I went to Mom and Dad's Tuesday. Dad seemed okay when I got to the house. He and Mom were running a little tight in getting him ready to go to therapy. When we got to the Suburban to leave, knowing Mom was going to town, Dad tried to tell her something he wanted her to do, but couldn't get his message across. From that point forward, Dad's mood went downhill. One can imaging the frustration he must endure on a daily basis, not being able to communicate what he wants to say. When he and I got to speech therapy, I told the therapist what had happened and asked her to help me figure out what he wanted to tell Mom. We worked on it a few minutes and then remembered that Dad's driver's license was about to expire. They discovered that when they were filling out the paperwork for the STAP machine. Dad needed a valid driver's license number or ID before they could submit the form. When she asked Dad if he was trying to remind Mom that he needed to renew his license he got so excited! Yes, that was it! I immediately assured him that, after lunch, I would take him to get that accomplished! That appeased him but then he did not want to participate in therapy. I don't know if he was tired or just having an off day, but he didn't do well with therapy. Physical therapy followed speech therapy and it didn't go any better. No doubt, Dad usually works hard and does well. I dismissed it as just a down day. "Life is full of ups and downs. The trick is to enjoy the ups and have courage during the downs." I am in awe of my Dad's courage.
Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Amen!We went home for lunch and then headed straight to the drivers' license bureau. As I was suspecting, but disappointing to Mom, they would not renew Dad's license, in fact they confiscated it! Since Dad is physically unable to drive at this time, they would only issue him an ID. Of course, it makes total sense, but it was sad to witness them taking the license. Mom asked if she could have it as a keepsake and they said no. You can't blame them! No doubt many physically handicapped people have licenses and drive that shouldn't! At least Dad got his ID so the paperwork for the machine was completed and put in the mail! Okay, there's something positive to say!
Once we got home from the lengthy visit to the license bureau Dad was more than ready to get in his chair and have a nap! I said my goodbye's and headed home.
I need to clarify something I previously told you in error. I thought that Jimmie had installed the handrail down the length of the hallway in Mom and Dad's house so Dad could walk from the bedroom to the breakfast room. Actually the handrail is only on one part of the hall so that Dad can stand at it and exercise his legs. I did suggest to Mom that ask Jimmie to install a handrail at the other end of the hall so he COULD walk from the bedroom to the breakfast room. She liked that idea and said she would ask him.
Jean was Dad's chauffeur Wednesday. Little did we know that he no longer qualifies for physical therapy! He was allowed 18 visits and actually got 19, so, for now, he will only be going for speech therapy. We will pursue getting PT to request more visits. Had we known he was about to run out of visits, we would have already had them working on the authorization for more! Very frustrating! So, for now, Mom, the home-health care aide Jerry and us kids will do Dad's physical therapy at home. Unfortunately, Dad really doesn't let any of us do much therapy of any kind at home.
Ollie and I will be in Ruidoso NM next week soaking up some cooler temps and attending the Wild West Historical Association's annual convention at the Inn of the Mountain Gods!!! Glenda will fill in for me taking Dad to speech therapy while I am gone. I'll try to keep you updated while I am gone! Love and hugs! Sandi
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