Rose Tea Cottage

Where tea is served at half past four


Today for the first time since my last post, I found a free moment to log into my blog. Words to describe how I felt when I tearfully read the 90 plus comments cannot be found in any dictionary of any language. To simply say thank you seems so inadequate. I am completely lost for words. How I wish I could reach into my screen and hug each and every one of you. I am so blessed to have such a caring circle of friends who have reached out from all over the world to pass heartfelt wishes, comforting words and loving prayers.
I thank God for you all.



A few weeks ago, my dad tripped at home and ended up with a displaced neck and two broken cervical vertebrae. Because of his age and current medical condition, surgery was out of the questions; therefore, we opted for plan “B” which took place last Tuesday. While under minimal anesthesia, he endured a three hour procedure to re-align his neck and to be fitted with a traction called a Halo Brace which is a metal device screwed into the skull and secured onto a heavy vest to keep the head and neck from moving and to keep them straight while healing. He is currently hospitalized and will likely spend several weeks at a rehabilitation facility to learn to manage the massive amount of weight on his head and shoulders.



I had to explain to my dad the concept of a “Blog” and then I read to him each comment whilst letting him know where the blogger resides. He was astonished at the magnitude of distance and the kindness displayed by total strangers. Needless to say, I caught him with teary eyes several times. He asked me to thank you for your kindness and prayers, not to mention he now wants a blog of his own!!!!



I am dying to return to you all, to know what is new in your lives, and to visit your lovely blogs. However, with so much to deal with I will be unable to do so. Please forgive my absence for the next couple of weeks. In the meantime, join me for a cup of tea each day at
half past four and let’s drink to good health and good friends.

I miss you terribly.




87 comments:

koralee said...

ahhhh...I have missed you too. My prayers continue to be with you and your dad. Praying for continued strength with each passing day as your dad heals in the hospital. Much love! xoxoxo

Mimi said...

HI!!!
Oh Dutchess, I'm so Sorry about your Dad. I was gone on vacation for 9 days, came home sick and then I have had the darling little one all week!!! So I missed catching up on your blog. Please convey my Best wishes for a full and Speedy recovery. I lost my Dad when I was 26 and he was 51, very young, I feel so sad sometimes at all he has missed. I know that in all my heart he is MY guardian Angel and sees everything I'm doing. Sometimes I have to remind myself to be kind as Daddy is watching and would not be Proud of some of the things I have said or done. My Dad was a Saint, stranger to NO one and loved everyone he met. I struggle loving everyone!!!! Some people I feel like are here on earth to make others miserable, they are known to me as KILL JOYS!!!!!
So my dear friend, lay by your Dad's side this day, hug him and kiss him as you know he is precious!!! I so wish I had my Daddy here to hug on!!!!
have a great day
blessing to you and him
hugs,
jamie--mimi from Arizona!!!

debra@dustjacket said...

Hello my sweet. Big hug and kiss to Pa. What an ordeal, sounds quite terrible actually.

Try and take some time out and rest, will be thinking of you .. our one and only Duchess.
xoxoxo

beachvintage.com said...

We are thinking of you and your family Duchess.

Cathie said...

oh no, hope all goes well, hugs to you all ♥

Deanna said...

Dear Duchess,
When I have tea I will think about you and your Father, say a prayer for all.
God richly bless you,
d

Unknown said...

Wishing your father a speedy recovery - I look forward to seeing his first blog entry!!! ;-)
Cheers, Karen

debi said...

Duchess, Your dad is in my thoughts and prayers. I hope he has a speedy recovery. He sounds adorable!
Take care of you, too.
Hugs, Debi

Shanthi Krishnakumar said...

Nice seeing you again, Hope your dad is OK now. I'll pray for you and hi m too

Sher said...

Dearest Dutchess,

So sorry to hear about your dad. I'm hoping he will have a speedy recovery! Been missing your beautiful posts too. Sending lots of love and prayers your way.

p.s. I think it's so cute your dad wants to start a blog!

Hugs,
Sher

Anonymous said...

i missed you heaps too Duchess! I'll continue to pray for your dad's speedy recovery from the fall :) i'm sure he'll do just fine... *huggs*

Rose said...

I was hoping that you and your dad were ok. Im sorry to hear about what has happened, its so terrible the gigantic problems that can be caused by just one fall isnt it, i see it in my clients quite often. I really hope that your dads recovery goes well (I will be working in rehab for 8 weeks starting Monday! so i will be thinking of you both).
No need to apologise to us, you certainly need to be with your family.
I must say it was so sweet that you read the comments to your dad, and I can see why he wants to start a blog, blogging is certainly quite addictive.
Look forward to your return Duchess. Take care.

Rose

Thea said...

Oh, this made me teary. I hope your dad does start a blog - how cool is that? Wishing him a speedy recovery. xx

Pomona said...

I was thinking about you last night and wondering how you were getting on - you must have been sending out vibes over the ether! I hope your father continues to make progress - it must have been so difficult for you all. With very best wishes

Pomona x

Unknown said...

Dear Duchess,
I am so glad to hear from you, but so sorry to hear about your dad. I know exactly what you are go ing through. My dad has been dealing with cancer (which he has freed himself of thank god, but he still has complications after his surgery several years later). Its scarry to see someone you love in the hospital and in a lot of pain. All you can really do is take things one day at a time.
Sending you good vibes and kisses from the UK.
Love,
HH

san said...

Wishing your father a speedy recovery and sending you a hug x

Michela said...

Hello Duchess, hope your dear Dad will get better soon, enjoy your time in his company! Hugs xxx

Josephine Tale Peddler said...

Dear Duchess,
My prayers and thoughts are with you and your Dad. I am sure we would all Follow him if he started Blogging! xx

Unknown said...

honey..I hope you dady gets well soon..

We missed you all...

Tell you dady that we are waiting for his blog...

:)))

My Passport to Style said...

Hi Duchess ,miss your soft warm personality that shines through each and everyone of your posts here!Totally understand that your needed with your family right now and hope so much that your dad has a speedy recovery and that you find the strength to cope with all that is required of you right now!
Love and hugs, Sharon xx

The Curious Cat said...

oh my, your poor papa. I hope he will recover quickly and I hope he is not in any pain. I'm glad that your blog has been such a huge source of comfort xxx

Pauline said...

Thank you so much, Duchess, for bringing this progress report on your Dad. It's so touching that he would like to start his own blog :o) He sounds like a lovely character :o) bless him. And bless you for being such a caring daughter.
God be with you all.
Hugs

Knitty said...

Best wishes to your dad and to you, also.

Julie Marie said...

Hello Duchess, I have missed you too! I with be thinking about you and your daddy and praying for better days ahead...that is just precious that he liked hearing the comments and wants a blog! That would be so much fun for him and I would be the first one to sign up as a follower! Love to you and your sweet daddy... Bisous... Julie Marie

Madeline's Album said...

I will continue to pray for your dad and you. Sounds like he went through a very difficult time. Hope he will be on the mend soon and that you will be back blogging soon. Have a blessed day. Madeline

Unknown said...

Dear Duchess,
What a lovely post!!!Our prayers continues for you and your father..I hope your father gets better very soon.
Really missed u!!you're always so sweet & kind to all of us!UR kind words always brighten our day and encourage our hearts :)
Catch u later,Take care,
Sangeetha

Mami said...

Oh,I'm so sorry to hear about your Dad.Hope he'll get recovery soon.

Maggi said...

Glad to get an update, I hope your Dad feels better soon and heals quickly!

love home|life|style said...

we have missed you.
Your poor dad. i'd be an avid reader of his blog though!

Looking forward to that cuppa at 4.30 x

Maggie said...

We wish you both well! And I hope he recovers soon. We'll be here when you get back! Take care and many kisses to you both!

(and don't forget to give us the link to your father's blog! *giggle*)

Good to be a Queen said...

Dearest Duchess, I am just now learning the news of your Father. I have hade several similar family emergency that have kept me away from blogging...You and your Father are in my thoughts and prayers.

Cathy~Mille Fleur said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you!!! We will be here when you are able to return!!!

Enjoy!!!
XOXO
Cathy

Teresa's New Life said...

Keep up yowe'll keep your faith, we'll keep up the prayers. Thank you for the update.

maría cecilia said...

Oh my god Duchess... sending lots of good energy to your father for his recovering soon and totally well.
muchos cariños and lots of strengh and positive thoughts to you.
María Cecilia

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

Dear Dutchess, please don't worry about blogging, at this difficult time. Save all your strength, to help out with your family troubles.

My very best wishes to your Father and to all of you, at this time.

And Oh such lovely, lovely pictures!

Gentle hugs,
Aunt Amelia

Jennie said...

What a beautiful and touching post!

We are thinking of you and your family at this difficult time. Please pass on my thoughts and good wishes to your dad.

Jennie x

Gail Is This Mutton? said...

Here's to a speedy recovery for your dad! (Raises teacup). Thanks for the uplifting and beautiful photographs.

Sierra said...

I miss you and am glad that your dad is doing well - tell him that he should start a blog when he gets better! You are such a kind daughter and I am sure he appreciates you being there for him. Please pass along my good wishes, take one day at a time and sing him lots of songs and serve him some tea! :)

Vicki said...

Hello, dear Duchess,
I am glad you were able to leave us a message as to how you father is doing. He sounds like a wonderful man! I will continue to pray for improvement in his health. Take care of yourself as well. When I have my cup of tea, I will think of you! Vicki

parTea lady said...

Duchess, it was so good to find your post today and to hear what has been going on since your Dad had his accident. I will continue to pray for you both.

It's lovely that your Dad enjoyed hearing what your readers had to say. Maybe we will be reading his blog one day soon. :-)

Linens and Royals said...

I look forward to you father's blog, meanwhile I will think of you when I have my next cup of tea. In my prettiest cup of course.

Unknown said...

Hope your father recover very soon.
Muchos cariños
Hugs
Charo

Caterina foi passear... said...

In Brazil says: Saudades de você!
I have missed you! Kisses and hugs for you Dutchess and your Father!

Unknown said...

Hello Duchess! How awful for your Dad! Please let him know that he is in my thoughts and prayers for comfort and quick healing. I can't wait for his blog! LOL!

It was so nice of you to pop in and let us know how things are going . . . keep strong and keep faith and know that we are here for you!

Blessings,
Teresa

Eileen said...

Hi Duchess ~
I do hope your dad is feeling better soon and recovers quickly. I'm sending good thoughts your way.

ProdigalWife said...

Your Grace, so pleased you popped in for an update--we've missed you too! So, so sorry about your dad, thank goodness you live close by and can see him. Please give him our very best, and here's to a speedy recovery.

jordiegirl said...

Hi Duchess

Missing your posts but I understand the reasons for you not being able to post lately.

I do hope your father makes a full recovery and would love for him to have his own blog.

My thoughts are with you and all of your family at this stressful time in your lives.

Do take some time out for yourself dear Duchess as your dad needs you, but you need to be in good health yourself to be of support to him.

Take care

Jordiegirl x

Anonymous said...

(I think blogger just ate my comment!!)
My prayers are with you and yours. Maybe when your dad is feeling more energetic, he could dictate a post to you for RoseTree Cottage and we could each enjoy it over a cuppa? :)
Be sure to take care of yourself as well and we will stay in touch with you throughout the weeks to come :)

sarah-jane down the lane said...

Oh Duchess darling, such trials and tribulations. Hope you are all OK over at Rose Tea Cottage?

Sending you the finest virtual roses and hugs and all my best wishes to your Dad,

Love Sarah x

Lakeland Jo said...

prayers to your dad from the English Lakes, and prayers for you too.Lovely blog-enjoyed my visit

French Kissed said...

Blessings to your dad and his devoted family. To hear that he got teary eyed when you read him the comments and that he now wants a blog of his own speaks volumes about this wonderful man. Take all the time you need to be with you family and I will think of you and him each day when I raise my cup of tea.
~Jermaine~

Elyse said...

greetings duchess,

i am catching up on blogging after a busy week and am so sorry to hear about your dad.

what a lovely family he is blessed with. i am so glad that you both found the comments you received comforting.

blogging can be such a great support system and wonderful escape from daily woes. we're all here for you -- cheering you on, praying, wishing you all good health.

xo

Princess Laura Lis said...

Dear friend, you and your family are in my prayers every day.I hope your Dad will have a speedy recovery. Sending to you and your dad hugs and the best wishes, he has a wonderful daughter: you, my dear Duchess.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry about your father. I know how cumbersome those halo braces are and how uncomfortable he must be. I will keep you, your father, and your family in my prayers.

a woman who is said...

Thanks for the update on your dad. What a brave man he must be. I am glad he has such a devoted daughter who obviously loves and cares for him very much.

I pray for a speedy recovery that

...the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture.

Abatevintage said...

Duchess, I am so sorry about your father. I will pray for a speedy recovery for him, how awful for him to endure this pain. I pray for your strength to get through this ordeal as well, and for your family. I am so excited that you had the opportunity to drop us a line, I was worried it had been two weeks, strange I know but we have never seen each other yet, there is a moment in our day when we sit and wonder what happened and what this person must be going through. Stay strong. God bless you.

Hugs,
Heidi

Anonymous said...

love the blog. so cute!
Tomorrow x
www.inthebedroommirror.blogspot.com

♥ Boomer ♥ said...

I am so sorry. Hugs and Prayers.

Anonymous said...

Dear,
I will be praying for ur father...hope he will get better soon.Miss u terribly.

Coralie Cederna Johnson said...

I am so sorry to hear of your father's medical issues at this time. I know this is terribly sad for you and I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. We all love you and wait patiently for your return!

Tiff said...

Your daddy getting teary eyed is the sweetest thing. I'm glad he could sense the prayer and well wishes on his behalf. I will keep him in my prayers for a swift recovery! His own blog...that would be awesome. I'd follow it for sure.

Much love to you & your family, Duchess.

xoxoxoxo

blushing rose said...

So cute ... Dad wants his own blog! Well, tell him to c'mon, we are waiting for him!! Chuckle. Glad to hear he is going to be ok in time. Hugs to you both, sweetie ... sure miss you.

Have a wonderful, warm week. TTFN ~ Marydon

Marilyn Miller said...

So sorry to hear about your Dad, but good to know there was a plan"B". Speedy recovery wishes are sent his way.

cilla said...

My Sweet and dear friend Duchess,I'm so glad too know yor papa is better,i have been thinking of him and your family,always know I'm here for you,and in the future i look forward to reading your papa's blog , please know i continue to hold you,your papa and family in my heart and prayers..and when i have my afternoon tea i will think of you,with love and hugs Cilla

Lynn said...

Dear Duchess, I will keep you, your father and family in my prayers still that he continues to heal from his surgery.
I think it so wonderful he now wants a blog *giggle*

Elizabeth and Gary said...

Dear Duchess,
I have been away and just read about Daddy, I am so sorry he has to go through all this pain. I know how you must be feeling, my Daddy had triple bypass and then a year later a pacemaker.
I will keep him in my thoughts and prayers.
I am sending him a very big, but soft hug.
You need one too, I'll hug you tighter.
Take care now,
Elizabeth

Mary said...

Duchess, its so good to hear from you! I'm so sorry for your dad...he is such a fortunte man to have a daughter that loves him so much. I know how difficult it is to be a caretaker, especially while working and caring for a home...its not an easy thing, and to add not only the care of your loved one, but the worry and concern for their well being is constantly on your mind, taking its toll. I am keeping both of you in prayer, and will look forward to your next post. You must know that your friends love you and are here for you when you need them.

God bless you!
Mary

The Gossamer Tearoom said...

Dear Duchess,
I do so hope that your father will be much better soon. I'm sending prayers of strength for him and for you too. I have spent much less time lately in blog world, which I consider to be my escape from real life so that I could address more of my attention to my family. My father is 86 and my mother is 83. Both of them have serious health issues and so I can relate to how emotionally draining it can be to try and take care of what you can and understanding how much to still let them attend to themselves. My thoughts are with you and your family and I do hope we will see you sometime again soon.

xo,

Betty

Anonymous said...

Oh Dutchess Darling,
so so sorry to hear about your fathers ailment!
Sending you and your family much love and prayers during this time.

Lots of love flowing through this blog these days...the world is a lovely place!
xo

Yankee Girl said...

If your dad starts a blog, let me know, I will follow him immediately!

I will keep you and your family in my thoughts.

LuLu Kellogg said...

Dear Sweet One~
I have been away for a bit and was catching up on my Blog visits today and read your posting about your Dad. I am so sorry. Please give him my warm wishes for his recovery and remember to be kind to yourself during this time.

Love to you dear Duchess,
LuLu~*xoxo

Angie's Recipes said...

I am really sorry to hear about your dad. I know how painful when one can't move his neck...:-((( I remember years ago I had problem with my back and neck...I couldn't sit,(stand? no way), neither could I sleep. I had to cry to release the pain.....sounds silly now, but I just had to do that.
I hope your dad will recover soon.

Nanette said...

Thinking of you and your dad as you go through this difficult time. Hope your dad has a speedy recovery!
Valerie

Poppy Cottage said...

I am so sorry to hear of your fathers poor health. I am keeping him in my prayers. I look forward to hearing from you when you return!

Muneeba said...

Duchess, the blogosphere just hasn't been the same without you these past few weeks! But I am so happy that your dad got a boost from all the prayers and comments that were sent his way ... wishing him loads of strength and patience for a great recovery.
Btw, I thought of you a couple of days ago when the hubbs and I stopped over for high tea at this British tea shop ... loved it! BUT, the spread wasn't as beautiful as the ones u feature on your blog!

jordiegirl said...

Just dropped by your blog again to let you know I'm still around.

Hope you are okay and your Dad is getting better.

Thinking of you dear Duchess.

Anonymous said...

Really miss u dear.Waiting for ur next post.I will continue to pray for ur family.
with luv
sangi

Wendy said...

Hello Duchess,
I hope you and yours are well.
I have left you a little something in the Wendy-House, if you are passing please call in for it.
Have a lovely weekend.
Take care,
Wx

The Vintage Kitten said...

Hi Duchess, Im so glad your dad is on the mend. Im sending you a big hug. Take Care of yourself and your dad too X

Kissed by an Angel said...

My thoughts are with you!! Sending much love and good wishes to you and your dad!!

xxxx

Draffin Bears said...

Hi Duchess,

It was lovely to discover your blog via Koralee's.
I was so sorry to hear about your Father and I really hope that he is making a good recovery.
It must be very difficult for your family.

Hugs
Carolyn

tracy said...

Duchess I am so sorry to hear that your dad got so very hurt.I will pray for a fast recovery.
When I found your blog about a month back I so enjoyed my visits with you,you are such a lady.
I have an award Id like to pass on to you...just to say how much I enjoy your blog.I understand that this is a busy time for you,please don't feel you need to participate,just please know that your blog means allot to me.
Gracie

Princess Laura Lis said...

My dear Duchess, how are you? and your daddy? I hope you are well! I have a present for you in my blog, visit me when you can,I hope you like it. Much much love!!!

Terra said...

Wow, this is quite an ordeal your dad is going through. My friend had one of those devices and it was very successful, so I pray it will be for your father.
How sweet you read the comments to him, and told him where we are from.
Best wishes to you from California.

Just A Girl said...

Oh Dear Duchess,
I too have been missing from bloglandia and missed the post about your father. It must have been so frightening for you to deal with all these decisions. I will definitely keep you all in my prayers and hope that your father makes a speedy recovery.

God bless,

Cori

COUNTRY MOM said...

I have missed you. I am so sorry for all that has happened to your Dad. I have said a prayer for him and will continue to do so. Please tell him that if he ever does get a blog, I will join it. I am sorry for all you and your family are going through. You will continue to be in my Thoughts and my Prayers. Blessings,

Such a Wondrous Place this Faery Space said...

Goodness love. Light and health to him and such joy that I see above there is hope and a birthday and much to be thankful for. Ahhhh... goodness. Love and wishes for speedy recovery.

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