My Mother Has Had Another Stroke

I just received the heart-breaking call from my sister ... our Mother has had another Stroke. This one is worse than prior strokes; she is not stable on her feet; her vision is blurred; the left side of her face is paralyzed ... and gosh knows what else.

Thank goodness my Niece lives in the same town and can check on her. Our step-dad has not been telling my sister the truth when she phoned. Neither one of my parents want to use assisted living - I understand the fears associated, however, he can not care for my Mother in this condition, and mom is in no condition to decide for herself. My sister told me they both said "no" when it was offered ... we are just HOPING that within a day or two, the more logical part of his thinking will realize that he has no other choice but to get assistance - either away or at home.

My parents live in another state and my husband and I visit them at least once a year - but not during the winter months. This is really difficult for me right now because of weather conditions; the addition of our Beagle having cancer; not being able to take time off work; not being able to afford to be away for a length of time. Keep in mind that I only received this news literally ten minutes ago. All sorts of things are running through my head.

omg