We're back from South Dakota and I must say it was not the trip I thought it would be. We had a few issues flying in but nothing horrible. We had a lovely dinner and breakfast at my in-laws home. And we were a third of the way to my family's side of the state when I received a call from my Mom.
My Dad was in the hospital and it was all confusing for my Mom. She ended the call with "just get here." I went into panic mode till I realized this was the closest I've ever been when something bad happened. We were on our way and there was nothing I could do to get us there faster.
I got a hold of my brother in law, who explained things were not quite as dire as I had envisioned.
I can tell you it is surprising the first time you see a parent in a hospital bed. But my Dad still looked like my Dad. He was not talking like my Dad though. He was extremely confused and frustrated. He felt like no one was helping him, even though they were. He complained of being there "Damn near three hours!" when he had been there for over 24.
The hardest part for Mom was accepting that Dad needed more care than she could give. This means Dad is now living in a nursing home. I think she took comfort in the doctor telling her that with Dad's advanced age and a Parkinson's diagnosis of more than ten years, Dad had already beaten the odds.
This just confirmed what I had already known, Mom took care of him with all her heart and soul. And now it is time to step back from that role. She has done her part and it is at an end.
We're hopeful that Dad will continue to beat the odds for as long as he can.
I do have some pleasant stories for you but I needed to get this out here before I lost my nerve.
Pray for us please.
Many, many hugs. I have thought about the day when my parents will need more care than what we can give at home, and I don't think anyone could be prepared for it. You are all doing the very best with the greatest of love there is. You are in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
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