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...

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Warming Up For California...

The weather is beginning to warm up finally...or at least, giving us a break from the cold spell we had this past week.  It was in the low 20's here.  Colder than it has been in five years.  California even had some snow...

I've been calling the nursing home and the hospice nurse checked in with me this week.  Dad is doing much better.  Since changing his diet to regular instead of that phantom diabetic diet, Dad's appetite has perked up and he is eating much better.  He also has re-joined the activities.

I spoke with Dad's male caregiver and he told me he has been sitting with Dad, helping him eat while visiting with Dad.  He thinks Dad was lonesome and needed some company.  I agreed and told him Dad prefers to have someone feed him because of his crippled hands from his Rheumatoid Arthritis.

This week and into next is suppose to be warmer weather, so I will take a few days and go stay with Mom and visit Dad.  I want to find out how Dad was put on the diabetic diet and generally observe Dad so I can see if he is beginning to slow down or if it was the change in his diet...

Its odd...as much as I want to see Dad...I also resist.  I have to psych myself up for a visit with Dad.  I must prepare myself for whatever I might see or hear him say....  I must accept the Dad I want to remember is so very different from the man I visit in the nursing home...

I'm relieved Dad has been doing better because I always listen to my instincts before I decide to get in my car and travel to California... my gut feeling has to signal me...telling me it is time to go...




4 comments:

Mari said...

I'm glad you're going and I understand the need to prepare. It's hard to see the decline and when you aren't there regularly it's even more obvious I think.
It's good to hear he's eating better. That's much more important than a diabetic diet, I think!

betty said...

Do listen to those gut feelings, Donna, as hard as the visits are......but I know you do want to spend as much time as you can with him.......

you are right, it should be wonderful weather down here for your trip; safe travels!

betty

Linda O'Connell said...

I hope you are pleasantly pleased with how your dad responds when you visit. Blessings to all of you.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

I imagine it's emotionally draining every time you go. Glad the new diet is working for your father and he's eating more.