Wow, it's the weekend, already?

How did that happen? Where did the time go? I thought with dad being home we would be able to kinda catch our breath. Sure, we would miss the constant presence of the hospital care team, but I didn’t realize just how quickly the days would blur by. So, let me rapid fire the main details of week. Sunday and Monday were days of well wishers stopping by. It was great. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday were spent with home health care team members being introduced to us and getting to know dad and what they can be doing for him. Although they are helping, it seemed to be a bit of a bumpy process. Every person needed the full story, all the details and current up date information then they needed to “cross check” that information. It seems to me they would have at known about dad and his basic details before they all showed up together, but I am just a caregiver watching what seems to be a disjointed schedule. The scheduling process leaves a bit to be desired, but their assistance and knowledge is invaluable.

We have also had several folks come over and visit with Dad. Thanks so much to all you who have been able to hang with share with laugh with and be with dad. He much appreciates the time spent with you, and wants to share some of his insights and experiences.

We were also able to nearly finish the ramp project for dad to wheel into the front door of the house. Yes, there are some bumps and its not perfect, but it will withstand the test of skateboards, bicycles, wheelchairs, walkers and high heel shoes. Special thanks to the gang who helped build, provided the tools and resources to enable the completion of the ramp. Without your contributions the ramp still might be a dream waiting to happen. While the construction phase of the ramp was taking place, Dad got to twitching his fingers and needed a project. For those of you who know dad, this last few months have been difficult for him to not have a mechanical project to work on. So mom provided a much needed release. The front door knob had a squeak. After gathering dad’s needed diagnostic equipment she set him by the door and left him to tinker. Moments later, dad happily removed the squeak and sat basking in his accomplishments. At some point this week I asked dad if he could remember how to tie a prusik knot. With a couple of small ropes in and about 10 minutes he proudly held up his knot and replied very excitedly “you tie that in the dark!” I had to laugh, he was so tickled because not only had he remembered how to tie a knot he hadn’t used since his fire man days, but he was able to tie it with only the “sight” his hands offered.

Dad’s spirits are amazing. He is doing so well. He still gets tired easily, but he remembers more and more each day.

BTW, mom is a trooper. She has really rallied the energy and stamina to become the full time hospital staff replacement. Rearranging the house to accommodate dad’s chair, making some meals, maintaining the medical routine, helping dad with his everyday activities. I have been hanging with the folks helping mom get a break from the “doldrums” of keeping up with dads busy schedule. Often I bring some of my goofy kids to add to the hustle and bustle of the Foster’s hospital. Corban will often borrow grandpa’s wheelchair and push it around the house with his stuffed animals in it. If you ask Corban what he is doing, he will go into a long winded story of how his favorite stuffed animal was hurt and in the hospital, but is better now and he is helping him. Perhaps because of Corban’s empathetic and compassionate personality he will grow up to be a doctor of sorts. This is of course just after I watch him fight a sibling for another cracker. Ah the emotional roller coaster a 4 year old rides.

Our recovery journey has its ups and downs. Some days we are tired, and others we have all the energy to keep running. Pray we keep focused, and not allow the stress of every day life, compiled with the what if’s of the future to get in the way.

~With Integrity