Families that Stick Together
Janet Tronstad here. I'm at my parent's home as I write this. They are getting older (86 now for both of them) and need some added help so I try to spend several months out of the year with them. My older sister, who lives on a corner of the family farm is undergoing treatment for cancer so she needs some assistance as well. It's probably no surprise with all that is going on that the theme of my latest Return to Dry Creek series is about families sticking together through the hard times. The first book, Sleigh Bells for Dry Creek, introduced the Stone family as Gracie Stone started encouraging her grown sons to come home to Dry Creek and work on the family ranch. Those of you who agonize over what to do about your family situation will enjoy the Sleigh Bells book as well as the second book in the series, Lilac Wedding for Dry Creek which is coming out in February. In the meantime, take a minute and let us know how things are going with your family at the moment -- any joys? troubles? Let's share.
17 Comments:
At January 18, 2012 10:14 AM,
Jackie S. said…
Glad you can help out, Janet! I have been there..with my parents...now deceased. I look forward to reading your books! Lovely covers! Blessings~~
At January 18, 2012 10:14 AM,
Jennifer said…
Right now I'm trying to iron the kinks as I homeschool my oldest son. I feel so over whelmed. Trying to take one day at a time and I've been praying a lot. God bless you for taking care of your parents. I hope and pray that I'm able to take care of my mom when she needs me to.
jennydtipton@gmail.com
At January 18, 2012 10:44 AM,
Judy said…
We are at the point now where we are looking into assisted/nursing care for my Mom. She is at the point where we need to do something. We were told by the nurse yesterday that Mom should not be by herself anymore (She has Dementia and COPD and is on oxygen 24/7)and that she needs to be in a place where medically she can be taken care of. We fully understand this and have been turning a blind eye too long now. So my sister, brother, and I will be touring nursing facilities and doing something that is going to be very hard for me. I know we have to do what is best for Mom, but how do you put your Mom in a nursing facility? I have been agonizing about this until I am nearly sick. How do you deal with this without feeling guilty?
Janet, I'm so happy you can help your parents. I have been wondering how your sister is doing. Prayers have been sent up on her behalf.
Blessings!
Judy
At January 18, 2012 10:53 AM,
Janet Tronstad said…
Jackie S -- thank you. It is a blessing to be flexible enough in my job (writing) that I can go for months at a time to Montana to be with my family.
At January 18, 2012 10:54 AM,
Janet Tronstad said…
Jennifer -- it can feel overwhelming, can't it? I'll take a moment to pray for you right now. Taking it one day at a time is best.
At January 18, 2012 10:57 AM,
Janet Tronstad said…
Judy -- I understand how you feel about your mother. But there does come a time when it is best for them to have medical personnel more available. She may even be more comfortable there. And thanks for asking about my sister. She recently had her third major surgery since her diagnosis. We are hoping that is it for surgeries for a while.
At January 18, 2012 6:39 PM,
marybelle said…
As my parents age, we all step in to help out where we can.
At January 18, 2012 8:34 PM,
Merrillee said…
Janet, I'll be praying for your sister.
I'm anticipating a visit from my granddaughter and her mom and dad, of course. We are taking her to Disney World. She adores Mickey and Minnie, so I can hardly wait to see her face when she meets them in the Magic Kingdom.
At January 18, 2012 9:21 PM,
Janet Tronstad said…
Marybelle -- Bless you for that.
At January 18, 2012 10:03 PM,
Jennifer said…
Janet- Thank you so much for praying for me. It means so much! Thank you! You're an angel.
jennydtipton@gmail.com
At January 18, 2012 10:48 PM,
Janet Tronstad said…
Thanks, Merrillee -- and what fun with your granddaughter!
At January 19, 2012 10:28 AM,
Anonymous said…
This past year we have moved my mother-in-law into senior apts from the home she had lived in since 1959. Not an easy decision. And not one she really wanted to make, but the time had come since she could no longer keep the house up by herself and my husbands health would not allow us to do a lot of the upkeep. She is getting use to it, but there are days that are a real struggle for her to accept the move still.
Jennifer, I homeschooled my 5 children for a total of 25 years. It can see overwhelming, but take it from someone who has been there. It is worth it. You will be in my prayers.
Janet, thanks for another trip to Dry Creek.
I will be praying for your family.
Shirley
beekeeper5(at)bellsouth(dot)net
At January 19, 2012 11:31 AM,
Janet Tronstad said…
Shirley -- thanks for your comments. I know how it is to be at the place where a parent needs to go to an assisted living or nursing home (we are prepared for that to happen in our family and it's not what any of us want, but may be what needs to happen).
At January 20, 2012 12:46 AM,
Valri said…
Janet, my parents are amazing! They are both 76 and still going strong, although a little slower - but they've earned it! My mom has several healthy issues but dad takes care of her when she needs extra help! I flew to Calif. when she got a hip replacement - her first surgery! I've had about 10 surgeries so my dad thought my experience could help her better than he could! It's great that you can help out. I bet that's in Montana, correct?
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the cover of your new book! That just might be the best one yet - and that's saying something because I've loved them all!!!!
Valri
At January 20, 2012 3:07 PM,
Janet Tronstad said…
Yes, Valri, my parents are in Montana at the family farm. My mom had her first hip surgery in her 70's and swears by them. she had the second one last year (she's 86 now).
Thanks so much for loving my latest cover. I am so excited about my Return to Dry Creek series. I think they are my best books yet! If you want a free review copy of my Lilac Wedding for Dry Creek come over to my Dry Creek Series goodreads group and sign up for one -- that's at
http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/60388.Dry_Creek_Series
At January 20, 2012 3:08 PM,
Janet Tronstad said…
The group again is
http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/60388.Dry_Creek_Series
At January 20, 2012 3:09 PM,
Janet Tronstad said…
I tried to get the full link on there and the comment won't take it. So go to Goodreads and search for the group called Dry Creek Series.
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