“You don’t choose your family. They are God’s gift to you, as you are to them.”
Desmond Tutu
Thanks, Spidey.
After the particularly harrowing week we had with Pops, this quote couldn’t ring truer.
It’s always been a struggle being three hours away from my parents, being so emotionally close to them.
And it’s always been one of my biggest fears too, one of them falling ill, and me not being able to do anything, immediately. My brother being in another country doesn’t help either.
But here is where the beauty of having a large, close-knit family comes into play.
My parents have, over the years done SO MUCH for everyone, that when they are in need, there is no shortage of people offering their support.
Even so, not everyone can commit to a long term solution.
When Pops was ill, he stayed with his niece, my cousin.
Whilst I couldn’t come down, I was given regular updates on his health. Even after the major hospital stay, once I had to come home, I received calls and messages to let me know how he was.
When I came to spend days with him, I stayed with them too. No one wanted me to be alone at Pops and Mums place.
And now, since he needs a lot of rest and recuperation, they have taken him in again, until I can come down more long-term in the holidays.
I was with him again yesterday, and he’s tired… lots of well wishers on the phone and visitors, but he’s comfortable.
My cousin and her family are really looking after him.
They really are a gift from God to us.
Pray for his speedy recovery, Peeps.
Have a peaceful Sunday ❤
But I Smile Anyway... 
Jul 17, 2018 @ 01:00:36
Praying DAILY.
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Jul 17, 2018 @ 05:54:11
Thank you Rae 💜🙏🏼
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Jul 16, 2018 @ 13:12:28
Praying for strength and recovery for your father and keeping you and your family in my prayers too.
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Jul 16, 2018 @ 17:14:31
Thank you so much Becky 💜
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Jul 16, 2018 @ 05:48:47
Ritu,
Am so relieved to read your post. Was thinking of him and about how you wrote how small and frail he looked in the hospital bed.
When does school close ?
Susie
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Jul 16, 2018 @ 05:59:26
Thanks Susie. We are all so relieved too.
We break up next Tuesday. Still feels like an age away but yes that will be our finish day xxx
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Jul 16, 2018 @ 06:18:17
Oh Ritu, for someone who is so attached to family , I can so understand your pain. I live a continent away from my parents but every time they are ill, my heart skips beats.
I hope your mum is ok and coping.
Susie
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Jul 16, 2018 @ 06:35:43
She is sat in Finland with her new grandson but her mind is with Pops. Torn between two great needs. Her consolation is that Pops is in good hands until she is back xxx
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Jul 15, 2018 @ 17:56:48
Glad you have such a kind, supportive family. Hope your pops is soon back to full health. Thinking about you, your dad and your family. xxx
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Jul 15, 2018 @ 17:57:31
Thank you Marje 💜
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Jul 15, 2018 @ 17:59:46
❤ xxx
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Jul 15, 2018 @ 17:20:20
You certainly have a lovely supportive family, Ritu.
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Jul 15, 2018 @ 17:39:22
We are lucky Robbie 🙏🏼💜
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Jul 15, 2018 @ 16:13:30
Continuing good thoughts for you and the family. Remember to take care of yourself as well!
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Jul 15, 2018 @ 16:50:47
Thank you Janet. I’m exhausted. Early night for me too 🙏🏼
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Jul 15, 2018 @ 16:04:28
Thank God for the blessing of family unity. I’m glad all is going well Sister! 🙏🏾💜
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Jul 15, 2018 @ 16:50:14
Thank you Brother 🙏🏼💜
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Jul 15, 2018 @ 17:01:02
You’re welcome Sister! 🙏🏽💜
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Jul 15, 2018 @ 15:35:11
How blessed you and your pop are to have the love and support of a large family. It is truly a rare thing. I hope your dad has a speedy recovery.
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Jul 15, 2018 @ 15:36:28
Thank you Diana! 🙏🏼💜🙏🏼
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Jul 15, 2018 @ 15:32:19
Your cousin and family sound like a blessing. Best wishes for continued healing to your dad!
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Jul 15, 2018 @ 15:36:11
Thank you. They are Indeed 🙏🏼💜
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Jul 15, 2018 @ 15:23:08
God bless him
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Jul 15, 2018 @ 15:30:25
Thank you 💜
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Jul 15, 2018 @ 14:54:39
I’m keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers Ritu.
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Jul 15, 2018 @ 14:58:18
Much appreciated Rachael 💜🙏🏼
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Jul 15, 2018 @ 14:54:10
I am so glad you are having this strong net around you. It is the awareness that the way the family is put together is for a reason and seeing the gift in everyone results in what you are finding as this love and support you have experienced. Also so glad, your Pops is comfortable. Everything else will follow.
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Jul 15, 2018 @ 14:58:05
Thank you sis 💜 we are blessed 🙏🏼💜
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Jul 15, 2018 @ 19:16:21
Definitely 💖
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Jul 15, 2018 @ 14:44:14
I lost my 2nd husband and my dad in less than 2 years, and my mom 7 years after that. It’s a hard adjustment. You get through it, but there is always something missing in your life after that.
Spend as much time together as possible. Knowing that you did helps to heal your heart.
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Jul 15, 2018 @ 14:49:19
I agree. And video calling is a blessing. 💜
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Jul 15, 2018 @ 20:29:37
Anything that connects. 🙂
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Jul 15, 2018 @ 12:48:53
We have the same kind of family. I feel bad about being in Spain, with mom all the way in Canada, but so many family members stop in to see her and report back to me. I also Skype with her and other family members. Sometimes the distances don’t matter. Sending positive thoughts that your dear pops will be better soon. xo
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Jul 15, 2018 @ 13:46:21
Thanks Darlene. WhatsApp and Skype is a godsend!!!
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Jul 15, 2018 @ 12:24:07
sending lots of well wishes and healing thoughts your way. 🙂
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Jul 15, 2018 @ 12:25:53
Much appreciated Jim 💜🙂
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Jul 15, 2018 @ 12:17:06
You are so blessed to have such a wonderful family it is always so comforting and helpful when they step up to the plate. Accept their help sis you must not run yourself into the ground.
I shall be praying for you all , especially Pop.💜💜
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Jul 15, 2018 @ 12:20:58
Thank you sis 💜
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Jul 15, 2018 @ 14:49:53
💜💜
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Jul 15, 2018 @ 11:32:21
Families can be wonderfully supportive. I’m glad yours is making your life a little easier.
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Jul 15, 2018 @ 11:32:56
They really are April 🙂
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Jul 15, 2018 @ 10:41:35
Wish him a speedy recovery Ritu. God bless
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Jul 15, 2018 @ 10:42:42
Thank you Kurian 🙂
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Jul 16, 2018 @ 02:37:59
You are welcome Ritu
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Jul 15, 2018 @ 09:45:06
I hope all goes well.
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Jul 15, 2018 @ 09:59:40
Slow and steady Linda. Thank you 💜
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