Trip Across the Pond- Aug. 7 & 8

Wednesday, Aug. 7- Caerphilly & Merthyr Tydfil

            We drove a short distance to Carphilly to see the castle.  It is my favorite castle so far.  The town is very nice too.  We had so much fun exploring the castle and grounds.  There was a huge grassy area for Gruffydd to run around and play with other kids.

            In the evening we went over to Clive Rees’ home to have family photos taken.  He is a wonderful photographer.  It just poured down rain while we were visiting, so of course we had to stay for a glass of wine.  They have a lovely home that looks over Merthyr, with lots of space for a small green house and garden.

            Roger had to call an ambulance and transport Mom back to the hospital.  She was not able to stay awake or get up to sit in bed or go to the bathroom.  After tests they discovered she had had a stroke, most likely while she was sleeping.  It seems to have affected her left side and her speech.  She seemed to be making progress, but then had a seizure. Most likely she will not be able to return to her apartment.  She will have to have physical and speech therapy. It is so difficult to be so far away.

Thursday, Aug. 8- Merthyr Tydfil

            The three boys took off early to drive to North Wales and hike Snowden. We decided to stay behind and spend time with Gruffydd and Emma.  Emma didn’t think Gruffydd would enjoy another long drive and I didn’t want to spend two and a half days not able to play with Gruffy.

            So we hung out at the Powell’s playing hide ‘n seek and cars, and watching movies.

            Emma and I went down to the retail park to shop.  I wish I had room in my suitcase to bring back clothes and shoes as there were great sales.

            The news on Mom was not good today.  After a brain scan they discovered more strokes or maybe small tumors. The first stroke she had was an ischaemic stroke- a blood clot.  They did think she had also had a haemorrhagic stroke, as they could see blood on the brain.  I just want to go home.  She promised me she would be fine why I was gone and would be waiting for me in her recliner.  She wanted me to go and spend time with my family, especially my sweet Gruffydd or Great-grandma’s “button pusher” as she likes to call him.  I really wish I was back in Iowa.

            Later in the day, Roger called to say someone wanted to talk to me.  It was wonderful to hear her voice, even though it was quite garbled. She was able to do some physical therapy with her left leg, but not so much with her left arm.  Later in the evening, her heart was racing so they moved her to the cardiac floor.