Tough Times

photo: wikimedia

So, no sooner did I proclaim "Crabby's Back!" than it seems I am not back after all. Or at least I'm not back blogging in the usual way.

I guess you call it a '"family emergency." One of those terrible situations that you hope never happens to anyone you love. It's complicated and wrenching and not likely to resolve itself soon. I hopped on a plane to the west coast when I heard, and am staying at my childhood home. I didn't buy a return ticket because I have no idea how long I will be here.

As some of you may have already discovered, there are few things in life as heartbreaking as seeing a loved one suffering through a crisis.  I haven't been through anything like this before, and I just hope I can rise to the many challenges my family is facing. I kinda suck at the whole grace-under-pressure thing, as well as the gettting-difficult-stuff-handled thing, but then I've never in my life been so motivated to be a grown up and do whatever needs to be done.

So... does this mean there will be no more Cranky Fitness for the foreseeable future?


Nah. You won't get rid of me that easily.

At a time when nothing seems normal and life has something of  a surreal quality, I think touching base with the blog will be a good thing for me. (Even if it ends up being tedious as hell for you guys at times.)

I just may not be back up to speed the way I'd hoped I'd be after my vacation.  And I'll be predictably lame at visiting other blogs and replying to individual comments, though I'll be reading all of them and popping in with more general replies.

Plus there are some guest posts on the way! (There'd be one already if I hadn't left my laptop at home. I am the worlds shittiest packer even when I'm not stressed, and my flustered attempts to gather my things on short notice were comically inept and I forgot all kinds of stuff I need. Checkbook? Nope! Wouldn't want to bring one of those in an emergency!)

So anyway, I can't really write about my family member's situation in specific terms. It's her story to tell when she's able, not mine. Let's just say it's pretty serious.

But this is a health blog, and coping with stress is a health topic, right? I'm thinking exercise and nutrition and meditation/relaxation and finding positives in shitty situations are all extra important endeavors when times get tough.

And, well, there are often rays of sunshine even when skies are cloudy.

For example, there is a fire trail with lovely views close by.

It's been part of my life for over 50 years--I spent tons of time rambling these hills as a kid, and every holiday when I visit I always walk there.  I'm finding it a tremendous comfort. I've been walking it every day, sometimes several times a day, and I always feel a little better and more grounded when I'm out there.

And there are so many other things to be grateful for, like the many kind people who have gone the extra mile to be there and offer support.

It seems I've spent a lot of time lately blogging about why I'm not blogging very often, but whatever. I am blessed with some of the most patient and good-natured blog readers in the history of blogging, and I do swear that someday this will be an actual health and fitness blog again.

So, anyone have any advice for coping when a loved one is struggling?