Tuesday 4 March 2014

When she was 64

Today is a special day, my mum would have been 96 today, had she not had the heart attack which ended her life at the age of 64. I can remember the first heart attack she had a few months earlier, I was there when it happened, I rang for a doctor who came very quickly. He knew what to do and worked hard to get her heart beating again. Then the paramedics arrived in the ambulance not long after, and took over. As I looked down at my mother, her face draining of it's colour, her lips turning blue, I knew it wasn't the right time for her to go, and she didn't. Thankfully she pulled round. 
The second time a few months later, she wasn't so lucky. I wasn't there but my brother was. She didn't make it and her heart stopped forever. When I got to the age of 64, last year, I have always been mindful that I must look after myself, I must do my best to eat well and exercise. Every day I hope and pray that I will reach 65, and with a bit of luck, a few more years beyond that. Knowing that my mother died at the age I am now reminds me of how lucky I am. When I open my eyes each morning and see light, I whisper a quiet thank you. Thank you for a peaceful and comfortable sleep. Thank you for a new day. Thank you for my life. 
This morning I went for a free NHS health check, it was advertised in our North Lincolnshire Council newsletter. It seemed the right thing to do today, on my mum's birthday. I turned up and filled the form out and waited my turn. I was weighed, my height and waist measurements were recorded, then I went through to the next stage. My records came up on the computer, they showed that I had a health check a couple of years ago, and today I am not able to have a full check because it is their policy to offer them every five years. I was a bit disappointed because I wanted to compare my results today with the tests I had done before. The lady was very helpful, she suggested I look for a place which does free cholesterol checks. I didn't get the full Monty today, but she gave me some time to talk a few things over. 
I particularly need to exercise more. I admit I have been a bit slack throughout the winter, having mad bursts of physical activity as and when I feel like it, then not doing anything for a few weeks. Now the weather is improving I will feel more inclined to get stuck in. I owe it to myself, I'm not ready to go and meet mum just yet.
As promised, pics of the new denim bag. It seems the best place to photograph anything is on my kitchen floor. The light pours in through two windows, and the light grey tile pattern does not overwhelm the object. I made the two sides separately again like the last one, but this time I joined them together by hand sewing, with contrasting red cotton.  

The several layers of fabric were very thick, especially round the corners, I had to force the needle through using pliers. I am very pleased with the result.
I decided not to add more embellishments to this, I don't think it's needed.

So, what's the broccoli recipe today then. Something very simple. Tagliatelle, a third of a packet, (£1 from Tesco), steamed broccoli, gratings of cheese, drizzled with sesame seed oil. Less than ten minutes to make, and very cheap. Scoffed the lot :o))
Time to go outside for an hour while the sun is still shining. Catch you tomorrow. Toodle pip.

26 comments:

  1. Oh MQ how terrible to lose your Mum at all but 64 is no age. I'm truly sorry but I'm glad your looking after yourself as an outcome. Your dinner looks lush .... yum yum

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  2. I think you do an absolutely amazing job in caring for your health, physical and mental and I hope that you will live an active and long life having tons of fun along the way!
    Your hand stitching is impressive, not too easy to do when it is so highly visible in a contrasting colour! I am currently sewing double felt soles onto my daughter's heavy duty slipper socks . I find hand sewing very relaxing.

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  3. I think I can safely say that your mum would have been proud how you look after yourself - in every way. My dad was only in his 50's when he had his first heart attack, it's very frightening and not something I will forget. He's 73 now and actually reasonably healthy in the heart department. It was such a shock that he gave up smoking, and started to look after himself, took up gardening, healthy diet. He also began to enjoy life more, he gave up work early and became an easier person to live with. Its amazing how the body can heal itself with a change of lifestyle. Love the bag with the pin tuck detail, I'm so busy at the moment but will teach myself to make them one day. Debbie

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    1. Well done to your dad for turning his life around. I hope he continues to enjoy good health.

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  4. Yes, it's too easy to get lazy when the weather's so bad and there's no pressing urgency to go anywhere.

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    1. Yes, I really must get myself moving more. Put away the crafting projects and go outside.

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  5. You will have a long life Ilona, you are so conscious of good health and what to do and not do. Every day is a new beginning and a chance for good choices and positive moves. Remember your own advice, little by little everyday achieves a lot.
    Spring will give us all a nice boost of energy.
    Love from Pam in TX.xx

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  6. Aww sorry to hear about your mum, big hugs,. Lovely dinner and amazing bag!

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  7. Totally with your re your mum, the same happened to mine and it would have been her birthday yesterday. I have to say I am in awe of your self discipline, wish I could be as strong as you. Your bag is superb. Xx

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  8. My Grandad died of a heart attack aged 66, my Dad died of a heart attack aged 55( 19 years ago last week), and I lay in a bed on a coronary care unit at the age of 43 wondering if I'd make it to 44. I was 49 last week, and I'm determined to live long enough to claim my state pension - just another 18 years to go then! I now follow a plant-based diet, exercise regularly and lead as stress-free a life as I can. I'm giving myself the best chance I can, as is my hubby( his Dad had a massive stroke at 60 and died at 61). He will be 52 tomorrow, runs 10k several times a week, plays 5 a side football, has a physical job and cycles to work and back.
    With a family history of heart disease your GP should be willing to arrange a cholesterol test for you.

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    1. Hello Scarlet,
      Hope Ilona won't mind me writing to you here.
      I wished you happy birthday last week. Also commented when I knew you had been ill on that day.
      It wasn't published so perhaps there is a problem somewhere.
      All the best.
      Angela

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    2. Hello Angela,
      I hope Ilona won't mind me replying.
      I do hope you check back to see this. Both your comments are showing as published when I've looked - the first is on my post of 23rd February, and your second on my post of 28th February. I replied to both of them and can see the replies too. I'm not sure why you can't see them. Maybe somebody else would be kind enough to look and see if they can see them or not?

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    3. Hi Scarlet
      Hope you don't mind Ilona.
      Sent you an email
      Carolx

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    4. Carry on ladies, glad to be of assistance :o))

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    5. Keep going Scarlet, you're doing just fine. I think we have a better chance of getting over medical problems than previous generations. There is so much more help and knowledge out there now.

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  9. You seem to have 80% veg on your plate at every meal and from what I remember from last Summer, you'll be back up clocking the miles on your walks now its Spring. I think you'll have many more years to enjoy x

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  10. Today would have been my mums 79th birthday. Sadly she only made 74. It is hard, isn't it? Whilst I would like to wallow sometimes in the sadness I kind of hear her in my ear telling me I have to get on with it. So on with it I get. Still telling me off after 4 years :-)

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    1. Hello Denise. I like to think my mum is still with me in spirit, as I'm sure yours will be there for you. xxx

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  11. Sorry to hear about your mum and Denise above.

    Ilona, she would be so proud of you. I think you're great.

    To all mums-we wouldn't be here without you. Xxx

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  12. Mine died 11 years ago, last month. I still miss her.
    Love the bag!

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  13. Each time I look in the mirror I see my mother. We are so alike in so many ways - looks, personality, interests etc. She died of a heart attack at 71 and I expected to do the same. I had a heart attack at 72 but amazing advances in heart surgery saved my life. At 76 I am so grateful and try to look after myself for the sake of my own family. I wish I had your discipline though Ilona.

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    1. Look after yourself Pat. I want to be visiting you for years to come. xxx

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  14. My first comment seems to have disappeared, so if it turns up, sorry for two comments. You look really healthy Ilona and we know you eat well. My dad died at my age and I'm trying harder to improve my health; less meat, more fruit and vegetables, more walking. Keep up the great work Ilona.

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  15. Heart attacks are the main thing in my side of the family too so I know I should move and exercise more to be honest.

    You always appear to be very good with your exercise Iona, you put me to shame.

    Loving the new bag, very professional.

    X x

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  16. Very poignant,could be my story Ilona.You are very talented and creative.I'm sure you will have many happy years to savour.

    Ann

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