Someone close to me passed away this week. It has been a difficult time, but it has been made a bit easier by the support of my wonderful family and friends. They make all the difference in the world.
With everything that has been going on, I have neglected my blogging lately, which I’m sure you understand. I did want to write today, but I will keep it short, as I will be leaving soon to spend more time with my family.
And that’s my point today: there is just so much to do when someone close to you dies, and it is made more complicated by chronic illnesses.
This week has been difficult and exhausted for even the healthiest members of my family. For me, it’s just a bit more so. Spending long stretches with family means bringing extra doses of my medication with me at all times. I also need to bring meals and snacks, since my special diet means that I can’t eat the food that has been prepared for everyone else. Of course, it’s also a strain on my adrenals, which are already struggling at their sub-par levels. There is a lot of driving and a lot of walking, which my back and the rest of my body aren’t enjoying. The stress doesn’t help my already-poor sleep. And all of it adds up to make my fatigue worse.
And yet I don’t want to cut back. I don’t want to stay at home. I want to be with my family while we grieve together.
There is no perfect answer here. I will just do the best that I can, just as we all do in difficult situations. For me, this means ducking out occasionally for some quiet alone time in a separate room, being careful to eat good, healthy food at regular intervals, always carrying my medication with me, and taking time when I’m alone anyway to relax, meditate, read, or otherwise reduce my stress.
I hope to return to more frequent writing in the new year. Until then, I hope that everyone is as well as possible during this holiday season.
Chronic Rants 
Condolences and sympathies toyou and your family at this difficult time.
Hugs
Lorna x
So sorry for your loss. When I sustain loss, I tend to grieve best alone, which for chronic illness is a blessing I suppose. I hope you have a chance to grieve well, and as you draw near to those you love, that they would grieve for your illness as well, and support and enable you to take care of yourself in this difficult time.