I’ve had a lot of things weighing heavily on my mind lately. I have many blessings for which I am very grateful but it seems like we’ve had one major family crisis after another. You all were so kind to me last year as I gave updates on my 35 year-old cousin’s fight against brain cancer. She ultimately lost that battle last June. Last week my aunt was admitted to the hospital for tests concerning her chronic but worsening back pain. She was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer that has spread to her spine and fractured 3 vertebra. What a shocker that one was. She is feeling better now that the pain is under control and will start radiation tomorrow.
She’s so tough and in good hands so that lends some comfort but my mind is reeling and I feel helpless and scared. It’s the late evenings when the house is quiet and everyone else is asleep that I start to think too much. I’m a night owl anyway and I usually use that time to catch up on laundry, reading, reviewing and blogging. I haven’t had much desire or focus to do those things lately though. (Well, that excuse doesn’t work for the laundry so that still gets done.) I’ve missed visiting with you all but I’ll get back to it soon I’m sure. Of course the TV is handy for noise and comic relief so that’s a good distraction. Unfortunately my reading tends to suffer too, at least for a time. While it’s a fantastic distraction I just can’t pay attention and find myself rereading page after page. I did recently finish a James Patterson book and those are always full of action and short chapters. It was an enjoyable story and it kept my mind occupied. The book I’m trying to read now is very well written and has a great sense of humor so that is also a good choice for me. Humor is always a good choice for me. I’ll have to pick carefully from my overflowing shelves for my next selection. I need that distraction.
So I was just wondering, when times are tough in your own life are you able to read? We all have different ways of coping but books seem to be a common thread for most of us so I thought I’d keep the topic about reading. How do your habits change, if at all, and what works for you? May your blessings be many and your troubles be few. Happy reading to all.
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I'm so sorry to hear about your aunt! Reading can take me away from my troubles, but it has to be a light book. It sounds like you've chosen some great titles.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry *hugs*
ReplyDeleteCan I read? Yes. But it has to be ultra light and preferably somber.
Recently (after my husband's grandmother passed away) I read Green Angel by Alice Hoffman. It's small and has to do with grief.
So sorry to hear about your aunt. I find it hard to concentrate when things are tough. Sometimes I can read something short and funny. Most times I just can't concentrate. I'll be thinking of you and your family and keeping you all my prayers.
ReplyDeleteI very sorry to hear about your aunt. Like Beth, if I am really stressed out, I have a hard time concentrating on anything. If I can read it has to be something light or funny.
ReplyDeleteOne nice thing about the blogger world is that your fellow bloggers empathize with you when your life hits a bad time. When times are bad for me I really need to read but I'll pick something like "The Cat Who . . ." series, funny and light with great characters. I hope your aunt does well in radiation.
ReplyDeleteWell it sounds like your family is being put through the ringer. I will keep you all in my prayers. During those times I also have a hard time concentrating so I just don't get as much reading done. Last year I lost my younger sister to complications with her colon and it was such a difficult time being with her those last two weeks of her life. I brought the book, Shanghai Girls with me and read that during my down time. What probably helped me to read that book during that time was that it is about sisters and we both love Lisa See.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear about all your sorrows. I love to read but when times are rough, I tend to re-read the same words over and over again since I can't concentrate. Sometimes, reading something light can give me an escape at least for a while. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear about your family's troubles. Sometimes a book is a great escape and I can lose myself in it - but it has to be fluff.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear about your troubles. I hope your aunt has a successful fight against cancer. I will be keeping you in my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteTo answer your question, I have been sick for about three weeks and I found it pretty difficult to really focus on my reading. Either I was too weak or too exhausted and would fall asleep. Needless to say, I have got way behind on my reading and reviewing. When personal issues are going on, other than illness, I try to use reading as an escape, but sometimes it's hard to concentrate if times are really tough.
Hang in there! =O)
I actually need books MORE when I'm going through rough patches. They don't have to be light or funny books, just engaging enough to take my mind off my own troubles.
ReplyDeleteHang in there!
I will keep you and your family lifted in prayer as you go through this tryng time. When things get tough I usually read as a way of escape. If I have too much on my plate taking walks helps.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry to hear this. I can't focus or read when things go wrong. Mom was diagnosed with breast cancer in December... and it is may and finally the chemo and radiation is over...it has been a long haul.. I have have struggled to focus and I can't seem to finish books. I hope things get better for you. Take each day a moment at a time. All the best to you.
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