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, July 29, 2012

Still Trying To Have a Happy Face...

Mom and my sister Holly went to visit Dad today.  They found him sitting in his wheelchair in the lunch room.  They started to wheel Dad to the patio when he told them he did not feel good...shortly after telling them, he began to dry heave.

Doctor-Doctor ran and got him a bucket and after he deposited mostly clear fluids, he said he wanted to go outside.  They sat in the sun and Dad kept his eyes closed most of the time...it was nice and pleasant out on the patio and Dad always enjoys the warmth of the sun on his back...

My sister asked Dad to smile for the camera and took the photo below...


My sister said he looked pasty white and he does seem very pale...my poor Dad...

My sister told Dad her husband Mark said hello...Dad told her he had a little red fiat he wanted him to take a look at...(Dad only had a white truck, which has been sold, and Mark has a red fiat...)  Concerned, Mom preferred to tell Dad Mark was too busy fixing other cars he would not have the time to fix Dad's car...Dad seemed happy Mark was so busy, accepting her explanation...

Doctor-Doctor came over to check on Dad and see how he was feeling.... Dad told her, "I love you so much I could just eat you."  After she left, Dad closed his eyes again and seemed to be enjoying the gentle breeze and fresh air.

Mom asked Dad if he had been watching the Olympics and he told her he had.  When she told him about their grandson going to Hawaii to go to College, Dad said he already knew...

Dad's lunch was served out on the patio.  They gave him some extra towels, "just in case".  Holly fed him turkey, dressing, and salad.  Mom fed him a couple of bites of ice cream and a couple bites of a half banana and announced he was done.

My sister wheeled him back inside and took him back to his room as he said he was ready for his nap.
Mom and Holly both said their good byes in his room after he was tucked into his bed.

Overall, Dad seemed out of it...and despite the staff saying he was fine, did not seem to feel very well...but you know Dad, he still attempts to smile and put on a happy face...

Mom inquired to several of the staff and they all seem to think he is fine but said he sleeps a lot...

When Mom and Holly left, both were upset.  My sister felt Dad is just existing and not living.  It is becoming increasingly difficult for all of us to see Dad the way he has been lately.  I notice it too when I talk with him over the phone...our conversations are shorter, make less sense and he falls asleep while talking much of the time.

Neither of them could look at Dad's toe...their visit was difficult enough.

5 comments:

Linda O'Connell said...

It is so difficult when your dad has been such a vibrant and personable man. Pray for his comfort. Sleep is probably best for him.

Mari said...

I hate reading about visits like this, and they seem to be happening more often. His attitude, even when not feeling well is wonderful!

betty said...

(((Donna))) I'm so sorry! I have no words. Your dad reminds me of hubby's mom's final months; exisiting. I wish I had an answer but I don't, will pray for you all.

betty

Southhamsdarling said...

Hi Donna. I agree with Linda, sleep is probably the best thing for your dear dad at this stage. It must be so hard for your mum and your sister when they see him like this, and, of course, not good for you when you speak to him on the phone. It is so sad when people have to end up like this. I will continue to pray for him my friend, and you and all the family. Take care.

Nancy said...

Donna, I can't imagine what you are going through, but I so admire your courage to journal this experience. Lifting up a prayer for you. Nancy