I am starting to hate Christmas.
This is a very familiar story to a lot of you. Everyone has family who got sick or died over the holidays.
Last year my father had cancer. He learnt about it at the end of November, and we all suffered through the worry and uncertainty until he managed to have his operation in the beginning of February.
This year I was looking forward to a relaxed christmas and have been in a gift buying and card making frenzy for weeks. The only person I haven't bought a present for is my mother, because she is difficult and I want to get her something she will like.
But now all I can think is what is the point?
My mother had a stroke this morning. And I'm stuck in London so I can't go to the hospital and see her. Or my father. It's early to say how bad it will be. But its the weekend. And ever since the crisis greek hospital have been struggling with lack of equipement, necessities and staff.
The doctors said it was a light stroke, but she isn't talking. And it looks like probably she can't understand what my father and sister are telling her. And if she can't speak or understand english, then no way will she be able to speak and understand greek.
I don't know what to do. I am too far away. It is the christmas period so even if I managed to be able get compassionate leave or something from work to leave a couple of days earlier, the plane fares will practically be my whole monthly wage right now.
Last year my father had cancer. He learnt about it at the end of November, and we all suffered through the worry and uncertainty until he managed to have his operation in the beginning of February.
This year I was looking forward to a relaxed christmas and have been in a gift buying and card making frenzy for weeks. The only person I haven't bought a present for is my mother, because she is difficult and I want to get her something she will like.
But now all I can think is what is the point?
My mother had a stroke this morning. And I'm stuck in London so I can't go to the hospital and see her. Or my father. It's early to say how bad it will be. But its the weekend. And ever since the crisis greek hospital have been struggling with lack of equipement, necessities and staff.
The doctors said it was a light stroke, but she isn't talking. And it looks like probably she can't understand what my father and sister are telling her. And if she can't speak or understand english, then no way will she be able to speak and understand greek.
I don't know what to do. I am too far away. It is the christmas period so even if I managed to be able get compassionate leave or something from work to leave a couple of days earlier, the plane fares will practically be my whole monthly wage right now.