This blog was formerly dedicated in 2009 to my Dad who died of Alzheimer's in 2013. It's been three years now...and I find myself missing blogging...so I am re-inventing my blog... because, after all, life is about moving through, and going forward...

Friday, July 2, 2010

Blow Me A Check...and a Voice Calling Him Grandpa...

I finally reached Dad today a little past 2pm.  The charge nurse told me they had just put him to bed because they were having a big barbecue later on.  I asked to be transferred to his room.  Dad answered the phone all chipper and happy.  Luckily, he had not fallen asleep...

"Hi Donna! It's to good to hear your voice!" 

That made my day. :}

I told him how much we had enjoyed our last visit with him and how good he looked.  I told him I loved him and missed him so very much.

He sounded so good and very happy.  He was in such great spirits.  I mentioned I should let him rest so he can enjoy the BBQ and pretty girls.  He told me he was looking at a pretty girl, right now!  He gushed how well she takes care of him and how happy he is.

I asked him to blow me a kiss...and he thought I asked to "write him a check".  I laughed and repeated myself, louder...

"Blow me a check?' he asked.

Giggling, I began making kissing noises and yelled, "BLOW ME A KISS!"

He roared with laughter and returned the kissing sounds back to me, telling me I was his "sweetie" and how he "missed me".

We said our good byes and I could still hear the joy in his voice...

I went to my computer to write about our phone call and found Mom had sent us all an email about her great visit with Dad...here is Mom's email...

Hi Everyone,

Had a great visit with Don this morning. Arrived as he was finishing up his bicycle pedaling in P/T. Then we went in the lunch room and talked while we waited for his meal.

I told him what a wonderful visit you all had on Father's Day and he agreed. But he really wasn't "with it" conversation wise. The TV was on in the lunch room and he told me he is in charge of approving the TV programing, especially regarding sex (and he leered at me). Then he said they are finally building a fast rail system to Vegas using his invention. Said he worked on it with his Dad and Uncle.

He said he was in good physical shape and he balled up his fist as if to punch. He said he had to be ready to protect himself. "They" had accused him of murder and Hol-Doll was involved also, but he had a great lawyer. He pointed to the gal in the wheelchair who yells loudly and says basically nothing. Don raved about her marvelous memory and how she is so sharp in the court room. There was a new lady sitting at Don's table and she didn't converse with anyone, but blurted out a few words every now and then; "toenails are dead", "that's the way it goes".

Didn't see Doctor-Doctor which disappointed me because I want to reimburse her for the shift she lost by agreeing to go with Dad to the doctor.

D___ is back being his skin angel and L____ said she is taking care of Dad now too. Talked to O_____ (who combines Dad's ice cream and milk and calls it a shake and he LOVES it!), J_____, M_____, J_____ and a couple more I am not sure of their names, came to visit and say "hello".

Dad ate a fillet of fish sandwich, mixed veggies, cold slaw, "milkshake", pineapple upside down cake, coffee and passed up the french fries. O____ asked him if he wanted a fruit plate and he grinned and shook his head, yes. She brought him Cottage cheese surrounded by watermelon and pear slices which he loved. I offered him a banana I peeled and he scarfed it.

A couple came in to see a family member and the Dad carried a little girl about one. Everyone responded to her smile. Dad told me he misses his grandchildren and said he hears "a voice" calling him Grandpa from a very young child...He told me, "I have no idea how many new babies I have, and they are my responsibility."

He seems very content and certainly has a good appetite.

All in all, it was a good visit.

Love to each of you,

Mom aka Granny

5 comments:

Mari said...

Your Dad is such a special man! I'm struck while reading this that there are so many people who love him. He is blessed in the fact that not only does his family adore him, but so many of the staff!

gayle said...

Everyone feels good when he has a good day!!

betty said...

I think it is neat that everyone tries to keep everyone else up to date about visits with your dad and what is going on with him when they see him. It probably helps to assess what is going on with your dad and his "frame of mind". I think it is a wonderful place where he is at too; they seem to plan good events for the residents to participate in (that is of course as long as they keep wander monitors on indeed).

I hope you have a restful fun Fourth!!

betty

Jeanie said...

I'm glad to hear you had such a good call with your dad, and as usual, your mom just amazes me with her positive attitude.

Terri Tiffany said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog and yes a WIP is a work in progress as we all are:) LOL Welcome to the world of writing!
I'm sorry about your father--I have been a social worker in a nursing home and I understand the difficulties from both sides--my own father spent two years in one.
I pray that your support will always be there for him!