Thursday 15 September 2011

Why Jam in the Sandwich?

I have found myself sandwiched between the generations. I am the reliable Nanny to a two year old and the dutiful daughter of and 87 year old. In many ways their needs are similar and equally disimilar. I find myself 'on duty' 3-4 days a week for the former and 24/7 for the latter. Where did the luxury of a lie in or an uninterrrupted viewing of a whole TV programme go? This is by no means meant to sound whingeing or bitter. I love them both to bits. But I find myself fulfilling the duties of the youngest daughter which smacks far more of the situation of the early 1900's than the go getting 21st century.

Then of course there's my other charge. Blue eyed and blonde, totally scrumptious and into everything. That's not so bad if I was half my age , but getting down to change nappies and play on the floor poses problems about getting up again.

Mother had a total shoulder replacement last week and was sent home from hospital after 2 days! We were struggling through famously with washing, dressing and catering until this morning. I had nipped downstairs to put a wash on when - thump. Ma had tripped over and come down with a real bump. I did the usual checking on wiggling toes and fingers and signs of concussion, but I just couldn't lift her so called an ambulance. Well they wanted to know everything over the phone before they deemed that an ambulance was necessary but the frustration of this was negated when 5 minutes later a tall and dishy ambulance man turns up. I joked that it was a long time since she'd had a handsome young man in her bedroom while he checked her over. It was decided to get her up to the cottage hospital and there she shall stay for 3 or 4 days to recuperate and convalesce. Which of course it what whould have happened after the surgery.

So it's been quite a day. Now just to decide what flavour jam I shall be.

8 comments:

  1. Wish I could help you decide! Whatever variety I feel sure you feel you've been spread out pretty thinly between your two slices of bread - I hope your true 'flavour' can be appreciated somewhere along the line.

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  2. Totally bonkers to send an 87 year old home after 2 days when you have a cottage hospital nearby. I also do the childminding bit, it's the lifting into the car seat that does for me, otherwise enjoy every moment and it is not for long but I do resent my 'days off' being broken into by family requests, they all earn far more than me and can all drive! Hope you get a bit of respite yourself whilst your Mum being looked after and I can see potty training on the horizon. Pippa.

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  3. Love the description Toady. Do hope that all goes well and mum comes home at a more appropriate time.
    CKx

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  4. Just remind Lauren that it'll be her turn soon, so pay attention to how mummy does it!!!!!

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  5. Toady, I thank you so much for your good wishes to me. And...may I return them to you.

    I love the Jam in the Sandwich name. It had me thinking about what might be my favorite jams, strawberry, of course, but then, there're so many others ... all the plums, cherries, rasp- and black-berries, etc. I like the notion that you remain your sweet self even when placed between two metaphorical slices of toast.

    I do hope that your mom will be allowed to stay in the hospital long enough, This Time, to do some healing.

    What is a Cottage hospital? Please forgive my ignorance.

    I am sure that little grandchild will love the time that she's spending with you. I definitely loved my granny, particularly since she was the one who funded my very first trip to NYC.

    Do hope that your own craftiness is just in a short holding pattern. You make lovely things, and I imagine that in a few years, you might have an apprentice in that grandchild.

    xo

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  6. Hello Toady, re-found you via Frances.
    It can't be easy being the 'jam', but I'm sure you find the best and most tasty bits to enjoy.

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  7. Big hug to you - and without doubt Marmalade and maybe a bit of cheese and onion pep you up no end . . :)

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