I called Dad this morning...he sounded so happy! He was belly laughing. Doctor-Doctor and his skin angel were both attending to him. They both told me "hi" in the background...
The skin angel was taking progress photos of Dad's left pinkie toe. It has been healing much better since they put him back in bed after breakfast and elevate his legs.
Doctor-Doctor was making faces at Dad and making him laugh so hard. It made me laugh til I cried I was so happy...
He told me how much he enjoys all the pictures and cards on his bedroom wall because it reminded him of all his family and how blessed he is. My sister arranged all our cards and paintings I have done, and drawings from my grand sons, (his great grand sons). We call it his, "wall of love".
I told him about my 8 year old grand son learning to play Chess from his Dad. I shared how the 8 year old and I played and how impressed I was with his play. My grand son also taught his Mother, how to play. Dad was thrilled and very impressed.
Dad was in awe after I explained how the 8 year old, in 3rd grade, was tested and reads at a 7th grade level of understanding. He laughed when I told him about his brother, the 6 year old, being a left handed batter playing baseball. The 6 year old beats his Dad and everyone in his family playing Wii sports, like bowling and golf. Dad loves hearing about "the little ones..."
Dad talked of the family, how blessed we all are. We discussed memories and I told him how much he influenced all of us in such a positive way. Dad talked of praying and loving Jehovah and trusting in the Lord...He told me how much he loved me...
"Gather together, for I am with you." he paraphrased...
He said some times he liked the TV on and some times not...but especially when he was naked, because "they" could see him and it would be too embarrassing...
"Course God made me naked when I was born, so I should be used to it..."
I had to smile and agree with him. I know what a struggle it has been for him, being such a private, modest, introverted person. In his normal state of mind a prideful man, a Marine, a former Chaplain, he would be devastated...so in this particular case, his dementia is a blessing so he can cope with living in a nursing home and cooperating with the personal care...
I love you so much Papa-doots...
9 comments:
My heart goes out to you and your dad. I tended to my husband's who was in a nursing home. There was one challenge/problem after another everyday. You are fortunate to have such loving staff and caregivers.
I love the idea of his "Wall of Love". You can tell that it means so much to him and it is such a good thing to keep him connected with his family.
What a great day for you to have - make sure you keep it in your memory. Awesome dad. sandie
That was supposed to be husband's aunt.
I think it is neat with his Wall of Love. It is neat how you share with what is going on with his great-grandchildren and their achievements; I am sure it does bring him joy!
betty
ThAt wall of love sounds like such a wonderful idea, and so lovely to hear how your dad was in such high spirits. As you say, in some cases, his dementia is a blessing in disguise. Pray that we never have to go down that road Donna.
So nice to read of your Dad's laughing so hard. It truly is the best medicine.
Glad you both had a good day.
A wall of love is a great idea!!
It sounded like your dad was very much in the present most of this conversation! I know you loved that!
Post a Comment