Can I have a gentle handhold?

[PastMyBestBeforeDate]

MIL is unwell and alone and the ambulance that was coming has been diverted so DH has set off to her an hour away to get her to hospital if he gets there before an ambulance.
DD is out at an event 45 minutes away (in the other direction) and travelling back late with friend's family. She's 15 and autistic so this is a very big deal.
It's just me and my 10 year old here. I'm disabled and very anxious. I can just about manage but I'm feeling very teary about MIL, DH driving at night (he doesn't like it) and dd being out.
Can you just keep a virtual eye on me?

I'm sorry you're having this stress to deal with. I know it feels horrible in the moment. Thinking of you.

Virtual handhold OP. How scary.

I'm sending a warm hand hold (drinking camomile tea which is very hot!)... The ambulance service is diabolical isn't it, although it's not their fault. I was once air lifted to hospital as an ambulance wouldn't have got to me in time. I hope you don't have to wait too long to get an update. X

I posted too soon but meant to add that if MIL is going to hospital, I know its awful waiting around, but try to see it as she's in the best place. I'm sure your DD will have a lovely time and nice memories and is safe with friend's family. I hope that helps a little.

Hello I am here for, what time is your daughter coming home. What is the problem with MIL. Can you call a friend or relative. Sending xxx

Handholding here.

Keep us informed lovely.

I'll keep checking in.

Can you distract yourself in the meantime?

That new Stacey Solomon decluttering show on iplayer is heartwarming. Sort Your Life out it's called.

Watch one of those and your husband will nearly be there.

I promise you that focusing on MIL will help your DH with not worrying about the driving, he'll be fine.

It's lots to deal with but you're doing all the right things, waiting for DD and asking for support on here.

Thank you. I'm very much hoping dd is having a fabulous time and her journey back is safe. She's pretty good these days but in full meltdown it's a lot to handle. And the parents won't have seen that.
It is very scary when the ambulances are so overwhelmed that they can't get to a lone 80+ person having her symptoms.
I just want to sit on the sofa safely until everyone's safe!

Mindless telly is a good call! DD won't be home until 11pm, maybe later.
MIL is having issues related to a cardiac problem. She had an op a few weeks ago and was doing really well.
My family aren't local at all. I'm loathe to bother friends on a Saturday night but I will if anything else goes awry.

Handhold here too will be thinking of you and your MIL x

Ahhh, sending you a handhold, @PastMyBestBeforeDate.

Mine’s slightly sticky though as I’ve been eating the DC’s trick or treat sweets so apologies for that

Hello OP, virtual hand hold from me too. Definitely second the suggestion of some TV to keep you distracted a little. I’m just sitting here with a glass of squash watching lord of the rings - fingers crossed you receive some news soon

@PastMyBestBeforeDate

Thank you. I'm very much hoping dd is having a fabulous time and her journey back is safe. She's pretty good these days but in full meltdown it's a lot to handle. And the parents won't have seen that. It is very scary when the ambulances are so overwhelmed that they can't get to a lone 80+ person having her symptoms. I just want to sit on the sofa safely until everyone's safe!

I bet she is. I'd also bet you'd hear about it pretty quickly if anything had gone seriously awry with her evening, so we can probably assume she's having a fantastic time until we hear different?

Oh op virtual handhold from me too.
Crap tv - I recently doscovered there was a junior bake off series if you’ve not watched - the kids are just great - their baking not always
You’re doing all right things by holding the fort. Keep your phone charged. Try to distract you and your 10 year old.

@PastMyBestBeforeDate

Mindless telly is a good call! DD won't be home until 11pm, maybe later. MIL is having issues related to a cardiac problem. She had an op a few weeks ago and was doing really well. My family aren't local at all. I'm loathe to bother friends on a Saturday night but I will if anything else goes awry.

It's definitely a worry.

And an indication of how much pressure the ambulance service must be under.

But your husband will be there soon.

Sending you a handhold and a message to say- please bother your friends. If I was your friend and you messaged me with all of what’s going on I’d try my best to help if I possibly could. I’d hate to think that my friends thought I shouldn’t be bothered when they have emergencies like this

How long before your post did DH leave? He's at least half way there now. Is he going to let you know once MIL is safe at hospital?

I found ABBA on BBC2 :)
Am v grateful for all handholds, no matter how sticky!
Yes, you're right I would hear if things were wrong with dd. I could bundle ds into the car and drive there if need be. I have my new blue badge so I could park nearby.

Virtual handhold from me too. Will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Mindless telly is a good shout, as is a book or a crafting project (if you’re into that sort of thing. I’m not sure if mundane chitchat will help distract you so I’ll send some virtual flowers

I hope your mil recovers well and your Dd gets home having had a great time. If you haven't watched it the wheel on bbc is great for mindless distraction I find.

I watch the wheel as I can answer some questions unlike when I watch only connect

He's just text to say he's there. Phew. No other detail but at least he's not on the motorway.

A plan for the worst case always helps me handle worry. Well if x happens, I can do y. Your plan to drive sounds like a good one to keep in mind. I hope you dh gets there soon, and can reassure you about that.
It’s a great thing you are doing for your dd- proving you trust her to manage things, accepting her growing and giving her the (supported) space to do so.

Excellent update op. What a night - hope mil is ok and what a great dh.