Searching For Gold...

Mom went to visit Dad yesterday.  He was asleep in bed when she arrived.  She gently woke him from his slumber.  He seemed pretty groggy.  Dad told her he had been searching for gold, that is why he was so tired.... but he was happy to wake up in his own bed...

Mom asked him how he slept last night, and he replied, "GREAT!", then promptly closed his eyes and began to snore...

Mom busied herself talking to the nurses at the nurses station while she let Dad sleep more before lunch.  She asked why they make new charts each time Dad returns from a hospital stay.  She was told it is a government regulation if the stay is over 3 days.  Every nursing home does it.  (May I ask the nurses out there to please respond to verify this statement?)

Mom also noticed, the note asking staff to call me first, was still hung above his bed...

One of the Aides went into Dad's room and got him ready for lunch, wheeling him into the dining room. It was still a bit early for lunch, so she sat with Dad and talked...

Mom asked if Dad enjoyed his visit with my sister and second to the youngest brother.  Dad looked back at her with a blank stare.  Mom reminded him about playing Dominoes and my sister clipping his fingernails.  Dad told her he remembered.  He told her my sister wanted to put something fancy on his nails and he told her to do that for the women, rather than for him.  (My sister had buffed his nails...)

Mom asked if he was watching any of the basketball.  Dad confirmed he was.  He told her he goes early because the players play better when they know he is there...

He kept closing his eyes... Mom would ask a question and Dad would ignore her or mumble and answer.  Clearly, he was still very tired.

Doctor-Doctor stopped in to see Mom.  She asked Dad to sing for them.  Dad began to sing Ava Maria in a higher range than he normally does, and his voice cracked.  They all began to chuckle, Dad loudest of all.

The Activities Director came in to say hello to Mom.  Mom complimented her on how wonderful the decorations were for St. Patrick's Day, and now for Easter.  The Director thanked Mom profusely.  She complimented Mom on how nice it is to always hear the positive comments from her.  After she left, Dad gave Mom a smile and told her how much he admired her remembering every one's names.  He told her everyone liked her because she always calls them by name.

Lunch arrived and Mom said she was so jealous... They served Dad, barbecued pork bun sandwich, fresh peas, corn, green Jello with pears, cake with sprinkled icing, mile, a can of Ensure and two cups of coffee, with cream and sugar, just the way Dad likes it.

Mom could tell Dad was getting those heavy, sleepy, lids, so she wheeled him back to his room, so his Caregiver could get him comfortable in bed.  She kissed him good-bye and left grateful for another good visit...