Dad rested much better last night with the aid of Tylenol, rather than a stronger drug. He was up some, but not nearly like he has been previous nights. When I went into the bedroom this morning, he was in the restroom. An idea came to me...I got the protable CD/Cassette player, plugged it in Dad's bedroom and put in a cassette that was made by Dad's cousin, Jimmy Siegeler and his band. As I heard Dad coming out of the bathroom, I turned it on loud enough for him to hear it without his hearing aids. Dod got a little smile on his face when he heard the music and saw me grinning! I said, "Dad, do you know who this is?" His grin got bigger and I said, "It's Jimmy Siegeler and his band!" Dad then got a great big grin! I was dancing around in front of him in his wheelchair and he put out his hand and danced with me!!!! It was absolutely priceless to be dancing with my Dad again! We danced the remainder of the song and then Dad was ready to get into the bed! Once he got settled, I reminded him of the great time he, Mom, Ollie and I had in Snyder TX in June of 2009. The four of us attended the Western Swing Dance Festival and danced for four straight days! That was June and Dad had his stroke in September of that year. When I was talking to Dad about Snyder, he got a very nostalgic look on his face and smiled and nodded his head 'yes' when I said what great memories those were!
Danny, Jean and Jimmie came this afternoon, so I went to an antique auction with Ollie. As I was driving to meet him in Round Rock, I was listening to 105.9, the Contemporary Christian music radio station for our area. There was a guest minister on the show and he began to introduce the next song. He was saying that the song was about finding joy through sorrow. It was so amazing to me that I could so personally relate to what he was saying because that was exactly how I was feeling today. I have been blessed to have had such precious quality joyful time with Mom and Dad and I am here because of Dad's being so ill. I found the lyrics to the song that the minister was introducing and speaking about. I thought you might like to read them...
There’s a place of quiet stillness ‘tween the light and shadows reach
Where the hurting and the hopeless seek everlasting peace
Words of men and songs of angels whisper comfort bittersweet
Mending grief and life eternal where joy and sorrow meet
There is a place where hope remains
In crowns of thorns and crimson stains
And tears that fall on Jesus’ feet
Where joy and sorrow meet
There’s a place the lost surrender and the weary will retreat
Full of grace and mercy tender in times of unbelief
For the wounded there is healing, strength is given to the weak
Broken hearts find love redeeming where joy and sorrow meet
There’s a place of thirst and hunger where the roots of faith grow deep
And there is rain and rolling thunder when the road is rough and steep
There is hope in desperation there is victory in defeat
At the cross of restoration where joy and sorrow meet.
Sung by Avalon
As I drove, I also meditated about how this experience with Dad, since his stroke and now through this illness, has brough me closer to God and how it has strengthened my faith rather than made me question it. I feel so close to God and find such peace in talking to Him and praying to Him. Mom and I pray together at each meal, we all pray together when Sister Claudia or Deacon Pat bring communion, and I kneel and join Mom and Dad as they say their nighttime prayers. They have been a great influence in strengthening my faith in God, Dad in his patience with his afflictions and Mom in her selflessness in the care of him.
Dad had a marvelous day with Danny, Jean, Jimmie, Mom and the caretaker Monica. He seemed very alert and happy when I got back about 6:00. Danny had gone to Russo's "on the hill" at Mom's request and picked up the steak/zucchini pasta dinner that Dad loves for lunch. Jimmie and Danny fixed Mom's doorbell which pleased Mom greatly and they visited the rest of their time here. I haven't seen Dad that alert since I've been here! One thing for certain, the son, Danny, is the best medicine for Dad! Certainly we know that Dad loves "his girls", but his son is so very special to him! Dad is so, so blessed to have the son and the Son in his life, as is the rest of our family, and all of us!
We have been so very blessed with the caretakers Jerry, Christina and Monica who attend to Dad. They are on shifts for 12 hours, 7 to 7 during the week days and week nights, and then over the weekends. We have had to fire two women who did not provide adequate care for Dad. Yes, we set the standard of care high and nothing less is acceptable. One woman was fired before I "moved in" and the other I fired tonight after 3 incidences of neglect in only 2 hours! That was unacceptable! God bless Jerry, he usually doesn't work on Sundays nor at night, but he came tonight when the scheduler asked him to fill in for the woman I sent home! Mom and I will work as a team tomorrow and allow Jerry time to go to the other side of the house and have several hours of sleep! That's the least we can do! Again, God bless the people who devote their lives in the care of others. Blessed Lord, thank you for the caretakers who so gently, patiently, and lovingly watch over Dad and help Mom. Each of them, Jerry, Christina and Monica, have a special respect and love for Mom and Dad that shines through their care and service. Thank you for that loving care and for bringing them into our lives at this, our time of need. Help us to remember to show our gratitude to them because they are so very precious to us. Amen.
I can hear Jerry, now, attending to Dad with so much kindness. Mom has retired to her bed. I can go to bed now, comforted that we don't have to worry about whether or not Dad's needs are being met. I pray that my Mom and Dad have a restful night.
In peace we will lie down and sleep,
for You alone, Lord, make us dwell in safety.
Abide with us, Lord Jesus, for the night is at hand and the day is now past.
As the night watch looks for the morning, also do we look for You, O Christ.
Come with the dawning of the day and make yourself known in the breaking of the bread.
May the risen Lord Jesus bless us.
May He watch over us and renew us as He renews the whole of creation.
May our hearts and lives echo His love.
Amen.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Precious moments...
I got side-tracked and forgot to share with you two precious events that Christina witnessed in the wee hours of Friday morning. At about 1:45 a.m. Dad was dreaming, and Christina said he was smiling and laughing out loud! At one point he laughed so loudly that we woke himself up! She described his laugh as a "laugh from his soul." She said that his laughter was so loud that she thought at one point that it might wake Mom or me! I truly wish it had!
A little later Christina was coming into the bedroom and, from the hallway, she saw Dad reaching up towards the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary that is on a shelf above the bed. To the statue Dad said, "I'm fine." Christina said that, certainly Dad's speech wasn't as clear as yours or mine, but without and doubt in her mind, he said those words clear enough for her to know what he said! "And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, “He has done all things well. He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.” Mark 7:37
I have often wondered if, in his dreams, does Dad speak? How I would love to know what he does dream about, but that is for him and God to know! I pray that they are happy dreams full of the love that we all have for him!
I hope this put a smile of your face like it did mine and Mom's! We are aware of small miracles! "Did I not tell you tht, if you believe, you will see the glory of God"! John 11:40
A little later Christina was coming into the bedroom and, from the hallway, she saw Dad reaching up towards the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary that is on a shelf above the bed. To the statue Dad said, "I'm fine." Christina said that, certainly Dad's speech wasn't as clear as yours or mine, but without and doubt in her mind, he said those words clear enough for her to know what he said! "And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, “He has done all things well. He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.” Mark 7:37
I have often wondered if, in his dreams, does Dad speak? How I would love to know what he does dream about, but that is for him and God to know! I pray that they are happy dreams full of the love that we all have for him!
I hope this put a smile of your face like it did mine and Mom's! We are aware of small miracles! "Did I not tell you tht, if you believe, you will see the glory of God"! John 11:40
Mom is resting...
Praise God, Sister Claudia, Mom and Dad's dear friend and the nun from St John's Church, has been coming as often as she can, almost daily, to give us communion. Her visit is a great comfort, especially to Mom. As Sister was leaving, she told Mom in no uncertain terms that she was to go right back to bed and rest, and, believe it or not, Mom listened!! Again, praise God!
So let me tell you what has been going on with Dad since Thursday night. That night, we were still administering Dad's pain medication on a 4-hour regimen. As of Friday morning, the pain medication was so fully in his system that it got to be too much for him to handle. He was very disoriented and kept rubbing his head and forehead showing us that he didn't like the way he felt. Throughout the day, we discontinued the pain medication and Dad remained pain-free.
We had a lot of company, Aunt Mary and Aunt Dorene, Dad's sisters, cousins Peggy and Bobby Radford, Ronnie and Tiffany Lawson, Troy and Terri Smith, and friends Carolyn and Jack Alexander, Mildred Smith, and Leslie and Kim Stephens, and Deacon Pat and Charlie Schneider from Church When visitors came, we tried to let Dad know that they were here, but he was still in such a stupor from the drug that he had an impossible time staying awake. While we loved each and every one of them for coming to visit, we determined that, with all that goes on with Dad's care and with how tired Mom already is, we are going to discourage visitors and ask, instead, that they focus on praying for God's mercy on Dad and health and strength for Mom.
So, Dad seemed to rest well during the day, but during the night was a different story altogether. Christina, the night-time caretaker, said he was up every 30-45 minutes to go to the restroom. He is back to wanting to get in the wheelchair and go into the bathroom, so it is an undertaking to get him up, in the wheelchair, to the toilet, back into the wheelchair and then, finally, back to bed. About the time she would get him settled, the process would start all over again. He becomes very agitated in the night, totally different from his peaceful and restful demeanor in the daytime. This has nothing to do with medications, because he was doing this same routine with Mother prior to his recent decline. We administered Ativan in small doses off and on throughout the night, which is a medication to help Dad calm down enough to sleep, but his bladder issues kept interrupting his sleep. Mom vehimently did not want any pain medication given. He tells us he is not in pain, so, for now, we will keep him off of it. Cousin Ronnie, who is an oncologist, has given me suggestions on how to administer small doses rather than a lot at once. But , today, Dad is not in pain, just miserable from getting up and down so much. And, again, he is resting in between trips to the bathroom. He ate a bit of an egg for breakfast and we are supplementing with Boost. We were told that Boost is a good calorie and nitritional substitute for a meal.
Mom is resting in her bed on the opposite side of the house from Dad and I told her that I didn't want to see her for two hours! At least she is resting, and I will settle for any amount of time! She wanted to nap in her chair in the living room, but I know that she would then be able to hear every peep Dad made and she wouldn't stay in the chair for long. I "tucked her in" the bed with the vow to go to Dad if I heard him and supervise the caretaker, Monica, who is here for the weekend. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Yes, Lord, in Your holy name we pray.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) Amen.
So let me tell you what has been going on with Dad since Thursday night. That night, we were still administering Dad's pain medication on a 4-hour regimen. As of Friday morning, the pain medication was so fully in his system that it got to be too much for him to handle. He was very disoriented and kept rubbing his head and forehead showing us that he didn't like the way he felt. Throughout the day, we discontinued the pain medication and Dad remained pain-free.
We had a lot of company, Aunt Mary and Aunt Dorene, Dad's sisters, cousins Peggy and Bobby Radford, Ronnie and Tiffany Lawson, Troy and Terri Smith, and friends Carolyn and Jack Alexander, Mildred Smith, and Leslie and Kim Stephens, and Deacon Pat and Charlie Schneider from Church When visitors came, we tried to let Dad know that they were here, but he was still in such a stupor from the drug that he had an impossible time staying awake. While we loved each and every one of them for coming to visit, we determined that, with all that goes on with Dad's care and with how tired Mom already is, we are going to discourage visitors and ask, instead, that they focus on praying for God's mercy on Dad and health and strength for Mom.
So, Dad seemed to rest well during the day, but during the night was a different story altogether. Christina, the night-time caretaker, said he was up every 30-45 minutes to go to the restroom. He is back to wanting to get in the wheelchair and go into the bathroom, so it is an undertaking to get him up, in the wheelchair, to the toilet, back into the wheelchair and then, finally, back to bed. About the time she would get him settled, the process would start all over again. He becomes very agitated in the night, totally different from his peaceful and restful demeanor in the daytime. This has nothing to do with medications, because he was doing this same routine with Mother prior to his recent decline. We administered Ativan in small doses off and on throughout the night, which is a medication to help Dad calm down enough to sleep, but his bladder issues kept interrupting his sleep. Mom vehimently did not want any pain medication given. He tells us he is not in pain, so, for now, we will keep him off of it. Cousin Ronnie, who is an oncologist, has given me suggestions on how to administer small doses rather than a lot at once. But , today, Dad is not in pain, just miserable from getting up and down so much. And, again, he is resting in between trips to the bathroom. He ate a bit of an egg for breakfast and we are supplementing with Boost. We were told that Boost is a good calorie and nitritional substitute for a meal.
Mom is resting in her bed on the opposite side of the house from Dad and I told her that I didn't want to see her for two hours! At least she is resting, and I will settle for any amount of time! She wanted to nap in her chair in the living room, but I know that she would then be able to hear every peep Dad made and she wouldn't stay in the chair for long. I "tucked her in" the bed with the vow to go to Dad if I heard him and supervise the caretaker, Monica, who is here for the weekend. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Yes, Lord, in Your holy name we pray.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) Amen.
Friday, April 13, 2012
Rough night
Bless Christina, Dad's night-time caretaker. Dad was very unsettled last night and we believe it is because of the pain drugs we were administering in hope of keeping him "comfortable". Dad is very sensitive to drugs, and we have decided that he was actually getting over-medicated. It became gradual, but, once the pain medicine built up in his system, it became too much. We have, through the guidance of the Hospice nurse, backed off his pain med to an as-needed basis. He was also being given something to aid him in sleeping, Ativan, and I think it was doing the opposite of what it was suppoed to do, especially when mixed with the pain med. We hope and pray that tonight he will rest much better with none of those meds in his system. We are also encouraging the fluids and foods that he likes to help get the meds out and for obvious reasons!
Mom had a good night. She only got up once, about 3 a.m., checked on Dad and the caretaker and then went back to bed. She was very disconcerted about Dad's disorientation this morning and knew, without a doubt in her mind, that it was due to Dad's meds. Over the past 5 hours, Dad has calmed down and seems much more clear-headed and calm. Mom has calmed down also. The nurse's aid from Hospice came to check on Dad and to report back to the nurse. The difference in him from 7:00 this morning to 11:30 was remarkable. Dad is resting now in the bedroom recliner and Mom is watching over him. I will encourage her to go to the other recliner once she sees that Dad is settling down.
I have been reading selected Psalms to Dad and that seems to relax him...
You who dwell in the shelter of the Most High,
who abide in the shadow of the Almighty,
Say to the Lord, "My refuge and fortress, my God whom I trust,"
God will rescue from the fowler's snare, from the destroying plague,
Will shelter you with pinions, spread wings that you may take refuge;
God's faithfulness is a protecting shield.
You shall not fear the terror of the night not the arrow that flies by day,
Nor the pestilence that roams in darkness, nor the plague that ravages at noon.
Whoever clings to me I will deliver;
whoever knows my name I will set on high.
All who call upon me I will answer;
I will be with them in distress;
I will deliver them and give them honor.
With the length of days I will satisfy them and show them my power.
This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Amen.
Mom had a good night. She only got up once, about 3 a.m., checked on Dad and the caretaker and then went back to bed. She was very disconcerted about Dad's disorientation this morning and knew, without a doubt in her mind, that it was due to Dad's meds. Over the past 5 hours, Dad has calmed down and seems much more clear-headed and calm. Mom has calmed down also. The nurse's aid from Hospice came to check on Dad and to report back to the nurse. The difference in him from 7:00 this morning to 11:30 was remarkable. Dad is resting now in the bedroom recliner and Mom is watching over him. I will encourage her to go to the other recliner once she sees that Dad is settling down.
I have been reading selected Psalms to Dad and that seems to relax him...
You who dwell in the shelter of the Most High,
who abide in the shadow of the Almighty,
Say to the Lord, "My refuge and fortress, my God whom I trust,"
God will rescue from the fowler's snare, from the destroying plague,
Will shelter you with pinions, spread wings that you may take refuge;
God's faithfulness is a protecting shield.
You shall not fear the terror of the night not the arrow that flies by day,
Nor the pestilence that roams in darkness, nor the plague that ravages at noon.
Whoever clings to me I will deliver;
whoever knows my name I will set on high.
All who call upon me I will answer;
I will be with them in distress;
I will deliver them and give them honor.
With the length of days I will satisfy them and show them my power.
This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Amen.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Rallying!
It's been an interesting day, to say the least! This morning, as you can tell from my post, I thought Dad wouldn't make it through the day. There were a total of 7 visitors, and he rallied as the day grew older! I don't mean that he made a miracualous recovery, but he did stay awake for longer periods of time, even if his eyes were closed, and he acknowledged joyfully each person as they arrived! Jerry heated Dad a hamburger patty with gravy this evening and he insisted on feeding himself and ate all but one bite! That is in direct contrast to yesterday and days prior when he was too weak to feed himself and had no appetite. Is this the calm before the storm, only our precious Lord knows. We will see what tonight and tomorrow bring. I praise God for the outstanding home care assistance we have and for the added blessing of Hospice care. Nothing would make me happier than to cancel Hospice, but we will not make that move too quickly. Not that I am being pessimistic...just realistic.
But as for me, I will always have hope;
I will praise you more and more.
My mouth will tell of your righteousness,
of your salvation all day long,
though I know not its measure.
I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, O Sovereign Lord;
I will proclaim your righteousness, yours alone.
Since my youth, O God, you have taught me,
and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.
Even when I am old and gray,
do not forsake me, O God,
till I declare your power to the next generation,
your might to all who are to come.
Your righteousness reaches to the skies, O God,
you who have done great things.
Who, O God, is like you?
Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter,
you will restore my life again;
from the depths of the earth
you will again bring me up.
You will increase my honor
and comfort me once again.
Psalm 71
Until tomorrow...Love and Peace to each of you.
But as for me, I will always have hope;
I will praise you more and more.
My mouth will tell of your righteousness,
of your salvation all day long,
though I know not its measure.
I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, O Sovereign Lord;
I will proclaim your righteousness, yours alone.
Since my youth, O God, you have taught me,
and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.
Even when I am old and gray,
do not forsake me, O God,
till I declare your power to the next generation,
your might to all who are to come.
Your righteousness reaches to the skies, O God,
you who have done great things.
Who, O God, is like you?
Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter,
you will restore my life again;
from the depths of the earth
you will again bring me up.
You will increase my honor
and comfort me once again.
Psalm 71
Until tomorrow...Love and Peace to each of you.
For Dad
Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord.
Lord, hear my voice! O let your ears be attentive to the voice of my pleading.
My soul is waiting for the Lord, I count on his word.
My soul is longing for the Lord more than watchman for daybreak.
Because with the Lord there is mercy And fullness of redemption.
Dad had a pretty restless night. He seems to rest well, when he is resting. He will remain on pain medication and some of his other meds are being tapered off or stopped altogether. He isn't able to get up from the hospital bed any longer and seems pretty weak. He will hold the glass of water or smoothie and drink a swallow or two, but doesn't want to eat or drink anything else.
Friends came by this morning and he did say "Ah" when he saw them, so he is recognizing us, but doesn't stay awake for more than a moment or two. When he is awake with his eyes closed, I believe he is hearing us , but he does keep his eyes are closed the majority of the time. I sat by his bed this morning and prayed the rosary out loud. His face relaxed and he raised his eyebrows and almost smiled. Again, that lasted only for a moment, but I know he was hearing me. Mother said praying always relaxed him when he was stressed, so I will do that off and on during the day or at night, especially if he is stressing.
Mother is so stoic, but I can see that this is so hard for her. I can only imagine how difficult it is to see her husband of almost 66 years deteriorating before her eyes. She is supporting Dad's wishes of not prolonging his life and she is doing everything in her power to keep him comfortable. As a woman of faith, I know that she is comforted in knowing God is with her and Dad and all of us through this process.
What would we do without our faith? I am unconsciously praying throughout the day and will go read Dad the Psalms later. For now I will close with Psalm 23...
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures: he leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul: he leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yes, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies: you anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Lord, hear my voice! O let your ears be attentive to the voice of my pleading.
My soul is waiting for the Lord, I count on his word.
My soul is longing for the Lord more than watchman for daybreak.
Because with the Lord there is mercy And fullness of redemption.
Dad had a pretty restless night. He seems to rest well, when he is resting. He will remain on pain medication and some of his other meds are being tapered off or stopped altogether. He isn't able to get up from the hospital bed any longer and seems pretty weak. He will hold the glass of water or smoothie and drink a swallow or two, but doesn't want to eat or drink anything else.
Friends came by this morning and he did say "Ah" when he saw them, so he is recognizing us, but doesn't stay awake for more than a moment or two. When he is awake with his eyes closed, I believe he is hearing us , but he does keep his eyes are closed the majority of the time. I sat by his bed this morning and prayed the rosary out loud. His face relaxed and he raised his eyebrows and almost smiled. Again, that lasted only for a moment, but I know he was hearing me. Mother said praying always relaxed him when he was stressed, so I will do that off and on during the day or at night, especially if he is stressing.
Mother is so stoic, but I can see that this is so hard for her. I can only imagine how difficult it is to see her husband of almost 66 years deteriorating before her eyes. She is supporting Dad's wishes of not prolonging his life and she is doing everything in her power to keep him comfortable. As a woman of faith, I know that she is comforted in knowing God is with her and Dad and all of us through this process.
What would we do without our faith? I am unconsciously praying throughout the day and will go read Dad the Psalms later. For now I will close with Psalm 23...
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures: he leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul: he leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yes, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies: you anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Finally back...
Well, it's been a long two weeks since I last blogged and a lot has happened in-between.
Dad went to the hosptial emergency room on March 25 with sever lower abdominal pain. A cat-scan was done and nothing definitive showed up. Dad was treated for his pain for two days and was sent home with pain medication. We do know that there are bladder issues, so the presumption is that the pain is a symptom of what is going on with his bladder.
Over this two weeks, Dad has been to the hospital in Round Rock and the same thing happened...he was sent home with pain medication. Last Thursday, Mom and Jean took Dad to his physician in Marble Falls because he was having a related pain issue and the doctor wanted to put Dad back in the hospital, but Dad refused. He insisted on being taken back home, and at home he will remain. Dad does not want any treatment, other than for his pain. So be it.
It is amazing how quickly Dad has declined over the past two weeks. He is being kept on pain medication 24 hours a day, with a stronger med at night because that seems to be when his pain is worse. We have 24-hour care with him and have, as of today, called in Hospice. None of us know how this will go, but we wanted Hospice to be involved so that we are doing everything right. There will now be a Hospice nurse that visits at least once a week and a Hospice aide who will come 2 times a week, to start with, to bathe Dad. The aide is another pair of eyes to watch for bed sores or any other issue that we might miss.
Dad hasn't much appetite, but I think a lot of that is due to the pain medication. His taste buds have changed over the past few months and very few things taste good to him, and he is very conscious of the consistency of foods. Things like mashed potatoes or soft vegetables don't suit him at all. So, every couple of hours we offer him things that we think he will eat. Mom has been making him fruit smoothies and he will usually drink those.
I have basically moved in , for now. None of us knows what to expect, but Mom is so emotionally and physically tired that I want to be here for the every-day-type decisions and duties and to support her in any way I possibly can. Jean spelled me last night so I could go home and have a night with Ollie and our grandson, Austin. All we can do is take one day at a time, but I plan to be here as long as I feel like Mom needs me. I praise God that I have such a supportive and self-sufficient husband who understands that he married a Momma's baby!
I am so comforted that our precious Lord has Dad in His loving hands and that He knows the perfect time for Dad to join HIm in Heaven. Until then, I faithfully believe that He is guiding us to take the best care of Dad here at home. "For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end." (Psalm 48:14)
I will do my best to keep you posted on Dad's condition. I know you will continue to keep Dad and Mom in your prayers. Jean, Glenda, Danny and I, and all of our famiies are so grateful for that.
Lord, be merciful on our Father and give him peace. Amen.
Dad went to the hosptial emergency room on March 25 with sever lower abdominal pain. A cat-scan was done and nothing definitive showed up. Dad was treated for his pain for two days and was sent home with pain medication. We do know that there are bladder issues, so the presumption is that the pain is a symptom of what is going on with his bladder.
Over this two weeks, Dad has been to the hospital in Round Rock and the same thing happened...he was sent home with pain medication. Last Thursday, Mom and Jean took Dad to his physician in Marble Falls because he was having a related pain issue and the doctor wanted to put Dad back in the hospital, but Dad refused. He insisted on being taken back home, and at home he will remain. Dad does not want any treatment, other than for his pain. So be it.
It is amazing how quickly Dad has declined over the past two weeks. He is being kept on pain medication 24 hours a day, with a stronger med at night because that seems to be when his pain is worse. We have 24-hour care with him and have, as of today, called in Hospice. None of us know how this will go, but we wanted Hospice to be involved so that we are doing everything right. There will now be a Hospice nurse that visits at least once a week and a Hospice aide who will come 2 times a week, to start with, to bathe Dad. The aide is another pair of eyes to watch for bed sores or any other issue that we might miss.
Dad hasn't much appetite, but I think a lot of that is due to the pain medication. His taste buds have changed over the past few months and very few things taste good to him, and he is very conscious of the consistency of foods. Things like mashed potatoes or soft vegetables don't suit him at all. So, every couple of hours we offer him things that we think he will eat. Mom has been making him fruit smoothies and he will usually drink those.
I have basically moved in , for now. None of us knows what to expect, but Mom is so emotionally and physically tired that I want to be here for the every-day-type decisions and duties and to support her in any way I possibly can. Jean spelled me last night so I could go home and have a night with Ollie and our grandson, Austin. All we can do is take one day at a time, but I plan to be here as long as I feel like Mom needs me. I praise God that I have such a supportive and self-sufficient husband who understands that he married a Momma's baby!
I am so comforted that our precious Lord has Dad in His loving hands and that He knows the perfect time for Dad to join HIm in Heaven. Until then, I faithfully believe that He is guiding us to take the best care of Dad here at home. "For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end." (Psalm 48:14)
I will do my best to keep you posted on Dad's condition. I know you will continue to keep Dad and Mom in your prayers. Jean, Glenda, Danny and I, and all of our famiies are so grateful for that.
Lord, be merciful on our Father and give him peace. Amen.
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