Wednesday, 9-9-09, was a good day...

My husband and I went to visit Dad at the nursing home this afternoon. When we arrived, the nurses greeted us and told us he was in the shower. We had a chance to visit with them and hear the great reports on how well Dad is adjusting. He is cooperating, taking his meds, not trying to escape and his appetite is so good, he has gained 9 pounds!

I turned to look toward his room, to see Dad rounding the corner in his wheel chair, with the CNA pushing him down the hall toward us. Dad looked wide awake. Still no glasses, but as I approached him, he greeted me saying, "This is my daughter". I kissed him hello and then he spotted my husband. He reached out for him and they shook hands. Dad had a big, huge, smile on his face. He is very fond of my husband and he was visibly excited to see us both. Dad asked if we could go outside.

We had brought him a strawberry shake and some churros from Jack n the Box, so he was very anxious to get his hands on it as soon as we parked ourselves on the patio. He told us we had perfect timing. Dad didn't make much sense when he talked. His words came out all jumbled, but his inflections were the same, his voice, and his smile. We just sat and listened, commenting like it all made perfect sense.

I called my brother who lives in Ohio, hoping to reach him, and I did! He was in the process of barbecuing some steaks. He and Dad chatted for about 20 minutes and my brother made Dad laugh good and hard. It was bittersweet to sit and watch Dad's facial expressions while talking with his son. We enjoyed Dad's big smile, recalling the memories my brother was relating to him.

They were discussing a golf game they had shared. Then Dad remembered playing golf in Hawaii during the War. He told my brother he shanked a shot and hit a ball into a stout man's belly. My brother recalled Dad allowing him to tee off a golf ball on the beach into the surf. Something my brother had wanted to do for a long time...

My brother thanked Dad for always being there for him and for always having a fresh pot of coffee on whenever he came home. My brother reminded Dad, of his great "krautchies" sandwich he used to make. He would put the meat from a pork chop, or sliced, fried hot dog with sauerkraut and cheese....he could really invent some GREAT sandwich combos!

After his phone call, we wheeled Dad back to his room and showed him the painting I had done for him. He LOVED it and commented on the colors. I hung it right under his activity calendar so he can see it when he turns on his side to go to sleep.

The CNA came around offering fresh watermelon chunks. Dad scarfed his down so fast, I gave him mine as well. He looked tired and kept closing his eyes, so we told him we would let him get some rest and would see him soon.

That night, all three of my brothers, my sister, Mom, my husband and I met at the Tenderloin in La Verne for dinner. We had a great time and enjoyed a delicious dinner! That stockyard steak is absolutely OUT OF THIS WORLD!!! We did what we always do, laughed and teased and had a great time for over 3 hours. Everyone was so full, and were going to turn down the dessert menu, until my sister reminded everyone my husband's 70th birthday was the end of the month...

We HAD to have dessert then! It was a great time... After leaving the restaurant, we stood in the parking lot for another half hour saying goodbye. Being with my family, always re-charges my batteries, and makes for a good day...