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...

Sunday, March 18, 2012

A St. Patty's Day Visit with Dad...


Mom and my sister Holly went to visit Dad on St. Patrick's Day.  Holly had received her iPad in the mail and took it to show Dad pictures of the family and to take him virtual traveling...HE LOVED IT!  She asked him to write his name on the iPad, thinking he might not be able to because the last time she and Mom asked when Dad needed to sign some paperwork, he signed with an "X". He surprised both Mom and my sister by signing his name very legibly.

I was kind of surprised at how Dad looked.  There is something in his eyes... He looks tired...or maybe it is because his hair is so long.  His right eye looks terrible...I would not be surprised if it was cancer, because he has had issues with that eye a good four years.  He stopped getting it checked because the eye doctor told him he "thought it might be cancer and wanted to take a biopsy..."  When Dad hears "the B (biopsy) word", he freaks and starts yelling, "NO, NO, NO!!"

He has a melanoma on his left temple which is growing in size and he has that lesion on his upper lip as well...We all decided as a family we would not put him through any tests unless he is in pain or has a serious issue to keep him calm.

When Mom and Holly arrived, Dad had just finished his lunch.  Dad laughed with joy and marveled at Holly's iPad.  She had him play a few video games which he enjoyed immensely.  He was totally captivated when they traveled to Washington DC, the Taj Mahal and a train ride through the Swiss Alps all via U-Tube.  Holly said it was worth the price of the iPad just watching Dad's expressions!

Holly gave Dad a nice shoulder massage, making him feel sleepy.  Dad told her he was ready for a nap, so they took him back to his room.  Doctor-Doctor followed them into his room and help Dad stand from his wheel chair to brush his teeth before bed.  As he stood up, he did a little happy jig for Mom and Holly, which made them all laugh...

Holly stopped at the door, as is her tradition between her and Dad, and blew him a kiss....he caught it and blew her one back...

9 comments:

betty said...

Those iPADs can do so much! Glad that Holly was able to bring hers to show some things that your dad enjoyed during their recent visit. I think your family is wise to treat in your dad with his medical conditions that which might cause pain and let the other things go. Why put him through anything that might be not necessary. It is a difficult time for you all Donna. I know it is hard to see your dad continuing to age in front of you. It is good that he still has a great appreciation for his family and enjoys the time that he gets to spend with you all in visits or phone calls.

betty

Theres just life said...

I am so glad they had a nice visit. My dad had a melanoma on his face as well. They removed it, but later found a small tumor on his brain right under that spot. Luckily they were able to get it as it was on the surface only.
Keep an eye on him and love him everyday that you have. My thoughts are always with you and your family.

Pamela Jo

Linda O'Connell said...

Treasured moments. Bless all of you.

Mari said...

What a nice visit! I'm glad you aren't putting him through anything more with that skin cancer. We have a lady that is currently having to go through radiation 3 times a week for a melanoma on her face. She's 97 and we think the treatment itself is going to be too hard on her.

Unknown said...

I loved what Holly said...that your dad's reaction to the iPad was worth the price. Sometimes things like that can be taken for granted unless seen through someone else's eyes. So glad that he had a good day!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Sounds like a good day with your father.
And I bet your sister really digs her new iPad!

Southhamsdarling said...

Very touching post Donna. I agree that it's best just to leave those things, if they're not causing dad any pain, rather than put him through biopsies etc. His hair is rather long now! He still looks cute, and I'm glad it was a good visit, and that dad enjoyed the iPad so much! Blessings to you my friend.

janis said...

what a wonderful visit!
Blessings to you

Iowalady said...

Very happy the Ipad brought sunshine to his day, and to your family as well. Little snipits of happiness go a long way...prayers to you all for God's blessing.