Everyday Systems

Today I find myself 6000 miles away from my mom who is lying in a hospital bed, in her very last hours. She is surrounded by family and they gave her medication to make her comfortable. She has been sickly for the last 30 years and very sickly the last 10. I have made 2 emergency (very expensive) trips home in the last year after receiving phone calls that she was failing rapidly, but she has lingered on. I have said my goodbyes and the decision was made that I would not be returning again until after she passes away.

My sister called this morning and said that her blood pressure was 60/30 and they don't expect her to wake up again. I'm just waiting for the phone call and then will begin to make my travel plans back. Pre-NoS, I would be shoving food in my mouth to take the edge off the anxiety. I ate my way thru everything, no matter if it was good or bad. I spent the last 10 years reading about and trying to deal with my emotional eating. NoS has taken away the option of emotional eating and life is so much better. I can now take care of my true needs. I am finding comfort in the consistency of my 3 meals a day, no snacks, no sweets, no seconds. Routine is a really grounding factor when life throws you it's ups and downs. Any other "diet" plan, and a parent passing away would justify going off the diet, but not with NoS, I'm going to cling to it!

Deepest sympathies, 4islandgirls. I know no words can really help, but yes, routine is a rock you can hold on to. My thoughts are with you and your mother.

Thanks for sharing about this difficult time. Beautiful that routine is helpful in the midst of emotional upheaval.

I'm so sorry to hear that your mom is so sick. I'm really close to my mom too and I couldn't stand the thought of anything happening to her. We live about 2500 miles apart since I got married and moved to California. I hope your mom makes it.
Try to stay strong. It's easier said than done, I can imagine.

Sorry for your difficulties and thank you for this reminder of the beauty of separating food from emotional issues. The difficulties and emotions don't have to go away before the eating does.

4islandgirl, thoughts are with you as you weather this painful experience. I'm impressed by your self awareness in the midst of such a situation.

I'm glad that routine is making a difficult time that tiny bit easier.

I'm very sorry to her that 4islandgirl and agree with everyone here that it is beautiful that you find some peace in the routine of NoS.

So sorry that you are going through such a difficult time!

I am very, very sorry. What you're now going through is undoubtedly the biggest fear in the lives of many of us.

My sympathies are with you, 4Islandgirls. It's hard to lose a parent. It's good to have the NoS emotional stability during the times when all else is in upheaval. Thanks for the reminder. Many here will be praying for you and your mom, I'm sure. Keep us posted.

So sorry. Stay close to the things that keep you strong.

Thanks everyone for your kind words. I'm still in holding pattern. Yesterday they gave her less than 24 hours, so I'm just waiting for the phone call and then I'll fly out.

After all those years of my weight yo-yoing with every emotional issue in my life, it feels great to know that it simply isn't an issue here. There is no fear that I'm going to come out of this 10 lbs heavier. I love my 3 meals a day and the stability it gives me.

Reinhard, you are a genius, I feel like you've given me my life back!!

Jo

Our thoughts are still with you.

I am thinking of you and sending good thoughts, positive energy, and prayers your way.