Really sorry I haven't been able to update this, but I was a little tied up in the last week, and I truly appreciate the emails and calls etc. I am VERY happy to report that mum has made a remarkable recovery and last Friday she was released from hospital, back home.
Yes, back home. Eight days previously I was told she wouldn't last an hour - and now, she is back home - recovering far faster than anyone has the right to. I hope beyond hope that I have inherited the same constitution, and can fight the same way when my day comes close.
I haven't laced my runners up for three weeks now, and will need to spend some time working on my body (weight!) and get going again. Now all is settling down, I can hopefully get back into things and back to running. Supposed to be running a 10K this sunday - God help me. Well, he helped mum last week so I reckon our family have had their fair share of his help this month - So maybe I should start training again.
Thanks everyone -
Monday, December 04, 2006
Monday, November 27, 2006
The Fighting Spirit
An update - Monday 27th -
Firstly may I say a BIG thank you to everyone who has posted comments, called me, emailed, and said a prayer at this time. I am eternally grateful, and appreciate every kind word and thought.
Mum is fighting hard, and stil will us, showing such spirit that us young ones should bottle and save for ever. She was tired on Friday evening, but chatting away. Saturday she slept all day, waking around 10:30 in the evening for a little chat, before settling down for the night. Liam Óg and myself managed to get some sleep in a bed, and Sunday morning I got a call from the hospital - Mum was out of bed, sitting in the chair, having a cup of tea, and spoke to me on the phone.
Sunday afternoon, I think half of Ireland was around her bed, the rules say no more than two visitors at any one time, well she's broke all those medical rules by coming back to us on Thursday/Friday, so who was going to care too much that at least a dozen people were there :).
Now, I'm not going to pretend that she has won the battle, but she is certainly giving Father Time a run for his money, and I wouldn't put money against her. It's a case of taking each day as it comes - some days will be positive, some will see set-backs. There is still fluid on the chest, and possible infection, so maybe I shouldn't be as optimistic as I feel, but I am so glad that Friday happened, and that memory will be with me for ever, even if she lives to 120 (She's threatened it!).
Thanks everyone - Liam and Liam Óg
Firstly may I say a BIG thank you to everyone who has posted comments, called me, emailed, and said a prayer at this time. I am eternally grateful, and appreciate every kind word and thought.
Mum is fighting hard, and stil will us, showing such spirit that us young ones should bottle and save for ever. She was tired on Friday evening, but chatting away. Saturday she slept all day, waking around 10:30 in the evening for a little chat, before settling down for the night. Liam Óg and myself managed to get some sleep in a bed, and Sunday morning I got a call from the hospital - Mum was out of bed, sitting in the chair, having a cup of tea, and spoke to me on the phone.
Sunday afternoon, I think half of Ireland was around her bed, the rules say no more than two visitors at any one time, well she's broke all those medical rules by coming back to us on Thursday/Friday, so who was going to care too much that at least a dozen people were there :).
Now, I'm not going to pretend that she has won the battle, but she is certainly giving Father Time a run for his money, and I wouldn't put money against her. It's a case of taking each day as it comes - some days will be positive, some will see set-backs. There is still fluid on the chest, and possible infection, so maybe I shouldn't be as optimistic as I feel, but I am so glad that Friday happened, and that memory will be with me for ever, even if she lives to 120 (She's threatened it!).
Thanks everyone - Liam and Liam Óg
Friday, November 24, 2006
No running - You'll understand
On Monday evening my mum - she's 92 and lives on her own (with good support), was taken into hospital after the doctor was called. She had a shortage of breath, and fluid around her heart. I took Tuesday off and went to visit. She looked poorly, but the medical team were clear she was in good form, they would keep her in for tests, relieve the breathing problem, and reduce the fluid issue, nothing to be unduely worried about. They would assess everything, and they would keep her in for a few days. They had my number, and would call if there was a change. On Wednesday I had to work, and I called the hospital, she was doing fine, and I made arrangements to go and visit on Thursday after work - I wasn't expecting to find her any different than on Tuesday - Full of life, and giving out to all who would want to hear.
So, I went up north, hoping to be back for dinner as I hadn't eaten anything since breakfast -
I didn't get back last night.
When I got to the hospital, around 6:15, mum had deterorated into a catatonic state and was clearly very poorly. I was asked to step outside whilst they tidyed up another patient, then the doctor came and chatted to me, telling me that things were grave, and they didn't expect her to last the hour. Obviously I was devasted - I was in a state of shock, I called my cousin, my son, family friends, and went and sat with her. They gave her a drug to try and stabalise her - miracuosly it did the trick and her breathing improved.
Things still looked bleak, and a family friend who is a nurse arrived, and was not optomistic. My son arrived from Belfast, and we cried together. This was now 8 pm. I called for teh priest and she was blessed with the Last Rites. Others came and went, but we sat with her all night - watching her breathing with her oxygen mask - expecting the next breath to be her last.
Around 5:30 this morning, she stirred, appeared to awaken - Up until then there had just been sleep - almost coma-like in that there was no response. She woke, she recognised Liam and I (My son shares my christian name), she tried to talk - She still looked awful - The nurses came, helped her and gradually over the next hour she "came back to us" - her few words became sentances, converstaions. By 8 o'clock she was asking for a cup of tea - And by 8:30 she was sat up eating porridge.
My cousin came and the doctor who had told me last night she had an hour was absolutely beaming with radiant hope - and my mums Lazarus like recovery to date was astounding - she is in her nineties.
My cousin has stayed up in Newry - They are going to try and discover why she lapsed last night, and will try and treat her respiratory condition today. I'm going to rest, try and get a few hours sleep, then drive back to Newry this evening. I went last night expecting an hour visit and a chat - home by 9 and dinner. What I got was an emotional roller-coaster. Maybe it's a false dawn, and tonight may be the same - I hope not - Us Mycroft's are hard, stubbon folk, mum never knows when it's time - Long may it continue.
But if you have a minute - say a prayer to whichever god you might believe in - She would be grateful.
I may not be around for a few days - You'll Understand
So, I went up north, hoping to be back for dinner as I hadn't eaten anything since breakfast -
I didn't get back last night.
When I got to the hospital, around 6:15, mum had deterorated into a catatonic state and was clearly very poorly. I was asked to step outside whilst they tidyed up another patient, then the doctor came and chatted to me, telling me that things were grave, and they didn't expect her to last the hour. Obviously I was devasted - I was in a state of shock, I called my cousin, my son, family friends, and went and sat with her. They gave her a drug to try and stabalise her - miracuosly it did the trick and her breathing improved.
Things still looked bleak, and a family friend who is a nurse arrived, and was not optomistic. My son arrived from Belfast, and we cried together. This was now 8 pm. I called for teh priest and she was blessed with the Last Rites. Others came and went, but we sat with her all night - watching her breathing with her oxygen mask - expecting the next breath to be her last.
Around 5:30 this morning, she stirred, appeared to awaken - Up until then there had just been sleep - almost coma-like in that there was no response. She woke, she recognised Liam and I (My son shares my christian name), she tried to talk - She still looked awful - The nurses came, helped her and gradually over the next hour she "came back to us" - her few words became sentances, converstaions. By 8 o'clock she was asking for a cup of tea - And by 8:30 she was sat up eating porridge.
My cousin came and the doctor who had told me last night she had an hour was absolutely beaming with radiant hope - and my mums Lazarus like recovery to date was astounding - she is in her nineties.
My cousin has stayed up in Newry - They are going to try and discover why she lapsed last night, and will try and treat her respiratory condition today. I'm going to rest, try and get a few hours sleep, then drive back to Newry this evening. I went last night expecting an hour visit and a chat - home by 9 and dinner. What I got was an emotional roller-coaster. Maybe it's a false dawn, and tonight may be the same - I hope not - Us Mycroft's are hard, stubbon folk, mum never knows when it's time - Long may it continue.
But if you have a minute - say a prayer to whichever god you might believe in - She would be grateful.
I may not be around for a few days - You'll Understand
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Finally - I'm back in the World of Internet
WOW !
These past few weeks have been hard. I never relaised how much I depended on the Internet for contact with the rest of the world - At Micro and Macro levels. If memory serves me right, it was around October 25th that I disconnected my previous service, began the apartment move, and here we are on Nov 21st and my first post back at my own desk in my own apartment. - a relief.
So, what has happened in my absence. Well, the world has moved on. The US has become a more liberal society, those two per cent of voters at the margin turned blue for a while, and the Democrats grasped the opportunity - let's hope that in two years time they don't revert (the voters that is), and more can be persuaded that things just might be a little better in teh world. Still, we have our own elections here in ireland next year to worry about, although somehow I don't think the world will sit up and take much notice, whoever wins here (and it won't make much difference anyway!).
So, what have I been up to. Well, I had a wonderful trip to New York with my 21 year old, to celebrate his burpday. The highlight of the weekend was undoubtably meeting fellow Bloggers on the Sunday. I just wish that more time had been available to chat with everyone. My great new friend Sister Smile was a brick in getting everyone together, and although I have thanked her directly, I must do so again. To those who were sat at awkward ends of the table, I apologise, and I promise that next time I am in town, I will sit next to you, and talk you to death - personally (BCG and NYFG - you know I mean you, in the nicest possible way).
As an aside, and at the risk of sounding sexist (you have permission to slap me!), I can honestly say that running must be good for you, as all the folk I met in NY look so great (JBL and Skylight - don't take this the wrong way either!). Maybe it's something in the water, or the beer, but you girls were a delight - Maybe I could move to New York :) (OK, enough of that - editor!).
So, this is supposed to be a running blog, so what about my running. Ummmm, well, it's been slow - very slow. With everything happening to my private life (like I have one!), in the past month, running has taken a back seat, and my weight is hovering around 200lbs again. I have a couple of races planned in December, but they will not be run hard, although given my shape, they will be hard to run. The first is a 5K, Jingle Bells run, good fun on Dec 3rd, followed by my training partners daughters christening, then on December 10th we have the Port Tunnel 10K. This will be a unique race, with some 9000 taking part, running through the new Dublin Port Tunnel, which officially opens for traffic the week afterwards. So a one off, and a kick start to me as I begin my serious preparation for Connemara next April.
I'm back, and it was long, and I have more news somewhere in my head to share, I'll let you digest this diatribe first.
These past few weeks have been hard. I never relaised how much I depended on the Internet for contact with the rest of the world - At Micro and Macro levels. If memory serves me right, it was around October 25th that I disconnected my previous service, began the apartment move, and here we are on Nov 21st and my first post back at my own desk in my own apartment. - a relief.
So, what has happened in my absence. Well, the world has moved on. The US has become a more liberal society, those two per cent of voters at the margin turned blue for a while, and the Democrats grasped the opportunity - let's hope that in two years time they don't revert (the voters that is), and more can be persuaded that things just might be a little better in teh world. Still, we have our own elections here in ireland next year to worry about, although somehow I don't think the world will sit up and take much notice, whoever wins here (and it won't make much difference anyway!).
So, what have I been up to. Well, I had a wonderful trip to New York with my 21 year old, to celebrate his burpday. The highlight of the weekend was undoubtably meeting fellow Bloggers on the Sunday. I just wish that more time had been available to chat with everyone. My great new friend Sister Smile was a brick in getting everyone together, and although I have thanked her directly, I must do so again. To those who were sat at awkward ends of the table, I apologise, and I promise that next time I am in town, I will sit next to you, and talk you to death - personally (BCG and NYFG - you know I mean you, in the nicest possible way).
As an aside, and at the risk of sounding sexist (you have permission to slap me!), I can honestly say that running must be good for you, as all the folk I met in NY look so great (JBL and Skylight - don't take this the wrong way either!). Maybe it's something in the water, or the beer, but you girls were a delight - Maybe I could move to New York :) (OK, enough of that - editor!).
So, this is supposed to be a running blog, so what about my running. Ummmm, well, it's been slow - very slow. With everything happening to my private life (like I have one!), in the past month, running has taken a back seat, and my weight is hovering around 200lbs again. I have a couple of races planned in December, but they will not be run hard, although given my shape, they will be hard to run. The first is a 5K, Jingle Bells run, good fun on Dec 3rd, followed by my training partners daughters christening, then on December 10th we have the Port Tunnel 10K. This will be a unique race, with some 9000 taking part, running through the new Dublin Port Tunnel, which officially opens for traffic the week afterwards. So a one off, and a kick start to me as I begin my serious preparation for Connemara next April.
I'm back, and it was long, and I have more news somewhere in my head to share, I'll let you digest this diatribe first.
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
New Apartment - No Internet Yet, and New York
Really sorry that I have been unable to post to my blog for a couple of weeks. As regular readers will know I have been moving apartments, and my new place does not have interent wired up as yet. It will be at least another week before I can get connected, so please bear with me, and don't think I have been ignoring everything.
Unfortunately, my lack of Internet availability has dovetailed with the Dublin Marathon, and I do promise to give a reprise of events that took place last Monday when I get back on line.
It had also came at the same time as I am heading over to New York for a weekend, and I am planning to meet up with as many bloggers and friends as I can. Sister Smile has very kindly organised a gathering on Sunday (12th) at the West Side Brewing Company on 76th and Amsterdam, from 2 pm, and I look forward to meeting up with as many fellow bloggers, runners and friends, who can make it there.
This post is coming to you from an Interent Cafe in Dublin, and in just 48 hours I will be in New York - Small World.
Congrats to all who ran Dublin, New York and anywhere else in recent weeks. I promise to catch up with everyone very soon, and will be boring you with the details of my new place and how my running is going - Yes, I am running! New routes to be found, and new friends to make.
Unfortunately, my lack of Internet availability has dovetailed with the Dublin Marathon, and I do promise to give a reprise of events that took place last Monday when I get back on line.
It had also came at the same time as I am heading over to New York for a weekend, and I am planning to meet up with as many bloggers and friends as I can. Sister Smile has very kindly organised a gathering on Sunday (12th) at the West Side Brewing Company on 76th and Amsterdam, from 2 pm, and I look forward to meeting up with as many fellow bloggers, runners and friends, who can make it there.
This post is coming to you from an Interent Cafe in Dublin, and in just 48 hours I will be in New York - Small World.
Congrats to all who ran Dublin, New York and anywhere else in recent weeks. I promise to catch up with everyone very soon, and will be boring you with the details of my new place and how my running is going - Yes, I am running! New routes to be found, and new friends to make.
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Dublin Marathon Draws Near
Tuesday evening and only 6 days to the Dublin Marathon. ALthough I took the wise decision not to run this years event as I am far from Marathon fit, I am still getting excited as the day of the race draws ever nearer. I have friends coming in from the UK to run, club mates up from Athenry, and virtual friends from the Runners World UK Forum also coming in for the craic, and a chance to run the streets of Dublin. No doubt there will be other familiar faces, and the expo and race will re-generate me to focus harder as I plan for 2007 and Connemara.
This weekend will also be busy as I get the keys to my new apartment on Friday, and wiull be moving stuff in on Saturday as well as trying to attend the Expo, collect arrivals from the airport, have a drink with old friends and new, and be ready to act as Bag Carrier and Cheerleader on Monday, and then setlle back down and prepare for work again on Tuesday (It's a Public Holiday here on Monday, Race Day).
I've also switched my Blog over to Beta (at last), so hopefully it will be better and no glitches will appear. I really don't know if I'll be posting before the weekend again, and I have no idea when I'll be getting Internet Hooked at my new place, so bear with me if there is a vacant space for a short while.
Running is edging along nicely. Gently but at leat it's coming together, and my new place on the quays will give me new routes to explore, and miles to get in the bank.
This weekend will also be busy as I get the keys to my new apartment on Friday, and wiull be moving stuff in on Saturday as well as trying to attend the Expo, collect arrivals from the airport, have a drink with old friends and new, and be ready to act as Bag Carrier and Cheerleader on Monday, and then setlle back down and prepare for work again on Tuesday (It's a Public Holiday here on Monday, Race Day).
I've also switched my Blog over to Beta (at last), so hopefully it will be better and no glitches will appear. I really don't know if I'll be posting before the weekend again, and I have no idea when I'll be getting Internet Hooked at my new place, so bear with me if there is a vacant space for a short while.
Running is edging along nicely. Gently but at leat it's coming together, and my new place on the quays will give me new routes to explore, and miles to get in the bank.
Friday, October 20, 2006
Another Week Runs Past
Friday evening, and another week passes by. This isn't an exscuse for running, but one just to say sorry that I can't post as frequently as I like at present. The new job has been very demanding in the first few weeks, and I have no Internet Connection at work, so I have to rely on the home base, and with late work, running (Yes- Running), and searching for a new apartment, posting updates has been at the bottom of the long list.
So, the good news. This week I have had three runs, including a really good session with Kieran on Wednesday where we really picked it up on the second half. It's not a huge programme, but it's coming together.
Second good news is that I have found myself a nice new apartment, and it's in Yuppie-Ville. Actually it's the fact that it is 5 minutes walk from my new office that makes the BIG difference, but fair to say it's in an area of the city that is going through a fantastic makeover, down in the Docklands, at Grand Canal Dock - You can tell it's an upwardly mobile place by the price tag :) - But the new job helps, and at last I'll have a place to really call home in the Big City.
I hope to be moving in by Nov 1st, and I really hope I cna get Internet Access fitted as soon as possibe. Given I won't have any money left to go out, I may actually get to post more, and certainly run more - Things are on the UP.
So, the good news. This week I have had three runs, including a really good session with Kieran on Wednesday where we really picked it up on the second half. It's not a huge programme, but it's coming together.
Second good news is that I have found myself a nice new apartment, and it's in Yuppie-Ville. Actually it's the fact that it is 5 minutes walk from my new office that makes the BIG difference, but fair to say it's in an area of the city that is going through a fantastic makeover, down in the Docklands, at Grand Canal Dock - You can tell it's an upwardly mobile place by the price tag :) - But the new job helps, and at last I'll have a place to really call home in the Big City.
I hope to be moving in by Nov 1st, and I really hope I cna get Internet Access fitted as soon as possibe. Given I won't have any money left to go out, I may actually get to post more, and certainly run more - Things are on the UP.
Another Week - And YES - I'm Running
Friday evening, and another week passes by. This isn't an exscuse for running, but one just to say sorry that I can't post as frequently as I like at present. The new job has been very demanding in the first few weeks, and I have no Internet Connection at work, so I have to rely on the home base, and with late work, running (Yes- Running), and searching for a new apartment, posting updates has been at the bottom of the long list.
So, the good news. This week I have had three runs, including a really good session with Kieran on Wednesday where we really picked it up on the second half. It's not a huge programme, but it's coming together.
Second good news is that I have found myself a nice new apartment, and it's in Yuppie-Ville. Actually it's the fact that it is 5 minutes walk from my new office that makes the BIG difference, but fair to say it's in an area of the city that is going through a fantastic makeover, down in the Docklands, at Grand Canal Dock - You can tell it's an upwardly mobile place by the price tag :) - But the new job helps, and at last I'll have a place to really call home in the Big City.
I hope to be moving in by Nov 1st, and I really hope I cna get Internet Access fitted as soon as possibe. Given I won't have any money left to go out, I may actually get to post more, and certainly run more - Things are on the UP.
So, the good news. This week I have had three runs, including a really good session with Kieran on Wednesday where we really picked it up on the second half. It's not a huge programme, but it's coming together.
Second good news is that I have found myself a nice new apartment, and it's in Yuppie-Ville. Actually it's the fact that it is 5 minutes walk from my new office that makes the BIG difference, but fair to say it's in an area of the city that is going through a fantastic makeover, down in the Docklands, at Grand Canal Dock - You can tell it's an upwardly mobile place by the price tag :) - But the new job helps, and at last I'll have a place to really call home in the Big City.
I hope to be moving in by Nov 1st, and I really hope I cna get Internet Access fitted as soon as possibe. Given I won't have any money left to go out, I may actually get to post more, and certainly run more - Things are on the UP.
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Bouncebackability
Friday night and I've enjoyed a pleasant evening at home, wathching Studio 60 On Sunset Strip, via my PC, had a glass of Bulmers, savoured every drop, and read over the messages from friends on here. And you know what, they are right. Thomas, I owe you a pint. I am going to do exactly what you say.
I have allowed myself to slip into an uncertain territory, using stupid, juvenile excuses, and now it's time to take charge of things again.
The Dublin Marathon is two weeks on Monday - Don't panic, I'm not Stupid, I'm not going to try and run 26 miles on the paucity of training in recent weeks (months?), but what I am going to do is lace up my shoes, hit the road first thing in the morning and let the wind take me.
In four weeks I will be in New York. I'll have a few beers with my son, I'll be there with him, celebrating his 21st. From then on in, I'll have 20 weeks to the Connemara Marathon, and I will be running under 4 hours, I will be under 180 lbs, and I will be trained, hardened, and back on that Train to Boston 08.
No more pitiful excuses, no more hard luck stories, no more lies (to myself that is), and more listening, re-learning, re-training, and plenty of hard work - and most importantly, plenty of fun along the way.
Thomas I thank you for your words. To others, I appreciate the encouragement, now it's time to get those shoes dusted down, the road awaits..... Heck, I even have to lose a few pounds before I get to New York, I have all those Flyers to meet :)......
I have allowed myself to slip into an uncertain territory, using stupid, juvenile excuses, and now it's time to take charge of things again.
The Dublin Marathon is two weeks on Monday - Don't panic, I'm not Stupid, I'm not going to try and run 26 miles on the paucity of training in recent weeks (months?), but what I am going to do is lace up my shoes, hit the road first thing in the morning and let the wind take me.
In four weeks I will be in New York. I'll have a few beers with my son, I'll be there with him, celebrating his 21st. From then on in, I'll have 20 weeks to the Connemara Marathon, and I will be running under 4 hours, I will be under 180 lbs, and I will be trained, hardened, and back on that Train to Boston 08.
No more pitiful excuses, no more hard luck stories, no more lies (to myself that is), and more listening, re-learning, re-training, and plenty of hard work - and most importantly, plenty of fun along the way.
Thomas I thank you for your words. To others, I appreciate the encouragement, now it's time to get those shoes dusted down, the road awaits..... Heck, I even have to lose a few pounds before I get to New York, I have all those Flyers to meet :)......
Monday, October 09, 2006
I apologise
I am really sorry. I seem to have really been making a habit of that line recently. But, as regular readers (both of you that are left) will know, I switched jobs last week, and things have been plenty hectic since last Monday.
Naturally not everything went smoothly. I haven't gone to the orignal place I was told I was going to, nor am I do exactly what was promised me. Having said that I am not complaining. The people are very nice, the work I will be eventually doing will be challenging and right up my tree, but for now I have a lot of learning to do.
On the good news front I managed to get out and run again. I have been very, very lazy lately, but last Thursday I met up with my training partner and we managed a 4 miler in the Phoenix Park before it went dark. My running has taken a MASSIVE back seat in recent weeks, and my weight is now hovering around 200 lbs - OUCH! Next week I shall be starting back on a programme to shed the pounds and get running properly again. And I promise to get back to regular updates and posts on fellow bloggers sites - I haven't forgotten people, I just have been so tied up with the job move, something had to give. Forgive me........
Naturally not everything went smoothly. I haven't gone to the orignal place I was told I was going to, nor am I do exactly what was promised me. Having said that I am not complaining. The people are very nice, the work I will be eventually doing will be challenging and right up my tree, but for now I have a lot of learning to do.
On the good news front I managed to get out and run again. I have been very, very lazy lately, but last Thursday I met up with my training partner and we managed a 4 miler in the Phoenix Park before it went dark. My running has taken a MASSIVE back seat in recent weeks, and my weight is now hovering around 200 lbs - OUCH! Next week I shall be starting back on a programme to shed the pounds and get running properly again. And I promise to get back to regular updates and posts on fellow bloggers sites - I haven't forgotten people, I just have been so tied up with the job move, something had to give. Forgive me........
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