I don't even know why I'm writing this...

LegacyUser

I don't have a specific question exactly, there's just a lot of things I need to get off my chest. Feel free to comment if you want.

Basically I've been a college student in dublin for a few years now. I'm really enjoying it obviously, but its always nice to go home every weekend. I mean, i've made good friends and all that, but I'll always consider my friends back home from secondary school my best friends.

Anyway, the thing is, last January my Dad was admitted to hospital in Dublin for a pretty serious operation, something which required him to be stay in hospital for at least 2-3 months. My mom has rented an apartment in Dublin too to stay with him, but since I've been back to college, i've been over to visit him every 2nd day or so. He's slowly on the mend, but even though he was discharged a few weeks ago, he still needs constant care and attention. Thats why my parents are continuing to live in the apartment as he needs to be within reach of the hospital in case anything happens. We don't know how long it'll be before he gets to go home, but it'll be at least another 2 months.

I don't actually mind going over to see him so much on weekdays. Sure it's a bit of a trip but it hasn't effected me too much. I haven't gone out near as much as I used to, but like I said, I don't really mind not going out with my college friends for a while.

The problem is at weekends. I've been home twice since Christmas, and that was only for a night. But because of the situation I'm in, it's practically impossible to make my way home for any length of time. Unfortunately, that means not getting to see my friends or go out with them back home, and thats the one part that's really killing me at this stage.

I hate going on facebook or talking to people on msn on a sunday and hearing how much fun they had the previous night, or reading about them making their plans for what they're gonna do the next weekend. I know some of you are going to say just stay away from FB, but it's now my only real source of keeping in touch with all of them on a regular basis, apart from txting obviously.

I knew it was going to be difficult with all this when the year began, but maybe i underestimated what it was actually going to be like. The commuting from college to the hospital or the apartment I can live with, the giving up my weeknights I can live with, but even though I like spending time with my parents, there's no substitute for a good night out with all the girls and guys back home.

The reason I'm writing this now and not a few weeks ago is that the college year is coming to a close. While everyone will be moving back home permanently for the summer and having a great time, I'll be staying in Dublin until at least the end of June or the beginning of July. During college I have lectures and assignments to keep my mind off things, but not in the summer. I'll be continuing the mind my dad in Dublin while all my friends are having a great time back home.

I'm going to see what can be done in terms of even popping home for a night every two weeks, but my dads my absolute number 1 priority. And even if I did make it home for a night, I'll probably begin feeling selfish that I'm out having a good time while I should be back in Dublin.

I know this will all end soon enough (hopefully) and that I can start my final year next September with a fresh start, but I just really needed to get this off my chest.

Queen-Mise

OP you need a break to, being a carer or helping a carer is hard work.

Tell you parents you need a weekend off to go down spend some time with your mates. Go home for the weekend after you exams finish and enjoy yourself.

I would be very surprised if your parents minded you taking a break.

drunkmonkey

sorry to hear about your dad, hope he gets better quickly...

you should try an get on with you college mates a bit more, maybe go out with them at the weekends a bit more, ....friends will change as you move around, get older, meet girls, travel etc...
The friends you met in school, some of them will probably be friends for life but you got to let new friends in.....some of your college friends may turn out to be your best friends...
Dublin is one of the best city in the world for some good crack, explore it a bit more, get your friends up for the summer...

have a good summer.....

LegacyUser

Hi OP,

it sounds like you want to see your old friends because they would be the people you would get your emotional support from because you know them and are comfortable,

I think you have all done great in your family to pull together like this and it looks like its all been worth it because he is on the mend,

Other posters are right you prob are a bit wreaked from it all and its the end of your year which is always emotional,

Maybe call up one of your old girlfriends and ask to have a sleep over with her and get a good girly chat and dose of tlc,

G'luck xxxx