If you read my last post I should have been sailing down the coast of Alaska right about now, posting lovely photos of moose, whales, glaciers, and breathtaking scenery. Sadly that didn’t turn out to be the case.
I left about 10 days ago for a multi venue trip, and was to then fly from Oregon to meet up with my husband for an Alaska cruise. I packed heavily for Alaska, and shipped all my workshop and classroom supplies and samples, so they could be returned shipped.
I arrived uneventfully in Oregon and we headed down to a remote forest in Oregon, for an annual event, my first time there, called Fiber in the Forest. Part of me loved the remoteness of the venue, the enthusiasm of the students, the energy of a weekend retreat, but part of me thinks I’m way too old to put on boots and coat in the middle of the night to wander down to the concrete latrine.
There are two things that will set a teacher who travels like this over the edge. One is lost luggage and not being able to have samples and supplies for teaching (thank God in 35 years it has only happened to me once), and the other is getting sick. Which I did. Fortunately one of the other instructors who was also sick had a stash of pharmaceuticals that kept me functioning. I have to say that it is really really hard to teach all day when you have a fever and want to curl up and die. But I did it and the resulting vests from my three day Pieced Vest workshop were lovely.
They chose their materials and got right to work…
The venue was comfortable and brightly lit despite the constant rain.
The vests began to take shape.
Not bad by lunchtime on the last day. Most still needed armhole and neck bands and a lot of handwork, and there were still a number of hours to go…
Somewhere in there I had a birthday. Things were going south fast and that was the last of my worries, but it was sweet when they put a candle in a scone and sang happy birthday during lunch in the dining hall.
The other instructors couldn’t have been more supportive or more fun to be around, than you Sara, Sarah, and John. I love you all.
So the other thing no instructor wants to hear while they are away teaching is that there is an issue at home and that I needed to come home. I have been blessed in my career that there have always been others who could take over for me, my husband mainly, and I could keep doing what I needed to do.
I finished up Fiber in the Forest, checking my messages and updates as often as I could.
Despite being sick, I managed to give the presentation to the Eugene Weaving Guild on Monday, along with John Mullarkey, as we did a reprise of our battle of the bands. I thought it went well, though it was quite different since the setting was more intimate, and we encouraged lots of questions. We were less on display and more interactive.
By Monday afternoon I knew I had to go home. I cancelled the remaining classes I was booked to teach, which tore my heart out, that is so not my work ethic and book the next flight out I could get, that would get me from Eugene to San Francisco and home to NJ on the red eye.
I have said little about my husband’s cancer and how it is progressing. It isn’t my story to tell. He was having trouble eating again, and was booked to have an esophageal stent put in while I was in the air traveling to Oregon. All should have gone well and he was expecting to fly to Anchorage to meet me on Thursday for the cruise. Of course life is what happens when you are making other plans.
Briefly, the cancer is spreading. He ended up in the hospital the next day, where he is still, with drains in his chest wall where they removed 10 liters of fluid, the fluid does contain cancer cells, and they installed a feeding tube. There is an additional tumor in his stomach and it is virtually shutting down stomach function. The lung drains have since been removed but they need to put in a Pleurx Catheter. My daughter was there alone dealing with all this and my blessed sister came up from Maryland to assist her. Although my daughter is incredibly competent, she is 23 and was scared and my sister, who was holding together another family crisis, came flying up in the middle of the night to help. The gratitude I have for the support that surrounds us is beyond measure. So instead of sitting on a deck knitting watching whales and vistas, I’m sitting in a hospital room, supporting my husband as best I can under really really sad and stressful circumstances. I’m terribly disappointed for him that he was not able to go on the trip of his dreams, it was so close, but then I’m also grateful that we weren’t in some remote village in Alaska when all this went down.
I did finish a sweater. I’m wearing it today. C2Knits Daphne, from Shibui heichi silk.
I will be uncommunicative for a bit, there are facebook updates when there is something to update, but for now, I will probably be quiet on the blog.
I love you all dear readers, keep weaving/sewing/whatever gets you through the day…
Many prayers of comfort to all . hugs
So tough to be reading this on a blog instead of being there with you. I know you are a strong woman, but this is huge and I’m glad others have been able to step forward and be there for you in person. A sad place to be at any time. I love you and you and Kevin are in my thoughts and prayers each day. I hope both of you are able to get some rest. Hugs from both of us.
Rodger and Candiss
Prayers and hugs, so sad that this particular turmoil seems in place for all of you. Blessings, and energy from afar, missing you but love and understanding.
Daryl am sending positive vibes your way and well wishes for your husband who I never had the pleasure of meeting. I’m so glad I bumped into you in Ace Hardware the other day so I could tell you in person how much I’ve enjoyed your writings. It sounds as if you have a wonderful family support system which is so helpful at a time like this. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Til we meet again…..
You and you family on in my prayers daily, for strength, comfort and peace. If you need anything , please ccall me and I will be there, only 9-10 hrs to your house. No Problem.
Tears are rolling down my face as I read all of this. I know how hard it is for you to have to cancel some of your teaching gigs. I am so glad you have family and friends who can surround you with love and support during this sad time. Please know you are in our thoughts and we’re sending you and Kevin and family hugs from afar. Love, Nancy and Jerry
I am sending you prayers for your needs. Peace be upon you and yours.
Thinking of you, Daryl, and your family, and hoping that you all find bits of peace to hold onto through this time.
You demonstrate a lot of strength and courage. Thoughts are with your family.
Daryl, i am so sorry. I am praying for comfort for you and John and the kids.
My prayers are with you both and your family too.
I feel so sad for you all. I have long enjoyed your weaving and activity updates and feel that I know you through these, although we have never met. There is no comfort that anyone can give at such a time other than knowing you have the thoughts and best wishes of all you have touched.
My heart aches for you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are sending you strength and good kind doctors and nurses. Take care of yourself as you take care of your family.
Daryl, I am truly sorry to hear that your husband is going through such a rough patch. I am sending you and yours many warm thoughts and wishes. Keep your chin up girl, you are a tough cookie and will get through this with flying colors.
Blessings to you are your family as you weather this storm in life’s journey. My heart aches for you. Family is always first. All the rest can wait or fall by the wayside.
Blessings to you and your family as you weather this storm in life’s journey. My heart aches for you. Family is always first. All the rest can wait or fall by the wayside.
Deep love poured out for you and all of yours.
Prayers for you and your family sent from NW Wisconsin. Will be think of you and yours as the days progress this summer. Don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed, many will be there for you. If there is anything I can do…
One day at a time with my thoughts and prayers for you.
Sending you my thoughts and prayers for your family. Good advice from Judy, one day at a time, is the way to approach things now. Please know that you are loved and supported by all of those in your weaving and sewing community. I have not had the pleasure of meeting you yet, but hope to take one of your classes in the coming years. And when I do, it will be like seeing a long-time friend because of your skillfully crafted blogs. Peace be with you and your family.
Oh Daryl…I am so sorry. I know…..and you know I do. It takes alot of strength….and alot of knitting. What would we do without knitting.
I am so sorry the events have taken this turn. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you travel this new path.
Peace, Love and Comfort to you, your husband, children and extended family, mostly Love.
Did you know that John Lennon said “Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans?” Although this is the very first time that I’m reading your blog, please know that someone from Massachusetts is praying for you and your family. Lisa Makris
Blessings……
Good thought are with you and your family
Your blogs are things that I cherish every time I see one. Actually your blog is the only one I’ve faithfully over many, many years continued to read. I feel as if I’m part of your family because of your willingness to share your life and activities. My turn to give back. I will choose to give you my prayers for peace and strength. Charlene Fort
So very sorry, prayers and love to you and your family.
So sorry to hear all this. One day at a time, even one hour at a time is great advice.
You are such a great and dedicated teacher but everyone understands we aren’t always in control of our lives.
Hope this is just a setback for Kevin and you’ll make Alaska another time.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
I would say stay strong but I know you already possess this. I am sending hugs and prayers and hope for some moments of peace for the days ahead.
Dear Daryl, not much to say, you know you and Kevin are in my prayers. If you need anything just call. Hugs
You are in my thoughts…..with love.
Prayers for your whole family at this time may you be helped by all the good thoughts coming your way
We are thinking of you here in the UK. You have supporters all over the world and we all feel for you.
Oh Daryl… I am crying as I type this… I’ve been there – not with husband (who so far has beat all his cancers, but nothing like your husband’s), but with too many… and was bedside with my dad dying last year. It’s so hard, but it’s so valuable to be there for him – I only wish I was there to help in some small way. Know that you and your family are in my thoughts and will continue to be. I’m not a Facebook person, so I’ll just keep hoping that the rest of your time together is… Read more »
I am sorry to hear your husband is not doing well. Hugs and love to you, John and the kids.
Dear Daryl, you and Kevin are going through such a hard time, and you are much in my thoughts. I’ve been through some of this and know how hard it is. Tears are welling up in my eyes as I write this. I wish you both as much peace and comfort as possible as you deal with the sadness, disappointment, and pain. I so wish you could have taken that dream trip together. Sending you both a big long-distance hung.
What you and your family is facing is not easy, but know that the thoughts and prayers of all of us who follow your blog and have taken your classes are with you, your husband and your family.. Take the time you need to get well and provide the support that is needed. I’m glad you have family and friends close by. Thank you for sharing so much of your life with us as many of us may be facing similar challenges and knowing how someone else is finding ways to cope with life is always helpful. As a child… Read more »
Prayers for strength and comfort, thankfulness that you and Kevin are surrounded by family. It seems so strange for so much life and vitality to be brought to such a pass, but that is how the world works. Peace and love.
Thinking of you again today. Please know that many us are holding you in our prayers, and glad that you are together to support each other.