The Royal Beach Club at Juan-les-Pins
Sometimes days just don’t go as planned… One moment life is full of all the tasks that we feel so obligated and obsessed about and the next… well… all that falls away into a meaningless muddle when faced with an emergency…
Let me fill you in… but before I do….can I say how much I have loved our ‘long v’s short’ hair chat… I have read every comment and every email, several times, and want to say thank you for being such engaged readers… this is what blogging is all about… it’s not just me doing all the talking all the time…
Do you know what I mean by mother’s intuition? I don’t know where it comes from, but we mothers have it… It is good and bad because this innate sense is not always the bearer of good tidings… If you are a regular reader of French Essence you will remember that I wrote about my son who is about to compete in an Iron Man triathlon in Nice… this Sunday as it happens… he has been training intensively for this arduous event… for more that nine months…
Wednesday morning I received a text… ‘Not feeling great… might go to the Dr…’ My son is the master of the understatement… He is already in Nice to prepare for the race and we had planned to drive down on Saturday and spend the weekend… He went to the Dr, was prescribed antibiotics for an infection and told me all would be ok… All this information was relayed by phone so I never really saw for myself how he was. This is a boy who is incredibly resilient, never complains or fusses… just gets on and does…
By Wednesday night I had that creeping feeling inside… I couldn’t concentrate… or sleep… I knew something was wrong. Very early on Thursday morning I asked him if he was any better… ‘Not really’… ‘But I will be fine’, came the reply… I don’t know why but I insisted he visit the emergency room at the hospital… It may seem like a dramatic reaction and one that came out of the blue… but that mother’s intuition has saved the day for me countless times and I wasn’t going to start fighting her now…
To cut a long story short and to spare you the gory details… he is very sick and was admitted to hospital that day. He is on a drip, a multitude of fast acting cocktails that should fix him up. He will be there for a few more days and the likelihood of him competing in the ‘Iron Man’ this Sunday is now looking more and more unlikely. It would appear that all the training has weakened his immunity and the combination of a small cut, bacteria and a suppressed system has enabled an infection to run rife… Total disaster… but he will recover and that is all that counts…
He is devastated for all the obvious reasons but he is such a stoic… He still won’t admit that he can’t compete on Sunday… and he is looking for the next available ‘Iron Man’ slot in Europe. I have no doubt he will complete his triathlon in the next few months… it just might not be in Nice…
This copy of the illustration, 'Les Amoureux aux Remparts' drawn by Raymond Peynet in 1985 sits on a plaque near Plage Royal. I thought that this drawing was a much more romantic way for me to capture Juan-les-Pins... than a photograph of the hospital...
So that’s where I have been the last few days… in Antibes… Juan-les-Pins… not lazing on the sun beds and dreamily looking out to sea… but negotiating the French hospital system and putting my moderate French into medical mode. Why is it that all the major dramas in my life happen in another language?
The French hospital in Antibes is an unusual place…a myriad of 70′s interconnecting buildings that have seen better days. For all the emphasis on French health care I am rather surprised at the state of the hospital… but not the care… that has been exemplary… and the kindest bunch of medicos I have ever met. That’s the French way… concern for the emotional side of his illness. For every ml of medicine that they administer there is an equal dose of concern and discussion for his wellbeing. It is as if they were missing out on Sunday’s big race themselves… The nurses, the doctors and all the hospital staff are feeling his disappointment and providing words of comfort… I am not sure he understands too much… but he understands their sentiments. They are so concerned for us… the parents… and every time I wander out into the corridor to stretch my legs… we chat… like old friends. It is strange sensation because I have always thought the business of hospitals to be matter of fact… in and out… a flurry of clip boards, bright lights and over worked professionals… not here in Antibes…
Have a happy weekend and see you all next week… and again, thank you for being the most fabulous readers a girl could have… you are all truly appreciated… xv
For your ‘French Riviera’ Library… Spending these last few days on the coast has spiked my imagination to learn and see more…
French Riviera: Living Well was the Best Revenge
Gardens of the French Riviera… my very favourite…
Edith Wharton’s French Riviera
Recommendations from my lovely readers…
When the Riviera was Ours... from Dash
Sarah and Gerald from Lisa..
Everybody was So Young… from Susan
What I am downloading on my Kindle… The French Riviera: Travel Adventures…
images – vicki archer
So sorry to hear this Vicki, how dreadfully disappointed he must be. The most important thing is that he gets better soon, there will be other iron men to run!
best wishes
Sharon
Vicki,
I am so very sorry to hear that your son will not be able to do the marathon this Sunday, but very glad to hear it is something from which he will fully recover.
Give him an extra hug from all of us! We wish him a very speedy recovery and hope that he will eventually be able to compete in another Iron Man soon!
Sending lots of positive thoughts his way! ! !
My Goodness Vicki. I just arrived in Nice yesterday. The TGV took forever to arrive (a bad accident happened somewhere on the tracks and all traffic was disrupted.) I kept looking at other passengers to keep busy as we were stuck for several hours in Aix en Provence, and noticed many were going to Nice for the Ironman. They had brought their bicycles “folded up” in giant bags. I started wondering if one of them was your son… and as i read this post, I realize he was not there, poor guy. We did stop in Antibes for a few minutes before we finally reached Nice (on a separate train but that is another story.) I know how disappointed he must feel, and you, for him. He is on the mend however, and these French doctors sound like they are taking really good care of you all. I am happy your son is in good hands. Take care, Vicki. You are right. Life has a funny way of throwing curved balls at you when you least expect them. Good luck to your family. Maybe we will meet another time. Veronique (French Girl in Seattle)
That is a very scary scenario and it’s good that you were able to convince him to go to emergency.
It amazes me how our women’s intuition is full on even when we are many miles apart.
I hope that everything works out for the best.
I hope the best for you and your son’s recovery. Your instinct’s are right, always go with what your mind is saying! Natural intuition, can’t be bought.
What an amazing intuition you have, I know most mothers all do… but how right you were to insist on him going to hospital and be checked.. It could have turned out so much worse, but thankfully he is going to get better.. well done you.. Kids always try to limit our worry and in doing so could have other consequences.. Of course he will compete in other Triathlons, but hopefully he wont be too despondent about missing this one.. Love your posts and blog, and so many others do too, bet thats very pleasing.. I know I am when someone leaves a comment..
Hope your boy continues to get better and all be well.. hugs from across the channel!! janzi
So sorry to hear this Vicki. He sounds like a tough cookie. Thinking of you all an sending huge hugs. Di xx
Thank God your insistance on getting to hospital paid off!! Despite your calm words, I bet it has been quite a hard week, so hope the weekend is better and hugs all round to you all.. J
Je suis vraiment navrée d’apprendre cette triste nouvelle. J’espère avant tout que votre fils récupère rapidement… Ensuite il aura une nouvelle chance et celle-ci sera la bonne.
Gros bisous à vous deux
Yes, we mothers know, don’t we?
I wish you son a speedy recovery and, perhaps, a touch less stoicism in the future?
Oh Vickie, Thank God for your Mothers intuition, I wish your son a speedy recovery, so unfair that he will miss this event but there will always be other’s and the taste will be sweeter for the wait.
I have another book for you:
When The Riviera was ours by Patrick Howarth
Wishing you and yours a wonderful(and recovering) weekend.
X
That is such a heart warming story! So lucky he was about to compete in France and not somewhere else with less than caring medicos. I have a son that also never complains and when he does it is something serious that needs attention! All the best for the recovery. Jennifer.
Dear Vicki,
Thank goodness he is going to be ok! By coincidence my son also fell ill last week and he too has been training madly for the European Lacrosse games in Amsterdam this week. Right at the last moment he found out he’d got Shingles. Drastic news indeed as several of the England lacrosse team members hadn’t had Chickenpox. As yet I’m not sure if he has been allowed to play, though he did manage to get out there with pills and treatment. We feel for your sons disappointment, all his dedicated training and then to be thwarted, rotton luck, do give him our best wishes will you?
Thank goodness your second-sense prompted you to badger your lovely son to the hospital eh…?
Hugs Jane x
Vicki! Oh my goodness! Let’s hear it for instinct!!! Sending lots of support and strength to Paddy. And to you as well. I have a lot of confidence in the French health care system and am sure that he will be up and running (pun intended) in no time. But oh my how he must be disappointed. To work so hard and to come so close. Well, it will be all the sweeter for him when he does finish his Ironman–alas, just not in Nice. Again, sending prayers for a speedy recovery and I know that I won’t be alone in that…
xo,
H
Dear Vicki, I am sending you here some calming and healing energy for you and your son … from one mother of a son and daughters to another. Big hugs. Mary-Jillx
Oh I am so sorry that he has done all of that hard work to then miss out on the event. It’s good though that you had the mothers feeling.
It doesn’t matter how old our children get,they are still our babies.
All the very best for his quick recovery. xxoo
Take comfort from the evidence that your instincts are in fighting form. All the very best for your son’s speedy recovery.
What a disappointment for him, but so lucky that you followed your intuition. Speedy recovery for your son and best wishes to you. xx
I am thinking of you and your son for a speedy recovery!
pve
I am so sorry my dear friend! I wish him a very speedy recovery. I totally believe in mothers’s instinct. While in Ireland last week, none of my family member communicated with me, i would email and would only get “all is well” type of answer. i had a strange feeling of unease .
Once i reached home, my younger son(20) was sitting with his girlfriend at the house, i thought this was very odd on a working day. Then I saw him upclose, holding a cane, his skin shredded to pieces and a week smile on his face. He had fallen off a 30 foot rock face (he is a rock climber) without his helmet and hit the stony ground really hard! His friends carried him out of the wood, called emergency as soon as they got service and he was taken by ambulance. The word of the doctor..” someone must have been looking at this very lucky young man to come out of this alive”
As for the french hospital, I will not stop raving about the quality of their care. I slept for 2 weeks in my mom’s room in the Centre Bergonier in Bordeaux, a cancer research hospital. i have never experienced such love and care in the US hospitals. The nurses REALLY cared they would not only give my mom the most amazing gentle care, but they would also attend to my needs, reassurance, comfort, bring me breakfast, lunch and dinner in the room as i did not want my mom to ever be alone. I wish all the luck to your son for his next iron man, that is a seriously tough competition!
Francine… all I can say is … sons!! xv
Oh Vicki, I am so sad to learn that your son isn’t well, and that he will have to postpone his competition. I know that he is disappointed, but there is a time for everything, and this wasn’t the time. I will be praying for his fast recovery, and I hope that you will keep us posted.
I know all about that mother’s intuition thing. Isn’t it amazing that we don’t have to be there to know something is wrong? We just know it because we are so in tune to what is standard, and when one tiny thing changes, we know, and we don’t have to be there.
I hope that all will continue to get better, and I am sorry that things will not go as planned. Another day for that.
Will look to learn how your son is, stay in tough.
Teresa
xoxo
Being young and sick don’t seem to go together, especially to the one that’s young. Hope he’s good as new soon. He’s a lucky young man to have such wonderful and caring parents, but I’m sure he knows that.
Sam
Vicki, wishing your son a speedy and total recovery. Lucky boy to have such a loving, tuned in mother.
Dear Vicki,
Speediest recovery wishes your your son!
Your mother’s intuition is very finely tuned, I admire that!
Casee
Vicki, what a scary thing to happen, I was so glad to read he will be okay, I hold him and you and your family in prayers and remember as I type the “doors”, for every one that closes another opens, hopefully all of you will get some rest and rejuvenation this weekend, hugs
Oh no Vicki…..I do hope that your son recovers quickly and he really mustn’t worry about the Iron Man competition….there will be plenty more of those but there is only one of him and he must put all of his energy into getting well……and, I’m sure that you were so worried but it sounds as if he is in the most capable hands ….good job your mother’s instincts encouraged him to go to casualty quickly. It is also very hard on the parents in these situations so make sure that you look after yourselves too.Take care, all of you, and sending best wishes from the UK. XXXX
All my prayers and best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Audrey
And there I was myself lounging on the beach at Cap D’Antibes……so sorry for your son, hope he gets better soon. I had someone staying here who had stomach poisoning (which she had from something she ate in the UK) and I went with her to the local doctor here in Tarascon, and when he prodded her stomach and she started to cry because it hurt so bad, he wanted to know why she was crying, was it because she was far from home (she’s from the US) missing her family? etc…he couldn’t accept that it was just physical pain from his prodding…..
What a scary ordeal!! But so glad to hear he is on the mend!! I had a similar experience with my older son as well – a mother knows. I can understand how disappointed he must be, but there will be other competitions – so much more important for him to give his beleaguered body the time it needs to heal properly. You will need a little treat after this!!
You must know I am thinking of you Vicki and had some intuition of my own has you had not blogged for a few days. Poor Paddy! Thank heavens you made him go to the hospital and he will recover. Also thank heavens he was in a place that provides good medical care and will get him back on his feet. So wonderful that you are there with him and give him a few hugs from Canada. I know he is so disappointed but maybe he will be even stronger for the next one. I know he will be getting the most tender loving care from Mom………….he is your boy after all. Much love and many hugs. XO and XOOOO for Paddy.
Dear Vicki,
I was just about to read the blog on hair which I know I will find interesting when instead, I read about your son. I have one who is always training and taking all kinds of supplements. I could go on. The knot in your stomach got him to the hospital and that is all that matters. He will be less likely to overdue it again after this experience. Good luck to you both.
Dear Vicki,
To begin with?….all I can say is that (having read your closing line about “the most fabulous readers a girl could have”?….my first thought was that you’re (rather obviously and fortunately for your children) no “girl”. For better or worse, I was raised in a family run by several very smart and capable women….and I tend to recognize a grown, capable woman when I encounter one. Good for Paddy and, I expect, your two daughters and husband. I expect that they already know that.
As for this “mothering” business?….
My own mother grew up (from age 7 to 13) in an small-town, Methodist-supported orphanage which was run by my father’s mother (a SCANDALOUS divorcee in those days, when folks simply didn’t get divorces). Both my mother (quite lively at age 72) and my grandmother (dead since 1984, having raised about 500 boys over her 25 years as Matron of the orphanage) are/were markedly unsentimental, practical, efficient, deeply sympathetic, and generally superb at raising boys (I have two brothers, who’ve turned out just fine..including providing five grandsons for my mother, which lets me off the obligatory reproductive-duties hook).
In any case?….I KNOW that, when your mother says she’s got a “funny feeling about this”, she’s probably very-very right.
Reading your post, I recalled the time (this was when I was only 24 or so) that my mother, talking over the telephone, MADE me go to a hospital. I was living three hours north of our hometown and going to school at the University of Virginia for my first Masters. During a telephone call, she INSISTED that I go the emergency room.
As ever, she was right. Like Paddy, I had an infection which had gone way beyond anything I bothered to admit/recognize.
I still recall her telling me “I’m your MOTHER. My job is to keep you alive. I’ve been doing it before you were even born. You can go out and make ‘friends’ if you want folks who’ll agree with everything you say or think.”
Well, good thing for Paddy you’re there and playing Johnny-on-the-spot for him.
Best wishes to you and your family,
David Terry
http://www.davidterryart.com
Vicki,
My heart goes out to both you and Paddy.I am a true believer of Mothers intuition,it is a very special bond that we share with our children.
My husband did triathlons for years and I know what a huge effort it is to prepare for such an event.Paddy must be devastated, but health is far more important and there will be another day to compete.Thank goodness he listened to you and went to the ER.
Andrina
Dear Vicki, My son once sent me a card that said, “Thanks for always being there when I needed you – and even when I didn’t”!! It made me laugh at the time because deep down I knew it was true. I can only imagine what you have all been going through in the past week and am so relieved to hear that he is on the mend.
Love,
Carolyn XX
Oh, Vicki,
As you say, our intuition can be scary and wonderful. Having a stoic child, I have one, sometimes makes it necessary for us to take action — even if they are adults.
What a wonderful mother you are and your story has a happy ending. He is young, there will be another Iron Man race and he sounds like a lovely young man who no doubt understands disappointment and that wonderful remedy that immediately follows — hope.
xo,
Tish
Dear Vicki,
Please know that my thoughts are with you and your son as he recovers. Thank heaven for your intuition.
With best wishes to you and your family,
Betty
Vicki, I am so sorry to hear, your poor son, must be so sad. I love a mothers powerful intuition, incredible. Sadly I had a dear friend whose boyfriend was doing this very thing, he collapsed and is basically now as a baby and only 35. Their happy future was ended … I am so thankful your son is being well cared for, blessings
Dear Vicki, So sorry for you son’s illness and for his disappointment~ here’s to good health soon!! I too have had to navigate thru life’s most dramatic moments as a mother in another language (a premie son born in a German hospital) ~ glad this moment has been met with care and concern for your son making it easier; we had that too and were thankful. Best wishes for your sons speedy recovery!!!!
Sometimes when we want something too much and try too hard, Mother Nature has a way of saying “slow down”. Hope your son gets well very, very soon…and wish him “Bon Chance” in the next marathon.
Wishing your son a speedy recovery. Nice to know what.a compassionate group of medical personnel you have in France.
I am so sorry to read about your son, I had a similar incident, but at least I was in the US. Keep us posted on his recovery. I am impressed with his desire to do the Iron Man, I truly believe the process is the reward. And I am sure he has learned much about himself during his training. Best wishes for his complete recovery. I copied your reading list, to have a vicarious vacation.
Oh, Vicki! I’m so glad you listened to your mother’s intuition! My husband has finally learned to listen to mine as well! There’s just some things a mother knows that no one else can! I’m so sorry your son is so sick and I’m sure you are feeling his disappointment as well! The most important thing of course is that he will recover but I know it’s hard for him to think of not competing! Keep us posted and I’m also glad to hear that even though you can’t understand much of the dr.’s and nurses at least they are so caring! That makes a world of difference! I will keep your family in my prayers.
Always trust a mother’s intuition. How very scary for you, but thankfully it he fully recover. Our son will graduate from medical school this fall, but I still retain the title, ‘Dr. Mom’ which I find very touching.
Have your read the book Sara and Gerald, by Honoria Murphy Donnelly? It depicts their life and literary associations with Fitzgerald during the 1920′s on the French Riviera. Very evocative of the era. Gerald Murphy and Sara were truly talented. Best, Lisa
Vicki,
Your son is a lucky young man to have a mom like you. Thank goodness you paid attention to your feelings. I wish him a speedy recovery.
Judy – Mas de la Fourbine
Dear Vicki,
I read your post this morning with such shock. I’m so sorry to hear of your son’s illness. While my friends and I have been having so much fun with the long hair discussion you and your family have been suffering so. I am so sorry and wish for your son and speedy recovery and for you a return to the peace and joy of your daily life in the south.
Mothers intuition! We just know and then go!
Wishing your son a speedy recovery.
On another note, I too am very interested in the comments on long hair vs. short. If you could post a few, I think it would be really helpful to many of your followers.
How fortunate that you acted on your intuition. Wisdom is used in so many ways.
All good wishes for your son’s recovery.
x
Joan
Sending good thoughts your way for your son’s speedy recovery. As the mother of 3 sons myself, one of whom came home freshman year at Christmas scarily sick, I empathize and salute your intuition.
xo,
Sophia
So sorry to learn about your son. I hope he will recover soon. Take care.
Vicki,
One day it is short vs long hair and the next an ailing son…life takes strange turns. I am so sorry to hear about your son! I am sure that he is disappointed but as you say, there are many other iron mans to compete in. First and foremost his health, it is nice to know that you and your son are being well cared for in body and spirit.
Praying for your son and his speedy recovery, and for you.
Take care of yourself too!
Elizabeth
Vicki,
So sorry to hear the news – but so happy you went with your intuition. They say men get ahead in life by going with “their gut” – and that women should train theirs as well. I think we do have that same instinct – ours just goes by a nicer name – “intuition”.
Glad to hear it will turn out well -my aunt always told me that all bad things that happen, actually make your life better in the end. On that note – maybe he will perform much better in the next Iron Man he chooses.
All the best,
Kate
Vicki, thank goodness for your intuition. I probably would have thought the original medicine just needed more time to work.
On a health care note.. I have many friends here in the US who think we have the ONLY good health care in the world. I have relayed stories of EXCELLENT care I have received in other countries–to no avail. I’m a bit tired of American arrogance.
Back to your son–what a champ to listen to you! Let us know when he competes !! Sure he will prevail!!
Goodness, Vicki, this is the 2nd case of a bacterial infection run rampant I’ve heard about in the last few weeks. Serious thing this new virulent strain must be. He must be very quiet while his body heals itself. Another time for Ironman, I think. Juan les Pins, so many memories … this is the place where we had the villa for a month and invited all our friends and family to come be our guests, this is where I got my 1st hair extensions, and I do remember seeing the hospital often. Take good care of your son, always trust your intuition, as you just did. It’s never wrong. Love you…
Oh no!
Well and healthy thoughts your sons way!
xx
Callie
Oh Vicki, my heart to you both. I do so very much know the mother’s intuition. It’s almost a frightening occurrence because we are right on. It’s such a good thing that you told him to go to the ER and here is why. I have had this very experience with both of my daughters, but the story I am going to tell briefly concerns my brother. He is a sailor, going around the world on large yachts. He was about to depart from the US when his leg bothered him. He was staying with us outside of NYC. I urged him to get to the ER before they took off. Well it turns out that the little wound on his leg was MRSA- one of those terrifying anti-biotic resistant infections. The so-called little cut turned into a monster eating deep into his leg. It was traced to a hot yoga class mat. He lost six months and fortunately, has only a quarter sized hole in his leg which for a man is easy to cover up on the upper leg.
I’m sorry for your son’s disappointment, especially after all that hard work, but very glad he is safe and getting well.
Vicki, my heart goes out to you and your son. I hope he will make a fast and full recovery. Glad he listened to you and went to the emergency room. He’s getting proper care and will be good as new, ready for the next Iron Man.
Thank goodness for mother’s intuition. I don’t like that nagging feeling when I know something is going on, and very glad when I acted on it.
I’m familiar with sport injuries. Both my husband and son are very athletic and are runners. They’ve ran marathons close to home. Once in awhile when something goes awry, one will end up in the hospital emergency room. Especially my son who plays in a rugby league.
Take care of yourself and get some rest. It has been a stressful week for you. Hope you are planning to make good use of that sun bed by the beach.
XOXO
Best of luck to your son, and to you!
Let us know how things turn out.
Dear Vicki
So sorry to hear about your son but glad that he’s receiving such good care. Strangely, when you wrote about your son’s training for the Iron Man event and expressed some of your fears about it, I had a really bad feeling. I kept reading your blogs hoping everything would be all right. Having gone through the pain of losing a much loved son to serious illness, I understand only too well the fragility of young life. And only a few years later my dear mother died from an infection in a small scratch like your son’s. But she was 87 and in very poor health with an immune system that no longer worked. Fortunately your son is so young and strong and healthy and will fight this off with the help of the French medical system. Children are a joy, but can also be a great anxiety and can break one’s heart. My prayers for you all. Pamela
Vicki,
I’m so sorry to hear about your son’s illness but am glad that you had the motherly intuition to tell him to seek medical care.
I am a lot like your son; I hate to admit that I’m sick; I hate going to the doctor, and I can imagine how he refused to admit to himself how serious his condition was since he knew that it would be devastating to his upcoming triathalon in Nice. I know the Iron Man triathalon is a big deal in France and it must be such a great disappointment for all of you. Perhaps one of these days your son will understand why all of this happened.
I hope he recovers fully and quickly.
Mandy
Best wishes for a quick recovery. I’m so sorry for his disappointment, but thankful this was caught before the race (way to go Mom!). I can’t imagine the incredible damage that could have happened if he chose to race anyway.
Oh, that brings tears to my eyes and makes my heart and head hurt. You’re so wise to have said get to the ER. Infections are serious matters. I’m sure your poor son is so disappointed after all the work….but it won’t go to waste.
My son sneezes and I’m concerned. He takes a car trip and MomDar is on high alert. He and his GF are off for a week and a half road trip on the Brittany coast starting in St. Malo where they left off last time.
Prayers and good thoughts for your family and your son. So nice to hear about the caring environment at the hospital. Love Juan-les-Pins…thanks for the terrific photos.
it’s good news that they are so aware of the ‘emotional side’ of pain and illness.
i think the emotional side is the most important!
the first image is my kind of hospital.
take care and be well-
i am hoping that he heals up soon.
xx
Vicki,
How scary, I am so sorry. I can only imagine the disappointment your son is experiencing but I’m so relieved to hear he will be fine. You’re so right, moms are hard wired to detect these things.
Hope your son makes a speedy recovery.
Karen
Best wishes for a speedy and complete recovery for your son and a good night’s sleep for you!
I know the son is disappointed + have a son about the same age so know about those guys. Mother’s love & intuition are the best, thank god you told him to go to emergency room + scary for you & him. Arms around you both. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
I enjoy French Essence and always meant to thank you. So this is a good time to get in touch and add my name to all the well-wishers for your son’s recovery and your own peace of mind.
I have a son like yours, a tennis player, who will play despite having severe colds and other debilitating conditions. I always feel his pain and disappointment when he does withdraw from a tournament and he has been training so hard. I must admit it gets easier as he gets older for him and me. I’m there with you!
Oh how dreadful for you all Vicki! The bond between a mother and her children is a truely amazing thing and the old saying ‘mother knows best’ is certainly true! Thinking of you and wishing your son a speedy recovery.
Leisa
Vicky- this is terrible – the triathlon is bad, but the illness is terrible. I’m so happy you paid attention to your instincts and that he listened to Mom! I hope the antibiotics knock out all those nasty bugs.
I always wanted to complete in a marathon, but whenever I tried to increase the miles in my runs, I ended up sick with a cold or I would hurt my back. It did not take long for me to listen to my body and decide I was not meant for such endurance. Admittedly, I am sorry I never competed in a marathon, but I am glad I listened to my body. Sometimes our brains and bodies are going in opposite directions.
Good job Mom and hope for a speedy recovery for your son. Don’t let him start training again until he is fully recovered!!!
My goodness! Vicky dear. I wish you all the strength as we mothers take it so hard to our hearts.
I have a 20 years old son, a man of few words, who already moved out. I know how frightening it can be not knowing. ..Sons…You’re right.
The very best wishes to poor Paddy to get well fast. He’ll be fine, a winner in the next Ironman.
Take care.
Dear Vicki,
I am very sorry that your son has suffered a systemic infection. Unfortunately, preparing for an Ironman is extremely challenging to all parts of the body, including the immune system. How wonderful, though, that thanks to you and the care he has received at the hospital, Paddy is on the mend. Viva the French medical system in action, and a parent listening to more than her child’s words! We send every best wish to Paddy, you and the rest of the family as Paddy completes his recovery and pursues whatever challenges he chooses in the future. Leslie in Portland, Oregon
Best wishes for your son’s speedy recovery! there is nothing as awful as seeing your child sick in hospital – and nothing as wonderful as when they are healthy again!
Hello Vicki
So sorry to hear of your son’s disappointment. How stoic of him to grin and bear and then to want to compete in another Iron Man as soon as possible. I shall be keeping him in prayer. Thank God for your mother’s intuition.
It is a joy to hear of the kindness of the staff at the French hospital. That makes up for a less than perfect hospital.
Helen xx
Thankfully Paddy is so fit in normal circumstances, as it will help him to bounce back quickly. Sounds like he has been pushing himself very hard. I’m so sorry, Vicki ~ how disappointed he must be, and probably all the more determined to do even better when he does get to take part. He’s in wonderful hands and must be so comforted and glad to have you there with him. All the best to you and your family…
Thinking of you and your family Vicki and wishing a fast recovery for your precious son. Thank goodness for mothers intuition.
Much love..Kate
Dearest Vicki,
For some reason, your new posts do not come up for me on my blog roll and I am missing your daily words. I am so sorry that your beautiful son has had to endure this. I hope that there will be a great reward for him somewhere in his life to replace the feeling of loss over this. To train for so long, to hope so big and then to loose it, there HAS to be a reason….thank HEAVENS for this wonderful system of caregivers that are there for him. I have to say that during my stay in NICE and the surrounding areas, including Antibes, that the people were of the utmost sincerity and I love the French.
Be well my dear, and I need to just click on your link daily to see what I have missed!
Fondly, Anita
Dear Vicki and family, so very sorry for your son. Being an athlete I fully understand his disappointment. Well done for acting on your intuition; I can’t imagine either of my sons listening to my intuition, although they are a lot older than Paddy. I feel sure that with the excellent care and all the good wishes wending their way to Antibes he will very soon be in the best of health.
Much love
I am so sorry. My husband and I have a friend who has completed an Iron Man competition in the US, and we know a little about all the hours and hours of focused dedication to training that it requires. I feel in within myself a smidgen of the disappointment that he must be feeling.
Sending wishes from the U.S. to him for a speedy recovery & good luck in the next Iron Man and peace of mind to you.
I hope your son’s recovery is very quick and his disappointment will be abated when he participates in a future Iron Man. So very good of you to listen to your intuition. I have been to Antibes and Juan les Pins and can only imagine the beauty of the place, and the kindness of the medical staff, will be it’s own dose of medicine.
Dear Vicki
Further to my earlier post, I just wanted to add that my younger son was also a great athlete, good-champion level at whatever sport he tried. While at university he specially loved rugby league and got to play in a major team. He dedicated his life to training (running, weight training, swimming and of course football practice). As a result his immune system went down and he became seriously ill from pneumonia and not long after needed major surgery as a result of an injury. While in recovery his doctor banned him from playing sport/training or doing anything other than physio exercises. During that time he attended all his lectures at university, completed all assignments and amazed himself by getting brilliant results.
The illness and injury were a turning point for him and he decided that all the physical stress he was putting on his body was not worth it. He decided to play sport only for relaxation and not with such ambition and dedication. Instead he enjoyed life more and at the same time completed a good degree and went on to a great career and then a succesful business of his own and a family. His parents are so relieved. Pamela
Gosh. Very scary indeed. Best wishes to him for a very speedy recovery… Phil xxxxxx
From Southern California, I send heartfelt hopes for a speedy recovery and admiration for your insistence on an ER visit. There is something about women and our innate sense of awareness and there is something all together different about men…of any age!
My step-son is a marathon runner and a friend’s son a tri-athlete. They are a breed apart and they work so diligently, striving above and beyond for that personal goal. I admire them, all, so much.
The disappointment has got to be heartbreaking for you to witness and for him to bear…but…
Just think of how strong he will be for the next opportunity!
Hugs from afar, Chris
ps. I love Antibes but I hope I never see inside that hospital.
Dear Vicki,
So sorry to hear of your son’s illness. I will pray for a speedy recovery for him.
Sally-Ann x
I wish your son a speedy recovery with many competition’s in the
future!
Stay strong!
Warmest Regards,Kim
oh Vicki, my heart goes out to you, your son and the rest of the family. It is a terrifying thing, to be so suddenly at the mercy of precarious health – when we take voracious health as a given on any ordinary day. Having spent a bit of time in hospitals being kept alive by the determination and kindness of the medical/ nursing fraternity, I am in awe at the unspoken dedication of these people. Such genuine concern for their patients, and just random acts of kindness which make all the difference.
Sending warm wishes from Melbourne for a safe and speedy recovery. And as for the event, gurrumph. There will be other opportunities. When one has life, what else really matters?
Vicki,
I remember long ago as a little and getting impressions and praying that I would remain calm and convincing enough for others to take action when prompted. As the years have rolled on and still using intuition it is a god given gift and is with us ALL for us for a reason…to help us navigate pot holes in the road called life.
Sorry to hear your son will have to rest this one out but so glad he took your urgent request seriously and swift action followed. Best to you all!
Your story has resonated very deeply for me. Intuition is indeed a gift. For me it is like a whisper sitting on my shoulder. Intuition saved my son’s life and it took several doctors before I was heard. The doctor that finally listened also saved my son’s life. Sending love and best wishes to you and your son xx
i too am so sorry for all the training and then his situation. What a wise mother you are. I hope he Improves quickly! Prayers for his improved health!
Best possible wishes for your son. He’s a very lucky man to have a mother like you. Kudos on the need for the hospital trip. Excellent post as usual. You have a lot of us keeping your family in our thoughts.
My daughter became seriously ill while competing with the crew team. She also had to be hospitalized. I know what it is to worry. Hope all is well, and know that your son went in strong. He will come out strong too! There is always another competition.
Oh Thank GOODNESS you listened to your intuition Vicki! We must always do that, especially when it comes to our children.
I am glad to hear that your son is receiving such wonderful care in Juan -Les-Pins (a place I had waaay too much fun in a lifetime ago!)
There will be plenty more Ironman races for your son, thanks to MOM!!
PS. “Everybody Was So Young”- the bio of Sarah and Gerald is very good!
xx
SP
Your silence was a clear indication something was wrong. I think us bloggers, not only have mother’s intuitions but also blogger’s compassion. Best wishes to you and your son.