The worst? summer of my life is gone. What's next?
Yes, I know. I should know better (I've done a course on punctuation): That first question mark shouldn't go there, but I want it there, and I'll tell you why.
I have good reasons to call this the worst summer of my life, but then again, maybe it wasn't. Back in June I had to take a rush flight to Spain as my father's illness was getting worse and I wanted to spend some time with him. It was a wonderful week. Cancer was eating him inside and I spent the whole time at his and my mum's side. We talked, I helped mum with meals and medicines (carrying them up and down the stairs), we laughed together, we made memories. The night before I was due back to the UK, he was lying down on his bed, weak, feeble, tired, and I approached him to say my goodbyes. He didn't want to let me go, squeezing his face against mine. When he finally did he was still holding my hand and wouldn't let go. I had to do it for him because it was too much to bear. I left the room and went to another one to cry my heart out, my mother tracing my steps. Two weeks after I received the dreadful news: he had died peacefully that same morning. It took the illness one single month to take him from us. A 71 year-old life-fighter. A generous and kind man who died so untimely.
Then came the accident. Meeting up at a park with church friends and family didn't work out well for me. We were doing sports, races and the sort, and I wanted to participate. Why? I wonder. Why? It was the 100 metres race. I sprang at the go, but my body was too inclined forward, so I lost my balance and fell over, landing on my face and right hand. Soon, a few people came to my aid and I was soon surrounded by worried helpers, one of them my wife. I had some scratches near the eye, a black eye, a bruised knee and two broken fingers. So that was me, off work, in pain, having to go through an operation to straighten the fingers as they hadn't healed properly. Nice.
Now, this is finally the end of hardship for the summer, you may want to know. Two good things happened to me that made my life a little more bearable this dreadful summer: I found WA and with it a new motivation to get my small business off the ground, by finally taking the steps to build the website I had delayed for so long. The other good news was the possible realization of a lifetime dream to come true: a publishing house from Mexico had liked my novel (which I sent to them before the summer for their consideration) and they were happy to take it on board and work towards its publication. I couldn't believe that after three years of looking for an agent or a publisher I had finally found someone interested in a book that took me 10 years to complete. I was, I am over the moon. My fingers are still stiff and it's painful to move them, I miss my dad an awful lot and I'm actually struggling financially, but deep inside I'm happy: the summer was sunny and warm after all (for Britain), I had found new friends in you guys and an opportunity to learn and make money, not only through my website, but through my own training and work here at WA; and also a novel of my creation may be in stores in less than a year. Life is amazing, with its ups and downs, with its sweet and sour flavour, but amazing after all.
Thank you so much for enduring my account. More to come.
Recent Comments
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So sorry to hear of the loss of your father. It's hard to lose a loved one. I don't think a person ever quits missing them, even though fond memories of them will always be with you.
I'd also like to say congrats on your book being published! That is so awesome! -Sherry
Thanks for sharing that. I'm sorry for your loss. I'm also very pleased for you that your book will be published. Congratulations! As the song goes, life is a bitter sweet symphony ... but you gotta love it. God bless!
Hi Fernan, it's the Verve, Bitter Sweet Symphony.
It's a nice track. Type that into youtube and the video will come up.
Hope you like it!
I've just listened to it and found out I already knew the song, only I couldn't remember the title. Yes, it's a nice track. Thanks, Colm
I know the gut wrenching hurt of losing a father and I do hurt for you. I keep reminding myself that the pain I feel is mine and that my father is at peace. A small consolation. My daddy died 12 years ago and I still miss him terribly. Time has kept the daily tears away but my heart still shares my days with him. I pray you go on with your life, enjoy the great memories, share them with anyone interested and do the things you know would make him proud of you.
Hi. So sorry for your loss; know exactly what this means having lost all mine and my good wife's Parents over time. It's a huge loss because we kind of assume they will last for ever. We also have been through those times when Big C calls and you spend time wondering why us. The only way forward is what you have done. Find the positives no matter how extremely small they may be and focus on these. I really hope the rest of the year continues to look brighter. Time will help as it is a great healer even for "wounds" that can never be properly healed.
Regards
Hudson.
I absolutely agree with you, Hudson. Time is a great healer and when the pain softens, my dad and all those who have gone already, sometimes untimely, will be in my heart forever.
In life every moment,every minute changes. No season remains for ever. Change always test our flexibilty to stay in the situation. It depends how you have lived. Death though strange is the truth everyone of us will have to face one day.He has gone but good and sweet memories of your father will remain with you forever. That's life, let's live happily.
Absolutely, Georama. My last week with dad was one of the best weeks I have ever lived and I will cherish it all my life.
I am sorry for your loss. I lost my father in-law in January and we were very close, we rode together all the time, till he fell ill anyway. My own father has pancreatic cancer so he won't be with us much longer. It's hard I know. I just like to think my father in-law is chasing wild horses in the mountains (we used to this) and this seemed to be where he was happiest. Yep, this summer was a real downer.........but then I found Wealthy Affiliate. Can things ever change fast. Wish you well and looks like you have better days ahead. Congrats on the novel and I hope it all works out just as you want it to. ;~)
Sincerely, Virginia
Thank you Virginia. It´s great to know friends who understand your circumstances. That's why I think WA is much more than an online business community.
So glad I've seen this post before I leave I'm really sorry about your Dad and I know that has to have been really tough for you. I'm sure he's very proud of you though! I hope your mom is coping and the pain is healing. Wishing you the best.
I've had a really lousy summer as well, 2013 just took a massive dive for me after May onwards, and I've spent most of it in tears. But like you, I found WA, - and I know this is the start of a new life.
Way to go on the novel!!! Sooo happy for you!!!! Isn't that the proof in the pudding right there in persistence paying off. Can't wait to read the book!!! I hope it turns into a best seller and nets you some really decent mulah! All the best mate.
Thanks Heather, you brought me to tears (I'm getting old, I cry for anything now, even with the X Factor, lol). The best of luck and hope to find you around here soon.
I wish you many better days ahead. You seem to have such a positive attitude and that is great, it's going to get you to places that are going to make you very happy, I'm sure. Wish you peace, love and a ton of happiness.........success to. :~)
Sincerely, Virginia
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You had more patience with publishers than I ever had. When I switched from engineering books published by the university press where I was or had been teaching to novels, I just published them with iUniverse, not a good choice but they were at least published rapidly. I heard from Rich that the weather in London became cold and wet. So you have all your troubles and you were wet too.
When I was in Korea and our own artillery was killing and wounding people all around me, I thought a word of prayer would be in order. I heard these word and I'm not kidding: "You might be killed or even horribly wounded, but it will not matter in the eternities. Do as you have been trained and do your duty."
I do hope things go better for you. John