Mom went to visit Dad today after her eye appointment. The nursing home was celebrating Earth Day by serving cheeseburgers, chips and sodas. Mom greeted the Activities Director who was wearing a bright green to to celebrate the day. She invited Mom to enjoy a cheeseburger.
As Mom rounded the corner of Dad's station, she saw the male nurse preparing the medications tray. She greeted him and asked if he had Dad's weight. He told Mom Dad had gained some weight and was now at 132! He also told Mom Dad's doctor had done a Cryotherapy treatment on Dad's pinkie toe. One of the female nurses told Mom what a happy person Dad is and such a sweetheart to care for.
Doctor-Doctor gave Mom a hug and asked if she wanted to take Dad out on the patio. After Mom kissed Dad hello, they went outside on the patio. Mom had Doctor-Doctor park Dad's wheel chair in the sun so he could enjoy the warm sun on his back.
Doctor-Doctor chatted with Mom and told her Dad was still hungry after breakfast so she had brought him a fruit plate and a cup of coffee, which he gobbled down. Mom told her about her last visit with my sister and how they could not believe all the food Dad packed away.
The weather was perfect and all the colorful balloons tied to the patio chairs danced in the breeze. Dad kept both his eyes closed and didn't really say much. Mom would have to ask Dad a direct question before he would speak...
Doctor-Doctor reappeared and told Dad his lunch was served. Mom fed him his lunch of baked boneless chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, stewed tomatoes (which Dad loves), mixed fruit salad, strawberry ice cream, whole wheat bread and butter, a slice of orange cake, coffee, milk and his Ensure. Dad polished off every morsel of food. He continued to keep both eyes shut inside as he had done outside, so Mom knew it was not the sun making him shut his eyes...
The Activities Director came to Dad's table with three cheeseburgers, two bags of chips and two sodas. Dad ate both bags of chips, a couple sips of the soda and two cheeseburgers, leaving only a couple of bites.
Pickles and Blondie stopped by the table to greet Mom and Dad...
Doctor-Doctor returned and asked Dad if he was ready for a nice nap, which he quickly smiled and told her he was ready. Mom kissed and hugged Dad good-bye and enjoyed more positive comments from other members of the staff as she was leaving. It was another good visit.
Mom has been "burning the midnight oil" doing her counted cross stitch Christmas stockings for my nephew Braxton and my newest grand son Garrett. She hopes to be finished with Braxton's very soon and Garrett's before Christmas...so Mom went home and took a nap herself!
Monday, April 22, 2013
Thursday, April 18, 2013
A Good Day...
My brother E_____ went to visit "Pops", as he calls Dad, yesterday. He found him eating lunch in the cafeteria. As he approached, Dad looked up stopped eating and said, "E____! It is so good to see you!!! He reached for my brother and they embraced in a big hug.
Dad resumed shoveling his lunch of turkey, mashed potatoes, jello, ice cream (which looked like he had eaten first, which Dad does like to do) a can of Ensure, milk and coffee. My brother is very conscious of not doing anything to make Dad feel any less a man, so he sat and watched Dad feed himself, helping Dad casually only if he needed it.
My brother noted Dad's right eye is closed in a permanent wink but did not seem to be in any discomfort what so ever. He also noticed Dad's big toe sticking out of his bandages and noted the big toe nail was very long so he took a picture and sent it to me. This way I can call the nursing home and have them schedule Dad for a Podiatrist appointment...
After Dad finished his meal, Doctor-Doctor came over carrying a huge fruit plate and greeted the both of them. She asked if Dad wanted his fruit plate and surprisingly Dad told her he was full!!
"This is my son." Dad told her proudly... Doctor-Doctor nodded and told E___ hello, but she has met my brother before. E____ was surprised and thrilled Dad not only remembered who he was but was cognisant enough to introduce him. Doctor-Doctor told Dad she would bring it back to him after his nap.
All of us are finding it more and more difficult to visit Dad. E____ owns his own business and travels a lot, but he used to visit Dad once or twice a month...now he finds himself coming every couple of months. On his last several visits Dad was asleep or seemed he was in a fog.
Visiting Dad when he is having a good day is always a genuine blessing...so E____ pulled out his iPad and showed Dad some pictures of his dogs. Dad used to feed his dogs when he was away and gave all of us his love for animals. Dad laughed and really enjoyed the pictures.
"Dad? You feel like going out on the patio?"
"Is it cold?" .
"It's about seventy degrees...do you want to sit in the sun or the shade?"
"The sun," Dad replied.
E____ parked Dad's wheel chair so the sun was on his back, which Dad always loves...
"Oh that sun feels so good on my back!"
The two of them chatted for awhile. E____ always likes to ask Dad questions to gauge how Dad is doing and if he remembers the stories we are all so familiar with. E_____ asked Dad about his Marine days...and about Dad's old gun he use to call "the lemon squeezer"... Dad looked confused and did not recall anything about the gun and struggled with discussing the military...so E_____ changed the topic of conversation...
E____ told Dad he was going to Mammoth in a few weeks on a fishing trip...
"I love to swim and fish...I am a very strong swimmer...maybe I will go with you?"
Laughing, E______ complimented Dad and told him he remembers what a strong swimmer Dad is. Dad used to take us to the beach and the community pool. Dad swam in the ocean like a fish. "Sounds good Pops...we'll have to do that...".
E____ was concerned the sun may burn Dad's arm and hands or make him start to itch, so he asked Dad if he wanted to return to have his "siesta".
Dad started to rise out of his wheel chair, "We can walk back..."
E____ chuckled and put his hand on Dad's shoulder and told Dad he'd get him in trouble if he did not bring Dad back in the wheel chair... so Dad sat down...
"I'm stronger than I used to be, you know..."
"I know Dad...you always gave us a run for our money..."
Dad resumed shoveling his lunch of turkey, mashed potatoes, jello, ice cream (which looked like he had eaten first, which Dad does like to do) a can of Ensure, milk and coffee. My brother is very conscious of not doing anything to make Dad feel any less a man, so he sat and watched Dad feed himself, helping Dad casually only if he needed it.
My brother noted Dad's right eye is closed in a permanent wink but did not seem to be in any discomfort what so ever. He also noticed Dad's big toe sticking out of his bandages and noted the big toe nail was very long so he took a picture and sent it to me. This way I can call the nursing home and have them schedule Dad for a Podiatrist appointment...
After Dad finished his meal, Doctor-Doctor came over carrying a huge fruit plate and greeted the both of them. She asked if Dad wanted his fruit plate and surprisingly Dad told her he was full!!
"This is my son." Dad told her proudly... Doctor-Doctor nodded and told E___ hello, but she has met my brother before. E____ was surprised and thrilled Dad not only remembered who he was but was cognisant enough to introduce him. Doctor-Doctor told Dad she would bring it back to him after his nap.
All of us are finding it more and more difficult to visit Dad. E____ owns his own business and travels a lot, but he used to visit Dad once or twice a month...now he finds himself coming every couple of months. On his last several visits Dad was asleep or seemed he was in a fog.
Visiting Dad when he is having a good day is always a genuine blessing...so E____ pulled out his iPad and showed Dad some pictures of his dogs. Dad used to feed his dogs when he was away and gave all of us his love for animals. Dad laughed and really enjoyed the pictures.
"Dad? You feel like going out on the patio?"
"Is it cold?" .
"It's about seventy degrees...do you want to sit in the sun or the shade?"
"The sun," Dad replied.
E____ parked Dad's wheel chair so the sun was on his back, which Dad always loves...
"Oh that sun feels so good on my back!"
The two of them chatted for awhile. E____ always likes to ask Dad questions to gauge how Dad is doing and if he remembers the stories we are all so familiar with. E_____ asked Dad about his Marine days...and about Dad's old gun he use to call "the lemon squeezer"... Dad looked confused and did not recall anything about the gun and struggled with discussing the military...so E_____ changed the topic of conversation...
E____ told Dad he was going to Mammoth in a few weeks on a fishing trip...
"I love to swim and fish...I am a very strong swimmer...maybe I will go with you?"
Laughing, E______ complimented Dad and told him he remembers what a strong swimmer Dad is. Dad used to take us to the beach and the community pool. Dad swam in the ocean like a fish. "Sounds good Pops...we'll have to do that...".
E____ was concerned the sun may burn Dad's arm and hands or make him start to itch, so he asked Dad if he wanted to return to have his "siesta".
Dad started to rise out of his wheel chair, "We can walk back..."
E____ chuckled and put his hand on Dad's shoulder and told Dad he'd get him in trouble if he did not bring Dad back in the wheel chair... so Dad sat down...
"I'm stronger than I used to be, you know..."
"I know Dad...you always gave us a run for our money..."
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Packing It Away...
Mom and Holly, my sister went to visit Dad yesterday. They found him in his room just dressed after a shower by his Hospice CNA. They waited while the nurse treated the cancerous growth on Dad's foot and then took him into the lunch room so they could chat.
Dad rambled and did not make much sense...but he did tell them he has not seen his son S_____ in such a long time. Mom and my sister looked at one another in shock...as Dad thought my sister was his wife...Dad usually thinks my sister is me so she wondered if Dad thinks she has not visited in a long time too?
Mom told Dad his son was very busy with work...and Dad told her he knew that...Dad continued on with his rambling thoughts, changing subjects and reason often...
They noticed the cancerous lesion on Dad's upper lip is getting bigger as is the melanoma on his temple. He keeps his right eye with the skin cancer on the lower lid shut all the time now.
Doctor-Doctor arrived with hot dogs and chips for Dad as well as Mom and Holly. My sister thought it was unusual for both of them to be served lunch along with Dad...but she went with the flow...only to find out later someone had donated the food to the nursing home.
Dad scarfed down his hot dogs and chips almost before my sister and Mom had even taken a bite. He ask Doctor-Doctor if he could please have another hot dog and more chips, which she did...Mom and Holly watched in amazement as he devoured the second one as if he were in hot dog eating contest.
No sooner had Dad finished chewing the last of his hot dog, Doctor-Doctor arrived with his lunch of barbecued chicken breast, french fries, sliced cucumbers, jello, ice cream, juice, coffee, and milk. Holly was feeding him, but apparently not fast enough, so Dad took the fork and continued to feed himself...
Doctor-Doctor arrived to take Dad back to his room. She assured Mom and Holly she would get him all cozy and ready for his nap. They said their good-byes and Holly blew Dad her traditional kiss from the doorway...
Mom and Holly could not believe where he packed all that food! It almost made them feel sick...they changed their plans to go to lunch, instead going back to Mom's house to visit.
I remember when my husband and I would visit his Mother and she would forget she had eaten and the fact she was full; going back for breakfast two or three times depending on how many of her friends she ran into who were on their way to the dining room...
My Mother in Law was in perfect health and like Dad, had a hearty appetite. She ate voraciously until she had a CT Scan to determine why she was falling. The hospital sedated her heavily because she could not remember to hold still during the test. She was never the same... She stopped wearing her wig and eyeglasses and dentures. She kept her eyes shut, would not talk and refused to eat or drink anything...She died two month later. I hope Dad's health prevents him from such a fate....it was horrible.
Dad rambled and did not make much sense...but he did tell them he has not seen his son S_____ in such a long time. Mom and my sister looked at one another in shock...as Dad thought my sister was his wife...Dad usually thinks my sister is me so she wondered if Dad thinks she has not visited in a long time too?
Mom told Dad his son was very busy with work...and Dad told her he knew that...Dad continued on with his rambling thoughts, changing subjects and reason often...
They noticed the cancerous lesion on Dad's upper lip is getting bigger as is the melanoma on his temple. He keeps his right eye with the skin cancer on the lower lid shut all the time now.
Doctor-Doctor arrived with hot dogs and chips for Dad as well as Mom and Holly. My sister thought it was unusual for both of them to be served lunch along with Dad...but she went with the flow...only to find out later someone had donated the food to the nursing home.
Dad scarfed down his hot dogs and chips almost before my sister and Mom had even taken a bite. He ask Doctor-Doctor if he could please have another hot dog and more chips, which she did...Mom and Holly watched in amazement as he devoured the second one as if he were in hot dog eating contest.
No sooner had Dad finished chewing the last of his hot dog, Doctor-Doctor arrived with his lunch of barbecued chicken breast, french fries, sliced cucumbers, jello, ice cream, juice, coffee, and milk. Holly was feeding him, but apparently not fast enough, so Dad took the fork and continued to feed himself...
Doctor-Doctor arrived to take Dad back to his room. She assured Mom and Holly she would get him all cozy and ready for his nap. They said their good-byes and Holly blew Dad her traditional kiss from the doorway...
Mom and Holly could not believe where he packed all that food! It almost made them feel sick...they changed their plans to go to lunch, instead going back to Mom's house to visit.
I remember when my husband and I would visit his Mother and she would forget she had eaten and the fact she was full; going back for breakfast two or three times depending on how many of her friends she ran into who were on their way to the dining room...
My Mother in Law was in perfect health and like Dad, had a hearty appetite. She ate voraciously until she had a CT Scan to determine why she was falling. The hospital sedated her heavily because she could not remember to hold still during the test. She was never the same... She stopped wearing her wig and eyeglasses and dentures. She kept her eyes shut, would not talk and refused to eat or drink anything...She died two month later. I hope Dad's health prevents him from such a fate....it was horrible.
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Catching Up With Dad's Visits and Family Updates...
I have just returned from California. Lots happening in our family...my nephew and his wife had their first child, a baby boy Braxton....and my oldest daughter and my son in law had their third son Garrett...my fourth grand child...(all boys). I am not posting pictures of the babies yet as I have not gotten my final permission to do so...but they are both adorable!
I spent the week with Mom while both families bonded with their new little bundles... Mom and I worked on organizing and filing all Dad's pertinent papers in a file and getting her office the way she wants it. We gathered all the family photos and put created a system in several photo boxes.
We found some great old family pics and had so much fun laughing and remembering. I will share and post some pics of Dad in his younger years...
During my visit last week, Mom and I visited Dad on April 2, 2013...we saw him sitting near the window in the lunch room waiting for lunch. Music was being played and we watched as Dad swayed and moved in his wheel chair...Dad's face looked thin and tight...as we approached, I could see he was well lubricated with lotion or Aquaphor making his face look free of wrinkles.
He recognized us both immediately. He sounded like he had a cold, stuffed up and his voice was slow and deliberate. I asked if he had a cold and he told me he did, but he never sneezed or coughed except when he guzzled his coffee too fast... I noticed his teeth had food in them and were pink...later I found out they had cake and red punch...
We took him out on the patio where I took a couple of pictures...Dad was chilly and told us he did not want us to catch cold so he suggested we go back inside.
The nursing home still had their Easter Bunny out front greeting everyone...
We told Dad about the new arrivals being born ten days apart and showed him pictures of Braxton and Garrett. Dad had to hold the phone about two inches from his face to see the pictures, but when he did, he laughed and kissed their little faces on my phone.
Dad's word of the day was "gravity" and he used it often and always not making any sense to what we were discussing...
He told us he was riding horses up a hill and had to kill people. He didn't want to, but he had to. Dad has mentioned this before on my previous visit with him...so it seems to be on his mind a lot...(I am behind two visits due to it being so close to when I left for California, so I will post them both in this post.) We explained he had to do it because he was fighting for our country and he did what he had to do...
I tried to change the subject and directed his attention outside on the patio, telling him how beautiful the big trees looked with their bright green Spring leaves fluttering in the breeze...Dad is stiff on his left side and has difficulty turning... He glanced at the window and told us what good quality the windows were as there were no holes...
His lunch arrived, smelling delicious as ever...grilled pork chop, white rice, green beans, whole wheat bread and butter, a banana, vanilla ice cream, coffee, milk and a strawberry Ensure. He wanted to start with dessert and ate the ice cream, then polished off every single bite and sucked down all liquids,ending with the slurping straw noise finishing off his strawberry Ensure.
Dad keeps his right eye with the skin cancer shut all the time or maybe it is stuck shut... He kept stretching his crooked hands and fingers out in front of him...commenting on how long his fingernails were and wanted them trimmed. Doctor-Doctor came over and Dad lit up with a huge smile, telling her how much he loved her.
We asked her if she would please trim his nails and she assured us she would. I asked if she could brush his teeth too. She told me they had cake and punch today and Dad had wanted extra helpings. She told us she always brushes his teeth before he goes to bed.
Dad pretty much agreed with whatever we said and repeated what we said...he seemed happy and content...but didn't make much sense when he spoke. Dad continues to lose weight...he weighs 128. I told the charge nurse Dad sounded like he had a cold, so she checked him out and asked his care giver for the day. They ordered a CBC and called me yesterday with the results...Dad's white count was up indicating an infection. She told me she would call his primary and he would decide on the orders and she would let me know...
Mom asked Dad if he was ready for his nap and he smiled at Doctor-Doctor and waved to her as she playfully flirted with him...She told us she would trim his nails and brush his teeth before tucking him in...We kissed him good bye and as we walked toward the front door ran into the Administrator and chatted with him a bit, thanking him for every one's excellent care for Dad.
I went with Mom to her Support Group and was so touched to meet so many brave women caring and fighting for their spouses suffering with this horrendous disease. I shared about helping to care for my mother in law and being my Dad's Advocate. The Facilitator complimented me on my blog and invited the others to check it out. Several of the women wanted the link to my blog as well as my email.
After the meeting, the Facilitator gave me a bag full of Alzheimer's information and pamphlets. I decided I would like to add more information to my blog in helping to select a facility for their loved one, what to look for and what questions to ask and some other information. So stay tuned on that...in the mean time, remember anyone can write me at my email and I will do whatever I can to help.
March 26, 2013
Mom went to visit Dad and found him sitting in the lunch room in his wheel chair wearing his light blue track suit and his perky fedora hat. He perked up smiling when he saw her, telling her he was so glad she came to see him...but did not call her by name.
Mom had spoken with Dad's two care givers prior to going in to see Dad. She wanted to verify if Dad had complained of any pain and both told her no...the male care giver asked Mom to ask Dad again when she saw him. He told her he would give Dad some Tylenol if Dad complained of pain. Mom asked if Dad's doctor had prescribed Vicodin for pain and after checking Dad's chart, confirmed it was correct.
Mom shared with Dad about the birth of their grandson's first son, Braxton being born....Dad kept calling him Jackson...Mom kept repeating Braxton's name slowly until Dad finally got it... Dad rambled on about subjects not connecting with her conversation, but Mom just nodded her head and agreed with him.
Another resident, a woman, who we have never seen with any visitors, constantly yells loud outbursts during lunch, was blasting out angry inaudible noises making it difficult for Mom and Dad to visit. Dad is always so kind when he sees her acting out. He told Mom how much he loves her and how intelligent she is. Dad said she was his attorney... Mom just went along with Dad and agreed...
Dad's lunch arrived looking and smelling delicious making Mom hungry. She fed him beef with tomatoes, onion, celery, in a gravy over rice. The meat was so tender Mom could cut it with the fork; fresh steamed carrots, cauliflower, zucchini, green and Lima beans. Mom made mental notes so she could attempt to re-create it for herself later for dinner. He also had sliced pears with cinnamon, wheat bread with butter, coffee, milk, strawberry ice cream and a vanilla Ensure. Dad ate every morsel and smacked his lips with satisfaction.
Frequently during the meal and their visit, Dad would say the word "water". Mom asked if he wanted a drink of water and Dad told her, "No, I am swimming..."
Mom noticed when Dad drinks his coffee, he always wants to drink it all in one gulp...regardless of how hot it is. We always slow him down, because he also has started to cough. Dad said the coffee makes me gag, so Mom suggested he stopped drinking it..."That's a very bad idea you have." Dad told her... Dad's cough almost sounds fake. His cough is very slow, deliberate and non-productive. He makes a lot of noise, but it is only with the coffee.
Dad did not make much sense and he seemed very tired. Mom asked if he was ready for his nap and he told her he was....Mom wheeled him back to his room and the caregiver came over and took Dad from her and would get him ready for bed...
I spent the week with Mom while both families bonded with their new little bundles... Mom and I worked on organizing and filing all Dad's pertinent papers in a file and getting her office the way she wants it. We gathered all the family photos and put created a system in several photo boxes.
We found some great old family pics and had so much fun laughing and remembering. I will share and post some pics of Dad in his younger years...
Dad played the violin and we still have the one he played...
Dad doing his magic tricks for his fellow Marines
During my visit last week, Mom and I visited Dad on April 2, 2013...we saw him sitting near the window in the lunch room waiting for lunch. Music was being played and we watched as Dad swayed and moved in his wheel chair...Dad's face looked thin and tight...as we approached, I could see he was well lubricated with lotion or Aquaphor making his face look free of wrinkles.
He recognized us both immediately. He sounded like he had a cold, stuffed up and his voice was slow and deliberate. I asked if he had a cold and he told me he did, but he never sneezed or coughed except when he guzzled his coffee too fast... I noticed his teeth had food in them and were pink...later I found out they had cake and red punch...
We took him out on the patio where I took a couple of pictures...Dad was chilly and told us he did not want us to catch cold so he suggested we go back inside.
Happy to see us...
Dad and I
Mom and Dad
We told Dad about the new arrivals being born ten days apart and showed him pictures of Braxton and Garrett. Dad had to hold the phone about two inches from his face to see the pictures, but when he did, he laughed and kissed their little faces on my phone.
Dad's word of the day was "gravity" and he used it often and always not making any sense to what we were discussing...
He told us he was riding horses up a hill and had to kill people. He didn't want to, but he had to. Dad has mentioned this before on my previous visit with him...so it seems to be on his mind a lot...(I am behind two visits due to it being so close to when I left for California, so I will post them both in this post.) We explained he had to do it because he was fighting for our country and he did what he had to do...
I tried to change the subject and directed his attention outside on the patio, telling him how beautiful the big trees looked with their bright green Spring leaves fluttering in the breeze...Dad is stiff on his left side and has difficulty turning... He glanced at the window and told us what good quality the windows were as there were no holes...
His lunch arrived, smelling delicious as ever...grilled pork chop, white rice, green beans, whole wheat bread and butter, a banana, vanilla ice cream, coffee, milk and a strawberry Ensure. He wanted to start with dessert and ate the ice cream, then polished off every single bite and sucked down all liquids,ending with the slurping straw noise finishing off his strawberry Ensure.
Dad keeps his right eye with the skin cancer shut all the time or maybe it is stuck shut... He kept stretching his crooked hands and fingers out in front of him...commenting on how long his fingernails were and wanted them trimmed. Doctor-Doctor came over and Dad lit up with a huge smile, telling her how much he loved her.
We asked her if she would please trim his nails and she assured us she would. I asked if she could brush his teeth too. She told me they had cake and punch today and Dad had wanted extra helpings. She told us she always brushes his teeth before he goes to bed.
Dad pretty much agreed with whatever we said and repeated what we said...he seemed happy and content...but didn't make much sense when he spoke. Dad continues to lose weight...he weighs 128. I told the charge nurse Dad sounded like he had a cold, so she checked him out and asked his care giver for the day. They ordered a CBC and called me yesterday with the results...Dad's white count was up indicating an infection. She told me she would call his primary and he would decide on the orders and she would let me know...
Mom asked Dad if he was ready for his nap and he smiled at Doctor-Doctor and waved to her as she playfully flirted with him...She told us she would trim his nails and brush his teeth before tucking him in...We kissed him good bye and as we walked toward the front door ran into the Administrator and chatted with him a bit, thanking him for every one's excellent care for Dad.
I went with Mom to her Support Group and was so touched to meet so many brave women caring and fighting for their spouses suffering with this horrendous disease. I shared about helping to care for my mother in law and being my Dad's Advocate. The Facilitator complimented me on my blog and invited the others to check it out. Several of the women wanted the link to my blog as well as my email.
After the meeting, the Facilitator gave me a bag full of Alzheimer's information and pamphlets. I decided I would like to add more information to my blog in helping to select a facility for their loved one, what to look for and what questions to ask and some other information. So stay tuned on that...in the mean time, remember anyone can write me at my email and I will do whatever I can to help.
March 26, 2013
Mom went to visit Dad and found him sitting in the lunch room in his wheel chair wearing his light blue track suit and his perky fedora hat. He perked up smiling when he saw her, telling her he was so glad she came to see him...but did not call her by name.
Mom had spoken with Dad's two care givers prior to going in to see Dad. She wanted to verify if Dad had complained of any pain and both told her no...the male care giver asked Mom to ask Dad again when she saw him. He told her he would give Dad some Tylenol if Dad complained of pain. Mom asked if Dad's doctor had prescribed Vicodin for pain and after checking Dad's chart, confirmed it was correct.
Mom shared with Dad about the birth of their grandson's first son, Braxton being born....Dad kept calling him Jackson...Mom kept repeating Braxton's name slowly until Dad finally got it... Dad rambled on about subjects not connecting with her conversation, but Mom just nodded her head and agreed with him.
Another resident, a woman, who we have never seen with any visitors, constantly yells loud outbursts during lunch, was blasting out angry inaudible noises making it difficult for Mom and Dad to visit. Dad is always so kind when he sees her acting out. He told Mom how much he loves her and how intelligent she is. Dad said she was his attorney... Mom just went along with Dad and agreed...
Dad's lunch arrived looking and smelling delicious making Mom hungry. She fed him beef with tomatoes, onion, celery, in a gravy over rice. The meat was so tender Mom could cut it with the fork; fresh steamed carrots, cauliflower, zucchini, green and Lima beans. Mom made mental notes so she could attempt to re-create it for herself later for dinner. He also had sliced pears with cinnamon, wheat bread with butter, coffee, milk, strawberry ice cream and a vanilla Ensure. Dad ate every morsel and smacked his lips with satisfaction.
Frequently during the meal and their visit, Dad would say the word "water". Mom asked if he wanted a drink of water and Dad told her, "No, I am swimming..."
Mom noticed when Dad drinks his coffee, he always wants to drink it all in one gulp...regardless of how hot it is. We always slow him down, because he also has started to cough. Dad said the coffee makes me gag, so Mom suggested he stopped drinking it..."That's a very bad idea you have." Dad told her... Dad's cough almost sounds fake. His cough is very slow, deliberate and non-productive. He makes a lot of noise, but it is only with the coffee.
Dad did not make much sense and he seemed very tired. Mom asked if he was ready for his nap and he told her he was....Mom wheeled him back to his room and the caregiver came over and took Dad from her and would get him ready for bed...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)