Hi dear friends!
Time for a little weekly chit chat about how my week went and what happened on the blog. As usual I will link it up with @CaffeinatedReviewer.
Time to look back on my week and talk about life events and blog related news.
First personal life
OK I don’t want to get morbid here so I’ll say it plain and simple: my dad has cancer and he refused a surgery that could cure him. I understand as the surgery was really heavy and would have left him with even less “pieces” of him. You have to know that he’s already been amputated of one leg years ago and has no bladder anymore either. To make it short he has suffered enough and does not want to prolong his life at all costs.
We discovered this a few weeks ago but only got all the results and “decision making time” this week. As my parents are old (78 and 76) and I am an only child my mom asked me to go to the hospital with them. What I did after moving some things at work.
This decision means that my dad will need help more and more to alleviate his suffering and ensure he is comfortable enough. More doctor visits are planned and that’s why my blogging time took and will mabye take a setback. On the other hand reading and blogging is what gives me a relief and helps me stay sane in these dire times so I will go on as much and as often as I can.
Add to it my coaching in Dutch as my son will have his exam in a few weeks and I hope you’ll forgive me if I answer to your comments with some delay sometimes.
Don’t be (too) sad or sorry for me. Yes I am sad but we’ve all made peace with my dad’s decision. Death is part of life and he is content with his decision so we have to respect that.
As it is “crisis” time I have a cool head and an analytical mind. I am always level headed in crisis. The one you can count on if you faint or have a heart attack or …as I never panic at that time and go in “rational and logical” mode. That’s why I feel like “frozen and calm” right now. Once the crisis will be finished that will be another story.
So if you want to know what you can do to help: just chat, comment, like and have a banter with me like usual. Be my “bubble”, my escape and my distraction. My safe haven and you’ll help me enormously!
That was all for my private life and sorry guys to have burdened you with this but I had to explain my sometimes “erratic” blogging.
On the blog this week
Well I have read several books that are not reviewed yet or rather I’ve written the reviews but either didn’t publish them (PR schedule) either they need some beautifying with graphics, GIFs etc.
I read and reviewed since last Sunday post …
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Read but still need to publish the review:
I also wrote a second post about my YALC adventures and why I asked to call the police at 3:30 AM *member of the Justice League LOL*
And some really fun meme this week as Top 5 Tuesday was all about why we love some villains in books; I Heart Characters was about creature you’d adopt *a menagerie honestly* and the First Impression Friday *who was published on a Saturday* plus WWW Wednesday.
Another BIG EVENT: Calendar Girls is back! This month’s topic was about summer read!
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On the blogosphere
A very interesting and helpful post for beginners about ARCs on Always Trust in Books
https://alwaystrustinbooks.wordpress.com/2018/08/18/advanced-reader-copies-discussion-advice-bookblogging-bookreviews-reading-bookpost-bookmail/
And Jayati tells us why she finds it so important to put GIFs in your posts https://junkywriting.wordpress.com/2018/08/18/gifs-why-they-are-important-in-blog-posts/
That’s it for today!
How was your week? Any good book read?
Happy Sunday and thanks for reading!
Sophie
It sounds like you will definitely be busy in the near future and cannot be easy with all the decisions which have been going on. Wishing the best for you and your family as you deal with everything and sending love your way <3 There will be a lot to do alongside the coaching!
I also agree with the idea of the Darkling being better than Alina! I will check out some of your posts now as it's been a while since I dropped by your blog. x
My thoughts are with you and your family, Sophie. We lost my mom to cancer and while you may be at peace with it, it still sucks.
I hope you can still find the time to escape into a good book since it is a happy place for you.
Sending you love and hugs Sophie. <3 Also to your parents.
Thank you so much Annemieke!!!
Sophie I truly admire your strength. “Sorry” just never seems to be enough and yet, what else can I say? Other than you’re a wonderful friend and blogger. Much love to you!!
Oh Trisy thank you so much! But you are strong too you know. Terribly strong <3
I’m so sorry to hear about your Dad, Sophie. I’ll be thinking of you, and I’m here to chat any time you want to. 🙂
Thank you so much Wendy! It means a lot! <3
Per your wishes, I won’t dwell on the sad stuff except to say that I’m sorry and I understand. I lost my dad in June (combination of bladder cancer, broken hip and kidney infection) and while we knew it was coming and had some time to make peace with it, it still hurts. And, like you, I tended to slip into “get it done” mode and was solely focused on being there for my mother during that period.
I’m excited/nervous for the new Emma Scott. Not sure I’m in the right frame of mind for something that’s going to break my heart. On the plus side, I’m totally enjoying Everything Under the Sun by Jessica Redmerski!
Thank you Tanya and I am sorry to hear about the loss of your father. Mine had bladder cancer two years ago and was cured but his quality of life was much poorer…
You know reading a book that make you cry can be a great thing as you have an excuse to cry and let it out! You end up emotionally drained but cleaner somehow. And yes I am following your progress with Under the Sun 😉
Sorry to hear that Sophie, stay strong much love you’re amazing and you’ve got great support and love fro your fellow bloggers XX
Thank you so much!!!
Hi Sophie, life is definitely hitting you hard this month, but seeing how you stay positive and strong is a true inspiration. I am an emotional creature, so I’d be a blubbering mess, hiding from the world. You’re incredible!! Also, if you need help with anything, big or small, reach out. We are your blogging family here, and we will be so happy to help out where we can. ♥♥♥
Thank you thank you thank you Chrissie!!!
Your dad is one lucky guy to have you and your mum!! Sending prayers to you and your family!! Ughh I keep hearing great things about Backman and why haven’t I read any of his books yet?!! Which do you think I should read first!
Thank you so much Carolina! I would begin with Beartown 😉
Praying for the best for your family Sophie. I know what it’s like to lose someone you love to cancer. I hope that his pain ends soon and that you and your family can cope with this in the best way possible. Remember that you will always find support and love in this community, we are all here for you <3
Thank you so much Tanaz this is just so sweet <3
Your Father is lucky to have a daughter like you to help out with everything. My Grandpa made a similar decision and it was tough but we all understood. Hang in there.
Thank you SO MUCH Brittany! <3
I’m so sorry for your dad … but it’s his decision and honestly seems the best one. My grandma’s boyfriend shouldn’t had suffered the past month or so, but did anyway as his kids didn’t wanted to stop giving him blood; which the doctors didn’t really wanted to do anymore – and ended up having his body rejecting it. Hopefully he’s happy with this decision and remains as confortable as possible, and I send you my support xx
Ouuuh so tell me; have you liked the renée carlino book ? 😀 I’d need to go check that
Thanks Kristina and as you’ve read by now no I did not like it but it seems just your cup of tea 😉
*Hugs.* I’m actually the same in a crisis. I freak out about stupid things (like going through security at the airport), but if someone needs to be calm and make big decisions, I can usually do it.
Well me too AJ!!!
I’m so sorry to hear about your father. At least you know/knew when it’s time to let go and let God. At least you’re handling it like a true champ. <3
Thank you Danielle this is really sweet <3
Sorry to hear about your dad but sounds like you are handling it well and in your own way, and that’s the important thing. And of course we’re all here for you too- I find myself that blogging helps me deal with real life stress, so I get you there! Best wishes going forward…
Looks like I missed some fun posts this week, so I’ll be going to those next. Take care and hope you have a good week.
Thank you so much Greg!!!
You are handling your father’s illness like a champion! I am the oldest of 2 kids and my younger brother is a mess, so helping my ailing parents is part of what I do as well. My mom is 72 and my dad is 70 and he is not in good health. Pacemaker, nerve sensor in his spine, drop foot so he can’t walk much…its a lot to take on so I understand what a time commitment you have. Hopefully you are able to find some escape in books!
Thank you Samantha! I still hope that the youngests would help you because yes it’s tough! <3
I am really sorry to hear about your dad, but like you said, you have to respect his wishes. That’s tough. ((HUGS)) I want to read the new Emma Scott. I have had great success with her books. Can’t wait to read your review.
Thank you Sam! So much <3
Aw Soph, I’m so sorry to hear about your dad but I totally understand his decision. My dad passed in 2005 from lung cancer and all he kept saying was “this isn’t living” after his chemo and radiation left him a shell of the man he was. He stopped all treatment too. Stay strong and let go when it’s all over. Praying that he goes in peace and the pain isn’t too bad. Praying for you all!
Thank you so much Susan! I can see you understand and know what I mean here <3
*hugs* <3
Thank you!!!
From one cool head to another: treasure every moment, talk to your Dad & Mum, hold them close, reminisce, and laugh together! It may not seem possible but honestly if you can tell yourselves how lucky you’ve all been to have each other, even for a short time, it does make things easier. Celebrate his life, but remember that when the time comes, life is for the living.
Thank you for these very wise and kind advices Kate! <3
Big hugs, Sophie. I’m sorry to hear about your dad but I’m glad you guys made peace with it. I will whenever I can read your posts and comment
Thank you Astrid! It helps talking with you all about lighter things 😉
I’m so sorry to hear about your father. I will be keeping your family in my prayers!
Thank you so much Kayla! It’s so sweet <3
What a hard time for you and your family. It is a blessing that you can be there for them. We are hear when you need us and I get how the blog, reading and community can help ease things. {{hugs}}
Thank you so much Kimberly! Just chatting and talking bookish things is an outlet 😉
So sorry, Sophie. And I echo Darlene’s sentiments. I too look to blogging and visiitng others as a comfort. I’ll be sure to stop by often and try to bring you some cheer!
Thank you so much Laura! I was just talking to Emma Scott and we both said this community was incredibly supportive and help us to go on when we have bad days <3
{{{Hugs}}} to you, Sophie. I was sad to read that your dad has cancer. You sound like you are wonderfully supportive and a rock for your parents. Sending prayers for your family and that your dad can be kept comfortable.
I totally get that blogging can be a lifeline when our world is in chaos. It’s been that way for me, too.
I haven’t read any of those books (yet) that you featured, but I just recently listened to the audiobook for Backman’s A Man Called Ove and really enjoyed it.
Thank you so much Darlene! And yes Backman is just a fantastic writer!