Thursday, March 17, 2016

It's all smoke and mirrors


I'm not just saying this as a conversation starter, but I really can't believe that we are half way through March already.  I think as you get older, each year becomes a well worn road, the short-cuts across the grass become muddy and flat, and the familiar landmarks remind you how far you still need to walk ahead to reach your destination.

Do you remember being a kid and going somewhere new for the first time?  It would take F.O.R.E.V.E.R to get there... and near the end of the journey you didn't quite believe your parents when they exclaimed for the umpteenth time that 'we' were "nearly there"!

The familiar landmarks are the seasons, the birthdays, the milestones and quite often the anniversaries of those once loved but never forgotten. The destination is the end of the year and the beginning of a new one.  I seem to have blinked and lost three months! 


I don't usually divulge anything personal on my blog.  I've always considered it a place for pretty pictures and inspiration for others who like to sew and create.  But lately I've been thinking that it is all too easy to get caught up with flawless images on social media; the homes that are glistening, the stitching that is perfect, the kids who are always smiling.  Everything is in the moment.  But it's all too easy to forget what's not in the picture.  The piles of laundry that have been shoved out of the way of that perfect home decor photo-shoot; the ten or twenty years of practice that it has taken for someone to perfect their craft; the kid that is now crying because their favourite song or show has just come to an end... life is life!

Truth is, behind the smoke and mirrors we all have issues, stumbling blocks and low points.  Truth is we also have breakthroughs, victories and high points.  Thank goodness for that, hey?!


So I thought it was about time that I mustered some courage and shared with you a little about what is going on in my world at the moment.

My house is a big hot mess.  There won't be any attractive home-decor photo sessions going on in this neck of the woods, I can assure you!  It's a mess because I'm in too much pain to do anything about it.  I've suffered with chronic back pain for close to ten years, I'd say the past six have been the worst.  I've been on a cocktail of anti-depressants and pain-killers for the past three years and over the past six months, have been weaning off them.  Each time I drop the medication I am hit with weeks-on-end of depression.  The excruciating pain makes matters much worse.  The feelings of failure for not being able to look after my family... that's a rotten one.  My hubby comes home from work and cooks the dinner because I can't even stand at the hob.  He has been amazing.  I'm waiting for a procedure now, it will be a few weeks away yet and I can't even find out the date because the hospital just rings you when a slot comes up.  Not knowing is the worst because like an athlete preparing for a race, I need to mentally prepare myself for how much longer I need to endure the pain.

My sweet daughter has been off school for close to three weeks with medical issues.  I worry about her having missed so much school over the years, and it's been touch helping her at home while battling with the depression.  I have to keep reminding myself that I can only do my best, but the conscientious driver in me keeps tooting the horn and telling me that my best isn't good enough.  Dang that back seat driver!

It has been cathartic writing this.  So there you go.  I am always sincere on my blog, I'm generally happy and always smiling, I will talk to anyone and make friends easily.  But I'm just like everyone else, with problems and issues that intercept the general noise of life.  I'm not sure that you're going to glean anything from this outpour of mine, but I hope that if nothing else, if you're feeling at a low point in your life - you know you're not alone. xxx

Till next time,
Vikki xoxoxo



10 comments:

barb's creations said...

Do you know what Vikki I love your honesty! I too have down days but nothing compared to what you are going through, you smile through it so well that I'm sure not many of us are aware of your pain or depression just remember we are all behind you cheering you on and if you ever need to chat just email me and I'll be there (((((HUGS)))) Barb.

Jenny of Elefantz said...

Love you for being real, little sis, and be assured I'm praying and praying to our precious Lord! xxxxxxx

Jodie said...

Chrnic pain just slowly chips away at us... It is sooooo debilitating. I hope the procedure comes quickly and your recovery is smooth. The back seat driver dements us all doesn't it. Your family and friends love you so you are doing plenty of things perfectly !!!

Mgmj said...

Hi vikie from the usa sorry to hear of your health issues can't be easy, I've battled depression for years now. And been disabled for over 40 your post hit home to me. I have always prayed to the good Lord when things are really bad and daily. He seems to give you strength just thinking about him. I love the arts and dabble in sewing far from perfect but love to see all the talent out there

Julie said...

Oh Vikki I totally felt for you reading this post today & got a great big lump in my throat. I was so very sorry to read of all your troubles, your pain & your depression. Living with constant pain can be so very wearying. I pray that the hospital proceedure comes quickly for you & that it helps alleviate the pain in your back. I am sure that when you are free from constant pain, this will help your depression. I pray that your wee daughter gets well again soon too as can imagine how this will be worrying you. Your blog doesnt always have to be a bright, happy, shiny place ... an honest post is good too as it lets us all know that you are real & face the same problems that we all do & its not all sunshine & roses. I still enjoy my visits to your blog no matter what you are writing about. Take care dear Vikki, please know that we are all with you in thought, sending gentle hugs your way x x x x

Two Patchwork Bunnies said...

Oh Vikki, many hugs for you. I lived with chronic back pain for just on 20 years. It was a condition I was born with but didn't become chronic until my second pregnancy. I too was on a cocktail of drugs including Fentanyl. I too felt the way you are feeling now. Last year I finally found a neurosurgeon in Sydney who was prepared to operate and do a spinal fusion. What a massive difference - it has been amazing! I was in rehab for 5 months post surgery. While I still need medications I no longer need the hard pain killers. I wish you every success - life will get better!

Michelle Ridgway said...

Hi Vikki. I'm so sorry that you are enduring this difficult and painful time. I too applaud your honesty. I often think...boy if those folks could see what's out of shot in this photo! "Glossy" isn't real life. "Real" life can be very messy in lots of ways. I pray you get your date soon and some relief. Sending healing hugs xxx

GerryART said...

Your posts have always cheered my spirits ‼️😍
To hear of your troubles
Reinforces my feelings that your spirit is positive and strong.

While you may be feeling forlorn
You are excude POSITIVITY 💘💞💘💞
To many of us who follow your blog.

May your troubles be resolved soon
I will be sending positive Toughts and Energies toward that end.

Love and hugs
Gerry

ahmed said...

العقارب حشرات خطيرة وسامة تسبب الوفيات نتيجة لدغات. توجد العقارب بشكل متكرر في الصحراء أو في المزارع والحدائق ، مما يسبب الخوف والقلق للعديد من الأشخاص الذين يرغبون في التخلص منها.
شركة رش مبيدات
شركة مكافحة النمل الابيض بجدة
شركة مكافحة حشرات بجدة
شركة رش مبيدات بجدة

Keira Tayor said...

The full form of CDR is Competency Demonstration Report. It is an assessment authority held by the Engineers Australia known as CDR engineers Australia. Engineers Australia or EA is an authorized assessor for the approval of skilful immigrant applicants. As the name suggests, it is a report prepared for the skilled applicants, mostly the ones who are immigrants. These immigrants are holders of engineering degrees and are qualified. If you have given CDR, feel free to share your requirements to our CDR report writers. In generic terms, a CDR has to be prepared by the student themselves so that their communication skills can be thoroughly assessed.

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails