MIA and other life challenges · Creative AF Club

MIA and other life challenges

Simply wanted to pop in and say hello. I hope everyone’s summer has gotten off to a great start and it has been filled with family, friends, and creativity.

A couple of months ago I exited due to received some devastating news. My mother-in-law, who has been like a second mum to me, was diagnosed with stage 3 multiple myeloma and as a result she is now in stage 4 kidney failure. My husband, me, and our sons, have taken on the roles of caregivers and it has been difficult, and heart wrenching.

As with all things there is a natural balance. Shortly after receiving the diagnosis, our oldest and his wife found out they are expecting their second child in October. I truly believe this is the sole reason my mother-in-law is holding on so fiercely. She wants to meet her new great grandchild.

Creating has always been my therapy. It has gotten me through events in my life that I otherwise would not have survived. Recently that was not an option due to caring for mum. She asked me a couple of weeks ago why I was not painting and I simply answered, “I have more important things to do.” And I smiled while secretly trying not to cry. Apparently that was the wrong answer and she lectured me in her half English, half Baltic voice I so love. “Help me make something for our new sweet maza.”

I had bought fabric already to make a new quilt for my grand baby, but had not started it yet. Mum suggested I create a piece of furniture to match. I went on line to show her the fabric I had ordered and she took it from there. She told me what she wanted and I searched. We ended up buying the cabinet off FBMP, paint and all related supplies that day. It’s still a work in progress but I hope to have in completed in the next week or so. I want her stamp of approval.

All of us are supposed to be taking care of her, yet she knew what I needed to get through this - and gave it to me. I can’t express how much I love this woman and how fortunate I feel to have had the amazing in-laws I gained when I married my husband.

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