I forgot to show you this new little table topper last week. It is made from some older Sandy Gervais fabrics I had in my stash. It's been over a year since I made it, but I think I may have used one of two charm packs to make it. I don't recall using an actual pattern. I think I just made half square triangles in two sizes and put them all together to form this design. I can't even recall where I got the idea.
We had quite a weekend. My father fell on Wednesday. He wasn't badly hurt, but could not get up. His fall detection lanyard didn't go off for some reason. He was alone and my sister didn't get to him for a couple of hours. He was helped up and seemed shaken but not injured. That night he fell out of bed and did himself some harm. He must have pulled a stomach muscle in the first fall, which made it difficult for him to get comfortable in his bed. In his struggle to position himself he slipped onto the floor. This time he scraped his elbow up badly. My nephew was with him right away and called 911. After two CT scans, an MRI, and examinations by emergency room doctors, he was pronounced not badly hurt and sent home.
The thing is, when a nearly 97-year-old person falls, it is a big deal. He was fortunate not to have broken anything but definitely pulled muscles and got bruised up to a degree that means he now needs assistance with every single thing. He can't sit up unaided, he can't stand up without help, he can't swing his legs up onto the bed or a footstool...You get the drift. He is also not eating much and is unable to sleep well, therefore is up half the night needing one thing or another.
My sisters and I are with him 24/7 now. We are hoping his appetite improves and that his muscle strains get better, but in the meantime, it is a bit of work and we are quite concerned about him.
I bought this adorable Coriander Quilts pattern "Fly Away Blackbird" a week or so ago with the idea I want to make a table runner with these cute bird blocks. I love the yellow and grey Buttercups and Slate fabric, also by Coriander Quilts, but it won't be available until sometime in September. Oh well, no time to sew right now anyway.
Eva starts school this week and is so excited to see all her friends again. It was my husband's birthday yesterday and we had a quiet celebration. I will have my turn with my father this coming Friday through Sunday. As you can see, things are a bit of a mix of ups and downs right now!
So sorry to hear about your dad. Getting older isn't for sissies, that is for sure. I pray he regains his strength and gets through the current aches and pains. I know the worry is not easy on the family, because you all love him so much.
I love the tabble topper. Your house is always festive for the season. Can't wait to see the blackbird runner.
Take care, sending well wishes.
Posted by: KimS | August 15, 2022 at 06:24 AM
So sorry to hear about your father. Sure hope that the 24/7 attention and care from his kids helps him through this rough patch, and that he is soon on the mend.
Posted by: Debbie R. | August 15, 2022 at 06:40 AM
I too am sorry to read about your dad's falls. So glad he didn't break any bones, but the strained and pulled muscles almost sounds worse. He is so lucky to have family to stay with him! I also admired the blackbird pattern but I have too many in the queue already.
Posted by: sue s | August 15, 2022 at 06:49 AM
I know that it is a difficult time now for your family taking care of your dad, but it is also wonderful to see how you are all pulling together to take care of him, and I am sure he appreciates it so much. My family is going through this as well with my 94-year-old dad. I wish your dad a speedy recovery from his fall. I also like the blackbird pattern. A table runner is a great way to go when you don't want to make a big quilt.
Posted by: CarolE | August 15, 2022 at 07:33 AM
You & your sisters will never regret the hours spent caring for your dad. It's a labor of love--some say their parent(s) cared for them when they were infants & now it's their turn. It's not an easy task, but you won't ever regret doing it. It's wonderful that your nephew can be there for lifting & helping at night. I salute you all! ❤️
Posted by: Jan | August 15, 2022 at 07:48 AM
Retired nurse here (and also the daughter of a Mom that suffered a fall in her 90's)... perhaps consider renting a hospital bed for your dad, that he/you can raise the head /legs of the bed to aid in his comfort. Hoping that he recovers from this and there are no lingering after-effects. Try to get him to eat whatever he will eat...even if it is ice cream ! Praying for your Dad and your family...
Posted by: Patty | August 15, 2022 at 08:22 AM
Oh my Nicole I am so sorry to hear about your DAD. I will send some prayers his way and hopefully thing will get better slow but sure. Take care of yourself too!
Mary
Posted by: Mary Kastner | August 15, 2022 at 08:31 AM
My heart goes out to you and your family. He is so lucky to have such caring and giving daughters though. Old folks are so fragile at his age. It is amazing to reach such an age but it comes with some work and luck. You girls don't forget to take care of yourselves. I like that you have your quilting as a creative outlet. Hugs to you all.
Posted by: Taria | August 15, 2022 at 08:51 AM
oh dear. I am so sorry. I can imagine how painful that is for your dad. He is also very frustrated by not being able to do simple things for himself. :(
Posted by: Ina | August 15, 2022 at 09:56 AM
I am so sorry this is happening with your dad. A hospital bed might make it easier for him. Medicare will take care of expense with proper diagnosis and order from Dr.
Posted by: Gloria Yates | August 15, 2022 at 10:03 AM
I am so sorry this is happening with your dad. A hospital bed might make it easier for him. Medicare will take care of expense with proper diagnosis and order from Dr.
Posted by: Gloria Yates | August 15, 2022 at 10:03 AM
My mother died in March and she was 97 and experienced many falls.
Mother lived in an assisted facility. Each fall required a trip to ER and admission. I do understand what you are facing. I miss my mother!
Posted by: Gloria Yates | August 15, 2022 at 10:13 AM
Such a hard road for you and your sisters to walk right now, Nicole. I wish I could come and have a coffee with you on your deck and give you some mental downtime! Take care during this time.
Posted by: T Holzer | August 15, 2022 at 10:45 AM
I read your posts every time I get one, and have been following your journey...the good and the not-so-good...We share some commen likes about fabric...you inspire me, and I get great ideas from you.Know that I am thinking of you, your sister and , of course, your Dad...and I hope he has better days ahead. With you both taking such good care of him, I hope he responds and get back to himself soon.Bev
Posted by: Beverly Custer | August 15, 2022 at 11:24 AM
So sorry to hear about your father. As they get older, they seem more fragile. I hope he will be feeling better soon. Love your table topper. You could write a pattern ;-)
Posted by: Jocelyn | August 15, 2022 at 01:26 PM
Sending all the best wishes for your father's recovery.
Posted by: Jeanie | August 15, 2022 at 09:21 PM
I absolutely love your table topper. Wish I were talented enough to figure out how to do it without a pattern, but that's a no.
I bought the same blackbird pattern with the same intention. I'm on a table runner kick right now and thought it would make a cute one...you go first!
Sorry to know your family is experiencing rough times right now. Please make it a point to take care of yourselves through it all.
Posted by: Lori | August 16, 2022 at 01:20 AM
What a difficult situation you are dealing with concerning your dad. My heart and prayers go out to you all. I know you love and cherish him.
Posted by: Mary | August 16, 2022 at 04:25 AM
Age is a challenge. Good that he was not not seriously injured but at his age recovery is still slow. He is fortunate to have his girls. You take care and cater to him while encouraging him to move. Don't forget to have him take deep breaths.
Posted by: PamO | August 16, 2022 at 11:05 AM
So sorry Nicole to hear about your dear dad ‘s trials. I agree with others that you will never regret time spent with him even through ever increasing difficulties. Thinking of you!
Posted by: Kerry L | August 16, 2022 at 12:15 PM
Just checking in on you and letting you know I am thinking about you and your Dad.
Posted by: Leota Krantz | August 17, 2022 at 07:56 AM
It must be overwhelming to have your Dad injured and so dependent on you for everything. I hope he recovers quickly, but it must be exasperating to know his medic alert did not work when he needed it. Please take care of yourself as as the worry and caregiving can take a toll on your own health.
I absolutely love the table topper you made. If there was a pattern I would be ordering it. HSTs are my favorite blocks to make lately. I bought the Blackbird PDF around the same time you did. I had hoarded some left over stash from Pepper & flax and think I have enough to make a wall hanging. I can wait to get some Buttercup & Slate when it's released to make the bigger quilt. Such a cute little bird. Hard to believe Eva is in 6th grade. You must be wondering how to keep her from growing up so fast as you "sob".
Posted by: Ellen in Oregon | August 20, 2022 at 09:03 PM