think I get it from him ❤ 🙂
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Jul 10, 2018 @ 00:04:14
Yep!! 😉
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 14:57:11
I’m glad to hear the surgery was successful. I wish him a speedy recovery and I will keep you both in my thoughts and prayers.
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 14:58:48
Thank you so much Dan, that is much appreciated ❤
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 14:56:40
I was thinking of you so was glad to see this post. So pleased you went to see him and are staying for a few days. I know you are as well. All the best for a speedy recovery.
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 14:46:47
Oh my !
What an adventure for uncle and for you. But glad it all turned out well. Still in prayers.
Susie
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 14:58:05
Thank you so much Susie. All your prayers are welcomed and appreciated! ❤
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 14:28:57
I’m super happy to hear he’s ok! Fingers crossed for a quick recovery. 😊
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 14:54:28
Thank you so much for your good wishes!
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 15:03:38
You’re welcome. Hope all goes well. 😊
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 15:11:47
❤
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 14:28:32
All my best vibes to your Pops and to you!
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 14:54:13
Thank you Lorna! ❤
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 14:24:11
I am so happy to hear that he has turned the corner. Bowel stuff can be very scary. Thinking of you all and wishing fast healing!!
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 14:53:58
So much appreciated Cheri. He has definitely turned a corner! ❤
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 14:23:38
Glad you went with your instinct and went to be with Pops. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 14:53:25
I am too Brother. Thankful I am by his side now, watching him grow stronger ❤
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 15:24:21
❤️❤️❤️
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 14:19:28
Ohhh Ritu….I wish him from the bottom of my heart a good recovery….hang in there Ritu
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 14:52:59
Thank you so much Sophie, ❤
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Jul 10, 2018 @ 09:17:25
Your welcome I hope you dad is doing better today. 🙂
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 14:19:21
Asking for speedy healing for Pops. What an ordeal and challenging time for him and you all. Stay positive, your smile is contagious Ritu.
Haiku is beautiful, just as you are.
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 14:52:01
Thank you so much Helene. From your words to God’s ears! ❤
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 14:19:15
Thank you for letting me “see for myself” that he is ok. Praying for strength and endurance for you, too, Hon.
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 14:51:02
Thank you so much Rae. Your words of support mean a lot ❤
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 14:18:36
Oh Ritu I’ve got tears in my eyes reading this. So glad you’ve been able to go and be by his side. Thinking of you all. Thank goodness for our amazing NHS ❤️ Hope pops recovers swiftly.
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 14:50:40
Thank you so much Rachael ❤ It was an emotional few days, especially as mum isn’t here, and Sat in Finland on baby watch!
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 14:53:30
Oh bless her too! X
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 14:58:24
Thank goodness for Video calling, eh!
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 15:10:44
It’s such a blessing 😊
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 15:12:06
It really is!!!! ❤
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 14:17:22
Best wishes to your dad, I know he’ll be getting all the care and love he deserves. May he be feeling better as soon as is able 💜 lots of love to you too 😘 x
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 14:49:45
Thank you so much Em. He is slowly getting there! ❤
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 14:16:49
Tears of joy for your Pops! ❤
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Jul 09, 2018 @ 14:49:22
Thanks Sis! It was a huge relief to see him and how he was today! ❤
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