Dad Update

Not much has changed with my dad. I was over there yesterday when the nurse and social worker came and they made it pretty clear that things could take a bit. Dad is certainly headed toward his physical and emotional release, so to speak, but there are still many phases he will go through before it's all said and done. The fact that he's still eating and drinking is a sign that he's not quite there. 

One thing that they really tried to get Becky to embrace was the respite care that Hospice offers. She has the ability, every 30 days, to take up to 5 days respite. Hospice will come and transport him to a facility on a day and time of her choosing and then bring him back within 5 days, on a day and time of her choosing. It just so happens that the facility this hospice uses is at the Twin Towers nursing facility, the place he did his first rehab stint which is about 7 minutes away. It is in no way affiliated with that nursing home/rehab, they just rent out space there (recall, Dad hated that place).

After Becky and I talked about it, she said she was thinking about doing it. I told her that she needed to. I know she's going to feel guilt and she'll worry but she needs to take care of herself so that she can continue to be strong for Dad in her care for him. In the end, she did call and set up respite from Thursday - Sunday. This is actually perfect because she's taking part in the neighborhood yard sale and can do that without the worry of if he's okay. The place is open for visitors 24/7 without restriction too. 

The hospice people also directed Becky and any of his loved ones to read a booklet that gives loved ones insight about what happens as someone nears the end. One thing that Becky had mentioned Dad had told her was that he was seeing things on the ceiling; pictures of a sort. Apparently this is very common. The booklet stated that it is often a calming thing for patients and as they get closer to "release" they can see loved ones who've passed. Today, when dad had woken up and he was listening to music, he was staring at the ceiling with the biggest eyes I've seen, unblinking, mouth agape and so concentrated on something...I just wondered what he was seeing. It didn't seem to upset him or anything and eventually his face relaxed and he fell asleep. 

So today I'm going to go to Columbus. I'd thought of not going but I think things are stable with Dad and I'll be back Friday afternoon. I don't plan to do much except hang with Maggie, maybe spend some time in the pool if we get some nice weather, and see Mom. I haven't been up there this summer yet and it's time. 

Okay well, that's all I've got. I probably won't post again until Friday when I get home...so see you then. Later!