I’m sure the best of us (and maybe even the worst of us) have had thoughts of family during this year. Like them or loathe them, live on their doorstep or on the other side of the world, I’m sure they entered our minds at some time or another. And like those times when you ‘can’t have’ something you seem to ‘want it’even more, that longing for family might have been more pronounced for some than it had ever been.
My close family is spread all over the place, some in the UK, some in the Middle East and us down here in The Colonies …..as my mother used to describe Australia. This separation has never bothered us, we are another generation in a long line of generations raised in military style, used to packing up and moving on every few years, settling in but ready to move again when necessary. Keeping in touch, knowing we would ‘catch up’ with extended family when the time was right.
My little sister Patsy is sick…….really sick.
And for the first time in a long time I miss her.
We had already planned to visit her again this year in Cyprus where she lives.
Well, that didn’t happen did it.
Looking ahead and making new plans to visit late next year has been one of the things that’s kept me going over the past few months.
Well, they aren’t looking too good either.
Our international border (in and out) closed back in March this year and with the way things are going……with the worldwide escalation of new cases – not a slowing down, and now a mutation, a new strain, a variant of the virus evident in the UK (and possibly other countries) I really can’t see it opening in March 2021 as has been mooted.
Yes, vaccines have ‘arrived’ but they won’t be available to the general population for quite a while and my personal thoughts are that the virus isn’t going to disappear ‘just like that’
Trying to look on the bright side of things I know Patsy is being given the best care available but it’s so hard to be upbeat when someone you love is in pain and there’s nothing you can do about it.
So I’ve decided I’m done with here for this year. I can’t concentrate anymore
I’ll be back in 2021.
Hopefully in a better frame of mind …..because I’ve been a real misery lately.
And hopefully having heard better news about my lovely little sister.
Joining Corinne for this weeks Monday Musings – sharing thoughts with others.
Joining Denyse for the latest edition of Life this Week
Still Waters 
Look forward to seeing you in 2021, In the meanwhile, keep safe and have a great festive season.
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Yes 2020 can’t bo over and done with quick enough to please me either. I hope the best for you and your extended family!
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Yes I think we are all weary of this Covid 19 and we have had a hard year worldwide. All we can do is hope that somehow things will get better next year. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
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You can’t help but be worried about your sister and sad that you cannot see her…let’s hope this business finishes soon.
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I have felt your struggles with keeping your blog and with your feelings of sadness. God bless you and your sister and wishing you a happy new 2021.
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Sending prayers for your little sister, and for you and everyone you love.
Looking forward to seeing you on the other side of this very human challenge.
In Ontario, Canada, we are going into a province wide lockdown on Christmas Eve. Wish us luck.
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Oh Cathy.
I am so very sorry to read this.
My thoughts will be with you – and the light will be left on for you here.
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Hang in there, Cathy!!
You’ve created a followin’ of a bunch of folks who will share in your prayers and hopes for your li’l sis — includin’ the wife and me!
Emiel aka Emiliano aka ole guy
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I’m sorry that the year is ending on such a sad note for you. Hopeful that your sister’s care heals her and plans can be made for another visit. This has been one unbelievable year for the whole globe.
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Oh I am so sorry to hear about your sister. I sure hope she starts to feel better soon!
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Sending love for a peaceful Christmas and a New Year that starts on a happier note. I hope your sister comes through her sickness and that you will be able to spend time with her again soon. X
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I’m sorry to hear about your sister. No one has enjoyed the past year but at least there are some positives about living here, being so far away from much of the world isn’t one of them though. Try to have a nice Christmas and see you in hopefully better times in 2021.
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Hope Cathy and your family can have at least some happy moments as we slide fast into the next year … and that sometime during the coming year, the world and it’s inhabitants will “right themselves” to a new world, but one with less of the really bad stuff…
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This is too sad…
I have a cousin named Patsy. Not a common name for lovely people.
I send good wishes and good will across the globe to you. Come back next year, please, and give my love to Patsy, too.
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Much love to you!
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That is such a tough time for you as family is around the world and one so close to you is unwell. I am so sorry and send love and best wishes for the best that can be while this awful virus keeps us separated.
Thank you so much for your blogging friendship, linking up as you have in 2020 and looking forward to more in 2021 when Life This Week begins…the link up I mean on 4 Jan 2021 with “Word of the Year” as an optional prompt. Stay safe and well, and see you soon…Denyse.
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I’m sorry to learn your sister Patsy is not well, Cathy. My positive thoughts and good wishes go her way for a speedy recovery.
This is a troubling time, particularly for those, like yourself, who have family spread far and wide.
I’ve been feeling like disappearing under the bed covers and not reappear for a while…but it’s been too hot and humid to allow me to do that comfortably! 🙂
Let’s hope 2021 is kinder to everyone here and elsewhere throughout the world.
My very best wishes to you and your family for the Festive Season…and I hope you enjoy it whichever way you choose to do so. And may 2021 treat you, and your loved ones kindly.
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Thinking of you, Cathy, and I am sure your sister feels your love from afar.
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Family means so many different things to different people, Cathy. My brother lives just down the road from me, but this year after many years of compromising on my part, I had the courage to break off all ties. Sad, but I needed to do it for my sanity. However, I found myself reaching out to others more too, as if in freeing up this space, I had more to give to other relationships.
I do hope 2021 gives you a chance to meet with your sister and that she’s better in the meantime.
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