Two years ago, I decided to take a trip on the transcontinental train, the Indian Pacific. Well, then my daughters wanted to join me and I wasn't going to say no to that, so the trip was delayed six months until we were all able to go. The day before we were to leave, I got covid. I spent the intended travel time in bed. Then because of Caitlin's round-Australia adventure, the trip was delayed again.
Finally, it's here. A week from now I'll be on the train.
This week I am struggling with sciatica (or at least it behaves like sciatica but I don't think the sciatic nerve is actually involved) It has been painful and has reduced my mobility and tested my patience. Hopefully it will soon be a bad memory.
Today there was a family meeting at the hospital where Mum has spent many weeks. Her discharge had been set for tomorrow but she refuses to agree to some basic safety precautions and discharge has been set back by a month. I have begged her to just agree so the people can tick their safety boxes but it has not happened.
Leaving hospital against medical advice seems to be the course she will take, although that may change.
I will support her wishes if she takes responsibility for them but so far, she keeps asking what I would do. I will not validate any plan because I will be held accountable when the result is unexpectedly (or expectedly) difficult.
Dad has developed what I call his hostage face. Many of the times I take him to the hospital he wants to be given medical attention. I always tell him it's the wrong kind of hospital. He does the hostage face and stares at any nurse, social worker or tradesman, hoping to catch their attention so he can explain how he is in imminent danger and can't get me to take him seriously.
I realise I probably sound disrepectful but I am not. I just want these intensely difficult days to be recorded so that when I look back and wonder if my memory is playing tricks, I have a record of what was happening.
I'm off to make a cuppa and go to bed, planning my train couture as I drift off to what will most likely be a broken sleep.
If you are starting from Sydney, I believe the trip through the Blue Mountains is quite special. I think the train stops in Broken Hill, giving you some time to look around. The Adelaide hills is a nice part of the trip too. I don't know much about the rest of the trip.
ReplyDeleteYou're right, stops are Broken Hill, Adelaide then, I think, Rawlinna.
DeleteOne of the options was dinner under the stars at Rawlinna but I'm not sure it's offered this time of year.
I have a single cabin and a shared bathroom. It's the guaranteed way to not have to climb up to a bunk
I hope your train travels are wonderful.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Anne. I hope so too
DeleteI am sorry that your woes and worries continue but so very glad that you are finally getting this long delayed trip. Enjoy it to the max.
ReplyDeleteThank you, EC. I'm hoping it will be a pleasant distraction
DeleteI hope you have a wonderful time on your trip. Enjoy the scenery, get a lot of rest, and return refreshed and reinvigorated.
ReplyDeleteI don’t know what you mean by hostage face. Sullen? Pouty? Panicked expression? No expression at all? Worried? Fear in the eyes? I myself would try to stay blank -faced if held hostage so my captors could not detect my inner feelings. You see my dilemma. As I recall, Patricia Hearst or somebody ended up sympathized with her captors, giving rise to the term Stockholm Syndrome. At any rate, I do understand the frustration your parents are causing.
I'm not even sure what I mean by hostage face except its the one used to beg for pity.
DeleteIt's just all new to me and I'm having to develop skills quite quickly
The train trip sounds like a winner. How much time is it. Irrationality is hard to deal with.
ReplyDeleteThree nights, Red. With a few stops on the way.
DeleteEmbrace the train travel and have a wonderful time!
ReplyDeleteSx
Thank you ❤️
DeleteI know the hostage face! silently looking for someone to notice and help, staring at people's face who might help. Too bad,
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the trip!
You got it!
DeleteThe Indian Pacific is terrific, so I really hope the family gets it all together. Make sure that you take plenty of reading material, good quality photography system, good walking shoes, any medication you need, summer hats, connection to whoever is caring for your mum and your pets etc etc. If you have unique tastes in herbal teas or small chocolates, I would take a few of them in the suitcase as well.
ReplyDeleteI am really looking forward to it. I would never have thought to take chocolate but I see the value in it!
DeleteI hope you manage finally to take your train trip after all the delays! I hope also your sciatica-like pain clears up. It sounds like quite a business dealing with your mum and dad. Clearly you need a lot of patience to handle their strange demands.
ReplyDeleteThe pain is slowly going.
DeleteMy parents are breaking my heart
Wow, what a journey you’ve been on. It’s clear that life has thrown its fair share of challenges your way, but your resilience shines through in the way you’ve shared your experiences. From the delays with the train trip to navigating family dynamics and health issues, it seems like you’re handling everything with a lot of thoughtfulness and care. I hope your sciatica eases soon, and that the family situation settles in a way that brings peace to everyone involved.
ReplyDeleteThe train trip is still such an exciting adventure waiting for you, and I’m sure it will be all the more special after everything you’ve been through. Wishing you strength, rest, and moments of light in the midst of it all. Enjoy your cuppa and rest well—hopefully the sleep will be a little less broken tonight.
Thanks for such a positive, thoughtful comment.
DeleteI am looking forward to the adventure and hoping there will be lots of bright moments
You are so deserving of a beautiful trip. Hope it is all you want it to be ♥
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jean. And welcome
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