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...

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

He's A Happy Guy With The Appetite Of A Horse...

I called the nursing home.  The charge nurse told me they did the Doppler and would not have the results til 6pm tonight. I was able to talk with Dad around 2pm.  He even picked up the phone in his room.  He had just finished a nap and was waiting for the nurse to come to get him up and ready "for action".

Dad sounded W-O-N-D-E-R-F-U-L!!! 

He told me he was "feeling fine and is "a happy guy".

He told me he had a big breakfast with eggs and a good lunch.  He said he was "eating like a horse".

I told him how hot it was here, and he said it was warm there, but they get the nice breeze from the ocean.  Dad boasted about Southern California having the best climate due to the ocean breezes.

I reminded him when we used to go to the beach, and he would float on his back, out past the waves.  All we could see was his head, feet and glimpses of his white swim trunks.  He was a great swimmer.  I asked if he remembered when I would worry about him being in the water and the sharks.  He usually laughs when I bring up that story, but today he was very serious and told me it was important to look out for sharks when in the ocean.

I told him my two grandsons were taking swim lessons and he was very glad to hear that.  He wanted to know what they were "up to" and I told him of their recent vacation to Disneyland, Knotts Berry Farm, the beach, and loving the pools at the hotels.  My daughter just got them a big above ground pool for their backyard.

I told Dad, the boys Father made sure they were Yankee fans.  Dad roared with laughter, since he and Mom are Angel fans.  He loved that the youngest grandson is getting almost as tall as his older brother, and is such a sports fan.

I told him of my youngest daughter's baby shower the end of the month.  He remembered she is having a boy and what his name will be.  I told Dad we don't know the middle name yet, but will find out at the shower... He was so happy to know my two older grandsons will have a new cousin to watch over...

The CNA came in to get Dad dressed and to take him out for the afternoon activities, so he thanked me for calling and I told him I would talk to him soon and see him the end of the month...

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The skin care nurse phoned me at 3:15pm to inform me Dad has a cut on the tip of his left big toe and she will be treating him. She said it was purple and swollen. Before Dad entered the nursing home over a year ago, he had a popped blister on the side of his left foot near his baby toe.  It has never completely healed.

Just when it starts to look like it is healing, Dad wears shoes or sandals, irritating his foot and the skin gal has to treat it again.  The main problem is Dad's poor circulation in his legs, so it is difficult to heal because the blood does not circulate properly. She does not want his toe to get like the side of his foot.

Poor Dad, he has so many medical problems...we just have to take one day at a time...

7 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Sounds like you had a nice conversation with him, though.

Mari said...

It's such a blessing to be able to talk to him and hear him happy and doing well. Sorry to hear about the foot though - hope they can get it healed soon!

betty said...

he sounds wonderful on your phone visit with him today, Donna! I bet that made you feel a bit better especially with how much you've been dealing with his health issues over the past few weeks. tell him to send us some of those ocean breezes, we are 103 degrees right now at noon :)

betty

Jeanie said...

It sounds like he is getting the best possible attention to and care for the foot sores. You are right about taking one day at a time and from your conversion it sounds like today was a good one.

Rose said...

it sounds like your father has some of his memory. that issue is always a concern. i bet it felt good to go to earlier years when talking with your Dad. Sounds like swimming was very important.

gayle said...

It is so good to hear that you had such a nice conversation with your dad!!

Donna B. said...

Alex: Yes, it is always a good day when I speak with him. Thanks.

Mari: I am always lifted up when he is having a good day. His skin angel is THE BEST.

betty: Dad is so far inland, I doubt he can feel the ocean breezes except in his mind...but that is almost as good.

Jeanie: Yep, that is all we can do.

Rose: Swimming is a big part of our memories, at the beach, family pools, and public plunges. Dad always told me to "never turn my back on the ocean".

Gayle: Thank you...talking with him is always a good day...