Be there for my Dad

to have been released by the doctor to do “anything you feel like doing”. So, he’s been out driving around, digging potatoes, mowing the lawn…and is contemplating cleaning out the gutters. He’s also looking forward to possibly going to the fair next week to watch my nephew show cattle for the last time.

He is thrilled to be home, and has been feasting on fresh tomatoes and corn-on-the-cob. He’s been inspecting his garden (in particular, the weeds therein) from them sliding glass door, but they’ve been getting rain from Hurricane Bill (5 inches last night), so he hasn’t been too tempted to check the situation out close up. But I’m sure that will change as soon as the weather does.

My sisters and their families will be there tomorrow to celebrate with him, so they’ll help him get things in order, inside and outside. He spent the morning catching up on stuff (computer, paperwork, etc.), and has a long list of things that he needs help with.

^{Picture of Dad carrying garden produce in 1969.}

Two of his three doctors have been in and signed his release to Rehab. The third (primary care) doctor usually comes in around noon, so Dad will be chomping at the bit until then, ready to run be wheeled out the door. He sounded SO much better yesterday and this morning than he did last week when they were planning on releasing him. I’m so thankful that they caught the blockage before he was out of there.

He’s still been on liquid diet, but the doctor took that off while he was there this morning. He’s got to be anxious to get his teeth into some real hospital food.

When my dad sleeps until 7, it’s a late morning for him (crazy man). The physical therapist usually hasn’t been coming in until about 9. The last two mornings Dad’s been “ready and waiting” to get out of bed and walk around a bit.

Lots of good things to smile about this morning!

yesterday, in addition to the stomach pumping still going on, Dad needed another transfusion and he was pretty weak. But his spirit was still strong, and last night he felt strong enough to dictate a list of gardening/mowing instructions for my nephew. :-D

This morning they were to remove the stomach tube and start him on a liquid diet. I don’t know the blood situation, but he sounded lots stronger the few seconds I got to talk to him. I know it has to be encouraging to be making some forward progress again (not to mention getting something in his stomach).

I just got the word from my sister that Dad is being discharged to rehab tomorrow. Thank you, everyone, for your prayers and good thoughts, and thank You, God, for listening (as always).

I just talked to him on the phone, and he is very weak again, so is awaiting another transfusion to get his iron count back up. He has also been coughing up “something” (I’m not sure what), so they did a chest x-ray.

He was alone when I talked with him, but my step-mother should be there soon, and my sisters will be stopping by after church, so someone should be with him the rest of the day.

In May, my dad, who is 77 and lives in Maryland, was diagnosed with Myelofibrosis, a rare bone marrow disorder which can turn into Leukemia. This has been quite a shock for him, one he is still trying to deal with emotionally as he continues to live his very active life.

One of the immediate concerns of this disorder is a low platelet count. This crates an extra anxiety for our family, as my mom died 11 years ago from blood loss due to a low platelet count.

While I was visiting in June, my dad injured his back while lifting an air conditioner. It turns out he ruptured a disk and is having surgery today to remove/repair this. Having a low platelet count adds unwanted complications during surgery, and he will be receiving a transfusion before surgery to hopefully take care of this concern.

This is a rough time for Dad, emotionally as well as (or maybe even more than) physically. He is a very active man, and his injured back has kept him from many of his work (surveying software consultant) and favorite activities (gardening, cutting wood, blacksmithing) that would normally provide him with an emotional outlet. His very large vegetable garden every year is amazing, and this year is no exception. The last month, since his back injury, he has had to rely on others to do the work, while he watches from the sideline, which has been really tough for him. His neighbor borrowed a electric scooter chair from the Lion’s Club, so he has at least been able to travel out to the garden and check things out. My sisters and their families have made several visits to weed, mulch, mow, harvest, etc. He is trying to talk my niece into helping them can green beans, but I don’t know if she’s been convinced or not.

It’s hard being 1000 miles away and not being able to help physically, and to not be there today during his surgery. My “being there” has to be in non-physical ways. Prayer. Phone calls, e-mails, letters and cards. Listening and understanding. And more prayer.

My sister phoned me earlier to say Dad has been a little tearful today. Bless him.

Last year my Mum was taken into hospital on New Years Eve and sadly passed away a few weeks later. Its gonna be the first time in 51 years that my Dad has not woken up with her on Christmas Day. He’s already finding it hard and I’m sure the 25th is gonna be even more difficult.

Christmas Year is gonna be as normal as possible but will also centre around Dad. I’m sure he will get through it but needs to surrounded by love and smile.