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| Dad takes Suzy (2.5 years old) to work. We inspect an evidence storage facility. |
Day 8 - Dad is in pain now. Stepped up medication helps but means really monitoring his daily ration of pills more carefully. His whole system just seems to be slowing down. Bobby, Florence and I tag team him during the day and night. A friend brings dad some beautiful fish and we make it for him. He eats a small amount and enjoys a piece of Walter's pumpkin pie. Total intake for the day - about 4 ozs. of solid food.
Day 9 - Dad has no interest in eating breakfast. This is a new wrinkle. He is pleasant to his aide but really does not want to be bothered. The hospice nurse tries to draw blood for a test but blows out every vain she touches - she is almost in tears. We all decided not to worry about the blood tests for today. Up and down several times, even with sleeping medication. Can be very funny or very aggravated.
We walk on eggs in the house. Noise is very upsetting and it is a small house. Dog is worried and staying close by, often blocking our way in and out of the room. We all learn to just step over Gus, even the hospice staff.
People continue to drop in and out but for short periods of time. Dad's attention span is short. He tells us he does not want to see anyone but he always perks up and wants to be charming for guests.
I am overwhelmed by kindness of all my friends and colleagues. I will never be able to thank them enough for their support. Many I see every work day and some I haven't heard from in years. Chip, Loren, Dave, John, and Amanda have made it possible for me focus on dad. I will forever be grateful. To all my church friends, thank you for your prayers - please keep them coming.
Day 10 - Dad startles us by sitting up right in bed at 5:30 A.M. He is disoriented and does not feel good. A pain killer and applesauce get him back to bed. By 7:30, he is having so much trouble swallowing, he cannot take his ground up medications in applesauce. Hospice nurse comes and checks him out. Instructs us to give him whatever he asks for. I learn to administer liquid morphine for the pain., something I hoped I'd never have to do. John, Eric, and Tristan, I love you all.
This morning snakes sunned themselves. Florence and I are walkers. She usually goes first in the morning and I go when she returns. Today we were careful where we stepped. The snakes are not here for long now and neither is dad.
Day 9 - Dad has no interest in eating breakfast. This is a new wrinkle. He is pleasant to his aide but really does not want to be bothered. The hospice nurse tries to draw blood for a test but blows out every vain she touches - she is almost in tears. We all decided not to worry about the blood tests for today. Up and down several times, even with sleeping medication. Can be very funny or very aggravated.
We walk on eggs in the house. Noise is very upsetting and it is a small house. Dog is worried and staying close by, often blocking our way in and out of the room. We all learn to just step over Gus, even the hospice staff.
People continue to drop in and out but for short periods of time. Dad's attention span is short. He tells us he does not want to see anyone but he always perks up and wants to be charming for guests.
I am overwhelmed by kindness of all my friends and colleagues. I will never be able to thank them enough for their support. Many I see every work day and some I haven't heard from in years. Chip, Loren, Dave, John, and Amanda have made it possible for me focus on dad. I will forever be grateful. To all my church friends, thank you for your prayers - please keep them coming.
Day 10 - Dad startles us by sitting up right in bed at 5:30 A.M. He is disoriented and does not feel good. A pain killer and applesauce get him back to bed. By 7:30, he is having so much trouble swallowing, he cannot take his ground up medications in applesauce. Hospice nurse comes and checks him out. Instructs us to give him whatever he asks for. I learn to administer liquid morphine for the pain., something I hoped I'd never have to do. John, Eric, and Tristan, I love you all.
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| resident copperhead snake |
