An update from me and info about service lately

[HighTechRedneck]

My deepest thanks go out to the many who have expressed concern and kept us in their prayers.  Mom is in pretty bad shape and I have been at the hospital with her all the time.  Those who know me are already aware, but for those who don't, my mother is at the end stage of Alzheimer's and I am the sole caregiver.

As noted in other threads, she had a medical emergency last week that put her in the ER and then in the hospital.  It has been a very difficult time and I came very close to losing her.  I have taken care of Mom for almost 10 years now.  We were always close, but this time of taking care of her has made us even more so. 

I have no regrets at all in the hardships and challenges that resulted from my decision to take care of her myself.  But I do have to say that the last few months and especially this last week have been a physical and emotional overload.

Spending all my time at the hospital this last week has meant that many people who called in for service issues, subscriptions, renewals, etc. did not get an answer or timely call back.  And until today I did not have Internet access at the hospital or access to our own computer based information.  So I have not been able to respond to most of the emails yet.  Even with this laptop and Internet access, I will be working on replies as soon as possible but it may take a while as much of my time is not available right now.

When I get to bring her home I will have hospice care providing assistance, but things may not be entirely back to normal on my availability.  I love our customers, bus nuts in general, and the magazine/forum.  I believe deeply in giving good customer service.  But I must tell you, and I'm sure you understand, Mom is my priority right now.  I will do my best to take care of both her and the calls/emails, but she gets first priority.

So what does that mean for everyone?  First, we are as committed as ever to getting all subscribers their magazines, even if tardy.  We have had problems with delivery time line the last few months.  Some of that does come back to my time being distracted.  And there are other causes within our process sometimes.  Adding to those factors seems to be some growing problems with backlog through the USPS bulk mail center in Atlanta.  It all comes together to make a "perfect storm" of slow delivery.

Right now and for the next couple or three weeks, if possible, emails or contact forms are the best way to request assistance.  My response may be slower than I or you would like, but I will respond as quickly as possible.  Those that do call will likely get voicemail.  It is password protected and only I have access, so feel free to leave any information you want to.  Normally I try to respond to all voicemails within 24 hours and usually within just a few hours.  But during this difficult time I ask you to understand if it takes me longer.  You are not being ignored or lost in the system and I will take care of your service need as soon as I can.

Most of our readers are not on the forum.  I would appreciate your help in letting them know about this so they know what is going on and why they may be having trouble reaching us.

So again, thank you for the prayers and positive thoughts. Please do keep them up.  We both really need them.

[bubbaqgal]

Mike, I feel that everyone will understand and will bear with you.  If there is any way at all I can help you from here I will be happy to pitch in.  I know it is tough for you right now.  We saw first hand how good you are to your mother and seeing a son be that caring is wonderful.  Your mother would be very proud right now of how strong and good a person you are.  Dallas and I are keeping both of you in our constant prayers. 

[ruthi]

Mike, we are praying for God to give you the strength to go thru this. I have been thru this twice, with both of my parents. It is not easy. Take care of yourself in all this as much as possible too. Mike, we are on the road, but, if there is anything that I can do to help you with the magazine, etc. please let me know.

[crown]

 mike take care of your mom the magazine will still be hear i think everyone understands and you and your mom
are in our prayers john & lidia

[happycamperbrat]

Mike I will do whatever I can to help as well. Mom and I pray for you and your mom everyday. God bless you both!

[rampeyboy]

Mike ya'll are in my prayers. I feel for your situation having lost my mom and dad 5 weeks apart just before Christmas. Take your time, and we will be here when things resume.

Boyce

[Christyhicks]

Mike, please feel free to put my recent e-mail at the BOTTOM of your pile.  Not a problem at all!

Having been through a long year of severe medical challenges w/Larry's parents, his mom also being Alzheimers, I have the utmost sympathy and resect for you and the challenges you've faced and those that lay ahead.  We're lucky, in that his mom, although continuing to deterioate in mind, has stabilized as much as we could hope in her health, as has Larry's dad, who had severe heart problems again this year.  We shared the burden w/Larry's sisters, and we STILL never got home before dark for about nine months straight!  The amount of time, the ups and downs, the scares, the piles of paperwork, prescriptions, doctors....pretty much it just becomes a jumble of keeping all the balls in the air....so feel free to set ours down and off to the side.  No one will mind a bit! I can't IMAGINE doing it by yourself!  You're an awesome guy!  We're all proud of you!  Hang in there and come back to us when you can.  Christy

[white-eagle]

good luck and prayers to both of you.  let me know if i can pitch in somehow, although we're involved in our own not near so important, but time consuming anyway emergency.

i have some other news for you later when you get time to call, after things get back to "normal" for you.

Stay safe and well.  take care of yourself also.

[buswarrior]

Hang in there, HTR.

The busnuts will wait.

Whether they like it, or not.

Reality of cottage industry publishing,

life gets in the way sometimes.

Or is that sometimes the way is life?

happy coaching!
buswarrior

[Dreamscape]

Mike, As you have found out from previous replies, take care of you and your Mom first. That is what's important right now, the other stuff can wait.

Still praying!

Paul

[FloridaCliff]

Mike,

You set an example for all of us on the "Honor the Mother and Father" command.

Hoping and praying the best for you and your Mother

God bless

Cliff

[JohnEd]

Mike,

We may be your customers and we appreciate the value you place on us in that regard.  I am also your friend and I know that you understand that is true for almost all of us.  I applaud your devotion and want you to be assured we welcome the opportunity to be patient and understanding with you as you have certainly been with us.  You are a class act and a difficult one to emulate.

God Bless,

John

[Nick Badame Refrig/ACC]

Hi Mike,

Quit worring about the BBS an Mag.... Your MOM comes first!!

We have many prayers you you both!

Nick-

[trucktramp]

This is all about priorities.  The care of your loved ones should come first.  Being a caregiver for someone with Alzheimers is difficult and even more when it is a loved one.  I don't think you need worry about the board or mag as this "family of busnuts" that you have inherited will understand.  As you can see, we are all here to support you.  Make sure that you take care of your needs too.  This includes your mental and physical needs.  Many times the caregiver ignores themselves and end up with their own ailments.  Let hospice help you.  That is what they are for.  Around here they do as much or as little as you desire but they help make transitions easier for all involved.  Finally, check into Alzheimers support groups if you have not done so already.  The people in these groups know exactly what you are dealing with.  Good luck and godspeed.