Update on Dad

Hi Folks! Just wanted to leave a quick update on my dad. He's doing okay. That's all I know to say right now. He's out of CCU and in a regular room, but in isolation because he's contracted an infection that could be dangerous to other patients. It's nothing for us to worry about, they got it early and are treating it, but because the danger to other patients is great, we have to wear gowns when we go into his room.

Right now he is confused and very weak. The doctor who is treating him wants to send him to rehab to try to get his strength back. I think that is a good idea except he's going to hate it, and our fear is that when we tell him about it he will get so upset that he has a heart attack or something. Of course if the confusion is still a factor, he may not realize what is going on.

We are back on our way up there in a while,and I want a private conference with the doctor. I want to know what his outlook is - I know he will never get well, but will he get any better, will he ever go home, etc. My fear is the answers are no, but I am prepared for them - I just need to know so we can be ready for whatever happens.

One thing that is making this harder on me is that my mom is exhausted, and she gets kind of confused about what's going on with him, and she refuses to see things as they really are. I keep trying to make her understand that he may not go home, that this could be it, but she just chooses not to see it. And I totally understand that, but being the realist that I am, I think she needs to be prepared.

Anyway, any prayers are appreciated more than you know. I will keep you posted, but it may not be every day. Blessings friends, Becky

Sitting

Just wanted to let you know that we are once again at the hospital in the ER. (WE is my dad who is the patient and my mom and I.) We were here on Friday, too. Friday it was a bladder infection and yeast (rash) infection. Today they are running panels and tests and CT Scans and chest X-Rays, EKG's, etc. He's really out of it today - a good sign there's something going on that we can't see. They are admitting him to monitor his heart for a while, but it may be a while before we get upstairs. We've been here in ER about 4 hours - and they will tell you that you never get out of the ER in less than 6 hours. It's going to be long night, I'm afraid, before we get him settled, I get Mama settled at home and then drive the 30 minutes or so to my house.

We are taking each day, each situation as it comes. I am impatient, and while I am praying for God's will, I want it now! But I am also praying for patience and wisdom and grace for this journey I'm on these days. I read a couple of posts today HERE and HERE, and if you have a few minutes, please read them. They both spoke to me in different ways. The first is someone in a similar situation to mine, the second in circumstances much different, but no less stressful and difficult. They are both so much farther along in their walk than I feel I am, but I keep praying for patience, wisdom and love for my parents. Those three will see me through.

Any prayers or positive thoughts you choose to lift up for us today and in the days to come would be most appreciated. Blessings, Becky

A Ray of Sunshine

Update - 9:30 am Tuesday: I was all dressed and ready to go take my parents to the hospital, and my mom called. My dad had gotten up and felt better, the swelling in his feet, ankles and privates had gone down, and he had lost a lot of fluid (urinating) over night, so he no longer thought it was necessary to go this morning - PTL!!! Thank you for your prayers and good thoughts - they are much appreciated! B.


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A little while ago my dad called. He rarely calls me, and when he does, there's always a reason. I know this heat has really been bothering him, but I haven't seen him in almost two weeks. My aunt has seen him several times and given me reports while we were out of town.

When he called, he asked me if I will take him to the emergency room in the morning. That, for him, is HUGE!!! He doesn't like going to the ER, but we know from experience that just going to his regular doctor doesn't work. At the ER they can give him more serious attention and address his issues immediately. So, I guess we'll be going to the hospital again tomorrow. I'll take my laptop so I can check in with y'all, so I will let you know what's going on.

As I was sitting here, thinking about what all I'll have to do in the morning to get myself ready to go pick them up, I thought of these pictures I took the morning we left for our trip. I was going to use them for Floral Friday, but I think we can all use a little sunshine on a Tuesday, don't you???



If you remember, I bought two sunflower plants and planted them, but the squirrels tried to climb them and broke one totally and killed it, and bent this one, but I staked it up and it's bloom is a gorgeous ray of sunshine.

While I was standing there taking pictures, the bumble bee landed on the bloom, and stayed there longer than I did! He was still taking nectar when I went back inside.


I hope he's pollinated those little seeds well, because I'm sure the squirrels already have this staked out for a fall feast!

Have you ever had a cowlick where one piece of your hair just wouldn't lay down? I wonder if the sunflower feels that way!

But it sure does add a little something extra to this smiling bloomer!

Once again I appreciate all your prayers and good wishes. Have a blessed day, Becky

He's A Happy Camper!!!

My dad, that is! They have the infection under control, and his bladder is emptying itself now, so he's headed home! And he's very, very happy! Want to make a safe bet??? We'll go by the Dairy Queen on the way home and get him a milkshake. I can almost guarantee it! Or maybe a banana split.

Anyway, we'll get a prescription for antibiotics, and he'll be back home so he can sit in the yard, chew tobacco, watch the cars go by, spit, drink tea, watch some more cars go by, spit some more, and be very happy!

And then I can get home and do some fun stuff. Like laundry. And dishes. And clean house. You know, fun stuff. (At least it's more fun than sitting in the hospital!)

Blessings, Becky

Just so you know . . .

We're back at the hospital ER with my dad today. He already had a bad cold, now the congestive heart failure was rearing it's ugly head again, and he had a fever as well, so we suspect another urinary tract infection. We feel pretty sure they will be admitting him for a few days, so I will be in and out - mostly out!

The bird bath in the rose garden in my front yard.

But, thanks to free WiFi in the hospital, I'll be able to keep in touch, I just probably won't do any 'fun' posts until after he's home again. Prayers and good thoughts are always welcome, and much appreciated. Thanks, and blessings folks, Becky