Hey there. Last Wednesday I got a phone call from my brother who said that my dad was being rushed to the emergency room with a brain bleed. OF course that sent me into a state of panic and stress well because he is my daddy and also because I am thousands of miles away in a different country. (Peru) I dont have the means to come back to the US so I am here getting reports every few hours by phone and although I am so thankful for technology, right now it just doesnt feel like it is enough.

After my brother called and I began to process things, some of the first words out of my mouth were "I really want a coke" Funny how those old addictions can try to comfort you when stressed. I have also noticed that I have been grazing a bit more so I am really trying to watch what is going into my mouth and asking myself if I really am hungry when I do decide to eat. I have to admit, a couple of times I said to myself shut-up trying to analyze this and just eat it. Thankfully it was just a little granola so it wasnt devastating to my diet.

I have also noticed and maybe I am wrong but I think that the stress is holding onto more of my weight. I have been doing ok with having small stalls but it seems like this stress has created a one. I am ok with it, knowing that it will ease up, but it sure would be helpful if the scale would move.

Please send up prayers and good thoughts for me and my daddy if you would. Looks like it is going to be a long uphill battle for him. He has woken up a few times to only open his eyes for a brief second. They think that he can hear us and understand us and I was able to talk to him yesterday via skype which was difficult to see him like that.

Anyway, any suggestions or encouragements of how to deal with stress besides going into the kitchen would be helpful today. I also dont want to turn one vice into another unless it is a healthy one. I am trying to exercise more to get my feelings worked out.

Hugs to all!

Susie

I'm so sorry about your dad! Hope he makes a full recovery! And YOU give yourself a break, you're going through alot...Will be in my prayers, both of you...

Ill say a prayer for you and your family!

my prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.

My momma and dad are everything to me! I pray for you and your daddy!

Hey Susie, I'm praying for your dad and your family. I know worrying about a loved one can be stressful. I'm hoping you can find a way to visit your dad in person.

Praying for your family! Like they said...give yourself a break....it's hard to be so far away from loved ones, especially when their sick!

Thoughts and prayers are with you!

Thank you fellow friend sleevers. It is so nice to have a place to come and share my burdens and know that you guys can understand the struggles I am going through.

I covet your prayers and good thoughts! Hoping you guys have a great day!

Susie, how is your dad?

My thoughts and prayers are with you. I hope everything will turn out ok. Keep us up to date. Keep fighting those feelings of head hunger from stress. Try and find something to take your mind off of it, like writing in a journal about how you are feeling. I hope this helps some.