For much of Dad's final four years, I was his roommate and primary caregiver. Recently, I was talking with a friend and we were reminiscing about our late parents, and as he was speaking, it dawned on me that Dad did not spend one night in a hospital or long-term care facility during those years. Not even one night! In fact, his last overnight stay in a hospital was for a minor heart condition about 15-17 years ago.
Dad had several doctors, primary care (basic care and routine bloodwork), urologist (treatment for a moving kidney stone), neurologist (testing and medications), podiatrist (toe nail trimming), even a surgeon's consultation (for an opinion on a troublesome hernia). He used the local hospital for some tests, x-rays, and a renal stone crush procedure, but he never required hospitalization. Think about how remarkable that is for someone in his mid-80s and facing the natural end of his life.
What can I conclude? Dad was very blessed! And my sister, brother, and I were too!
Wednesday, October 31, 2018
Tuesday, October 9, 2018
Tropical Storms & Dad
We're getting ready for another tropical system (Hurricane Michael) to sweep across south GA. I bought some water and a few supplies yesterday to prepare. But I also had a flashback to September of last year. A tropical system came through the area with 60+ mph winds and heavy rain, which downed trees and caused extensive area-wide power outages.
Dad had become a bit of a roamer, but on that day, I didn't have to worry about him slipping away. The wind and rain kept him confined, but we eventually lost power during the worst of it. As soon as it let up, we drove the van around town to give us a break from being house-bound. That's when I realized that we would be without power for awhile, after seeing the damage the storm had caused. It was only two days and two nights, not long at all compared to other storm events, but Dad and I really depended on lights and TV. For the last year of his life, Dad didn't care much for TV or sports or the Braves. He couldn't hear it anymore, but between magazines and TV, he could be content and mentally occupied by it in the evenings before bedtime. So for two nights, we sat side by side, with no TV, no AC, no internet for me, and with only flashlights, not enough light to read by. So what did we do? We rediscovered the art of conversation. Amazing huh? Go figure!
Night time was never easy. I often had trouble sleeping, listening for Dad, in case he needed me, but those nights were most difficult because of the darkness of the house. We made it fine. When the power came on two days later, I was grateful, and he was too. He knew things were returning to normal, and I was relieved.
Hurricane Michael, I guess I'm ready to face you too. And I would be OK if Dad were here to keep me company, but honestly, I'm happier that he's home.
Dad had become a bit of a roamer, but on that day, I didn't have to worry about him slipping away. The wind and rain kept him confined, but we eventually lost power during the worst of it. As soon as it let up, we drove the van around town to give us a break from being house-bound. That's when I realized that we would be without power for awhile, after seeing the damage the storm had caused. It was only two days and two nights, not long at all compared to other storm events, but Dad and I really depended on lights and TV. For the last year of his life, Dad didn't care much for TV or sports or the Braves. He couldn't hear it anymore, but between magazines and TV, he could be content and mentally occupied by it in the evenings before bedtime. So for two nights, we sat side by side, with no TV, no AC, no internet for me, and with only flashlights, not enough light to read by. So what did we do? We rediscovered the art of conversation. Amazing huh? Go figure!
Night time was never easy. I often had trouble sleeping, listening for Dad, in case he needed me, but those nights were most difficult because of the darkness of the house. We made it fine. When the power came on two days later, I was grateful, and he was too. He knew things were returning to normal, and I was relieved.
Hurricane Michael, I guess I'm ready to face you too. And I would be OK if Dad were here to keep me company, but honestly, I'm happier that he's home.
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