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...

Saturday, July 9, 2011

Hoping Not To Get Fired For His Temper...

My sister Holly went to visit Dad today.  She found him in the Rec room listening to the guitar playing preacher.  He comes every Saturday and Sunday and he and Dad are good friends.  She said Dad looked very content.

Holly took him out front of the nursing home and noted his wrist guard DID NOT SOUND THE ALARM.  (I will call them tomorrow and remind them to change his batteries.)  They sat in the shade and chatted for a bit, then she walked him down the street and back.  Sitting again, in the shade, Dad confided in her how hard he was trying not to get fired.

Holly assured him they would NEVER fire him.  "Some times I do have a temper, " he said...
Again, she assured him we all lose our tempers once in awhile...

Dad, looking happy and content...

The preacher was leaving and stopped to chat with them for awhile...  My sister was not sure what prompted the preacher, but he shared with Holly and Dad that when he was 6 years old, he walked in on his father committing suicide.  He told them he grew up angry and got into a lot of trouble.  He finally found his church and devoted his life to God.  (I am hoping Dad did not understand what he was saying, only that he cared enough about Dad to stop and talk with him...)

After the preacher left, Holly took him to the lunch room to eat his lunch.  Dad wolfed down chicken, celery and rice with scalloped potatoes, wheat bread and a banana.  Doctor-Doctor stopped by to say hello, bringing him a nice fruit plate with cottage cheese, peaches, pineapple and strawberries.  He cleaned that plate too.  Dad dipped his bread into his milk, ate it and then drank his coffee.  Holly could tell he was ready for a nap after that feast!

Holly said Dad's eye looks terrible. The lower lid is very red and his eye watered constantly. She said he kept his hand up by his face (like in the upper picture) to wipe away the tears.  (His eye must be extremely sensitive to the light.)  Holly talked to "Pickles", his care giver for the day, and was told she was treating it.  (I added this to my notes to discuss when I call tomorrow...and Monday...)

My sister bought Dad an Angels shirt.  The Angels are Mom and Dad's favorite baseball team, so he wanted to put it on then and there! "Pickles" said she would dress him in it tomorrow.  Holly reminded him to wear his red hat, as it will go with the shirt nicely..."Good idea!" he smiled...

She told Dad Mom was still having a difficult time with her back, which is why she had not been in to see him.  Dad told Holly to send her his love.  He was certain Dr. B, her doctor, would be able to help her.  Dad used to see Dr. B before he went into the nursing home.  He gave poor Dr. B and his staff HELL while he was a patient those last couple of years... Dr. B and his staff were so very patient...

Holly kissed him good bye, and then blew him their traditional kiss from the hallway as "Pickles" was unlocking his wheel chair, getting ready to take Dad back to his room for a nap.

Holly called Mom and asked if she could bring her anything.  Mom had her pick up some peach yogurt, but Holly also got her some blueberry flavor, cereal and cottage cheese.  She fixed Mom a light snack and stayed to visit awhile...

We are thankful for another good visit...

4 comments:

betty said...

it does sound like a good visit, Donna. I have to wonder why the pastor brought his life story up;I'm sure it was a wonderful testimony but was it the right testimony for the moment?

so neat that your sister is close by to help bring things your mom might need; sure hope the doctor will be able to help her when she sees him next week!

betty

Mari said...

I love that smile! Hearing how he loves his meals is always a good thing.

Jeanie said...

Your dad's appetite always amazes me. How does he stay so thin? He must be fueling all that activity in is brain.
I hope you mom is beginning to feel better.

Southhamsdarling said...

Hi Donna. Good visits like this are such a blessing to you and your family. I pray that your mum will gradually be feeling better, and I hope that your back is okay now. Take care.