So, this Friday, August 9th, is Chuck's 85th birthday. Who would have thought he would be where he is for this birthday, huh? He has been steadily declining, in that he has been sleeping more and eating less. He did have a urinary tract infection, and that could have been part of the problem. I received and email from Sallie today and she said dad seemed to be feeling better. Will be sending a balloon bouquet on Friday, since I won't be able to see him that day. I'm sure someone up north will be stopping in to see him. I did see him this past Saturday, and he was really groggy. He woke up a few times, and when I asked him what he'd been up to, he said, "Oh, just been workin' really hard around here." I was there for about an our and he slept most of the time. It was nice just sitting there with him, though. Every once in awhile he would open his eyes briefly and look at me, then they were closed. Don't know if he was really "looking" at me, though. When I left him, I kissed his head and rubbed his arm. He perked right up, asked why I did that? Told him I was his daughter, and that I loved him. He asked, "I have a daughter?" I told him he had 2 daughters and he said, "Well, I'll be." It was tough to leave him, I have to say. I think I could have sat there for a few more hours, watching him sleep. But, had to leave.......
.........to spell Ann, because she had been staying with mom for a few days. For those of you don't know, mom did have surgery on her arm last Tuesday. She is staying at Eric's, and Ann came down last Wednesday, because Eric went to San Diego to get Kelby. I stayed with mom Tuesday night, and through Wednesday afternoon, until Ann made it down. Ann stayed with mom through Saturday afternoon, and I went back up. Mom was in a lot of pain the first few days, and had a tough time getting all the anesthesia out of her system. She is getting around pretty good, and goes back to the doc next Monday for a check up. Depending on what the doc says, we may get things set up with some help at her home. Honestly, we are not sure if she will be able, or even want to live alone. When she fell, she was just getting used to being alone. I think she enjoys the company, but also wants to be on her own. The only way we will be able to see if it will work, is to have her try it. We will have to take it a week at a time. More to follow.
As dad's birthday approaches, I realize how lucky we have been to have him with us for this long. I miss the real Charlie, and sincerely hope that he will soon be able to find peace and not have to deal with that jumbled Alz mind. Be the real Charlie again. Until then, we have to cherish that small little glimmer of the real Charlie that still shines through every now and then.
Please send good birthday thoughts to him, and remember the fun times we have had with him over the years.
Love that man.
No comments:
Post a Comment