I commented last evening that Kenny was anxious to go to bed last night. Well, no wonder! I found out today that he got his eight PM meds twice - once at 8PM and again at 8:45 PM when I took him home. Then I fell asleep blogging last night and woke up at 1:30 AM and gave him his midnight meds. He slept through the night and was still "druggy" this morning.
We were all pretty washed out today. He took 2 naps and watched the Taladega Nascar race this afternoon.
He told me tonight as I put him to bed that he is having some "spasms" that feel kinda of like something tightening" in his chest for the last couple of days. So, off I go looking for the Nitro!!! After 2 nitro tablets, he felt better. Is this the beginning of another stage? I don't know. I guess we'll find out this coming week.
He has had a good day. He seems to be excited that he can now "sit on the pot". I think that he feels like he has made huge strides. I hope this lasts for a while. It is so much easier on him and on me as well.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Saturday, April 25, 2009
It's a new day...
After a hiatus of three days in which I ran from pillar to post , I am pleased to report the wedding is over. It was a grand affair and Kenny was part of it. Today we graduated up from a disposable taped brief (think diaper) to a pull-up brief. Talk about a happy camper, Kenny has been thrilled. He wore his tuxedo this evening to the wedding. I wish I had a photo of him in his "monkey suit". He was really elegant. Everyone was so excited to see him that I think he really tired quickly. He was ready for bed so we came home about 8:30. He is sleeping through the night almost every night which is really nice for me.
He has really done well the past few days. He is still pretty weak, but I think he improves daily. Thanks for all the cards and letters.
He has really done well the past few days. He is still pretty weak, but I think he improves daily. Thanks for all the cards and letters.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Friends are friends forever...
We had a lovely day. Papa was like the king on his throne surrounded by five women this morning. And all of them talking at once as we gals are prone to do. Later he said to me, "Boy did they talk a lot!" As soon as we went into the "big house" for lunch he decided to take a nap. I think we wore him out.
He had a good day today. He ate well and I think he enjoyed watching his old movies. He stayed up tonight and watched at least half of American Idol. But, having said that, he is tired - tired of being dependent on others and just tired in general.
Lately he has been calling some of his old pals and former classmates of his or of Hyrtha's. It really does him good to talk to these folks. I would imagine that it also does them good too. It is one of the greatest things about Kenny; he keeps up with all of his old friends whenever possible. I am amazed at how many folks his age are on the Internet. I am unsure if they have accessed this blog or not, but I do know that they keep up with one another via email. I think that is so great.
Kenny is getting his haircut tomorrow. We are all so disappointed. He was beginning to look like George Washington. I had told him that I was going to get a black ribbon to tie his hair back when he goes to the wedding on Saturday. Savannah was planning to come around and "fix" his hair for him. She's going to be really disappointed.
We learned that my first cousin, Bruce Marshall, my daddy's nephew, died on Saturday of a massive heart attack (at age 60!) My sister and I were so looking forward to seeing so many of our Marshall family here for Rachel's wedding. How sad that the reunion will be at Bruce's funeral rather that at the happy occasion two days later. As a result of Bruce's death, I have been thinking a lot about life and, as a result, death also. Kenny will be 91 in November and has overcome many health challenges in the past twenty years. How blessed we have been to have him in our lives these past years. I have been thinking of Bruce's two daughters and his four grandchildren and how much they will miss him in their lives and how much our own children have benefited from having Kenny in theirs. No one had greater influence over my life than my grandmother. The older I get the more I recognize that many of my most strongly held beliefs come directly from her. I am so grateful for Kenny's presence in our lives and I know many of you feel the same way.
He had a good day today. He ate well and I think he enjoyed watching his old movies. He stayed up tonight and watched at least half of American Idol. But, having said that, he is tired - tired of being dependent on others and just tired in general.
Lately he has been calling some of his old pals and former classmates of his or of Hyrtha's. It really does him good to talk to these folks. I would imagine that it also does them good too. It is one of the greatest things about Kenny; he keeps up with all of his old friends whenever possible. I am amazed at how many folks his age are on the Internet. I am unsure if they have accessed this blog or not, but I do know that they keep up with one another via email. I think that is so great.
Kenny is getting his haircut tomorrow. We are all so disappointed. He was beginning to look like George Washington. I had told him that I was going to get a black ribbon to tie his hair back when he goes to the wedding on Saturday. Savannah was planning to come around and "fix" his hair for him. She's going to be really disappointed.
We learned that my first cousin, Bruce Marshall, my daddy's nephew, died on Saturday of a massive heart attack (at age 60!) My sister and I were so looking forward to seeing so many of our Marshall family here for Rachel's wedding. How sad that the reunion will be at Bruce's funeral rather that at the happy occasion two days later. As a result of Bruce's death, I have been thinking a lot about life and, as a result, death also. Kenny will be 91 in November and has overcome many health challenges in the past twenty years. How blessed we have been to have him in our lives these past years. I have been thinking of Bruce's two daughters and his four grandchildren and how much they will miss him in their lives and how much our own children have benefited from having Kenny in theirs. No one had greater influence over my life than my grandmother. The older I get the more I recognize that many of my most strongly held beliefs come directly from her. I am so grateful for Kenny's presence in our lives and I know many of you feel the same way.
Monday, April 20, 2009
But then again....
After all my bragging, I have discovered that I am not the best of caregivers. Yesterday, mid morning (10:45)Papa wanted me to put him in his bed to "take care of a few matters" and afterwards he decided he's stay there and take a nap. I told him that I would let him do that until noon (his next meds were due then, in one hour)since I needed to water my plants and hanging baskets. Time go away from me and when my alarm on my phone went off at noon, so I hurried in the cottage to get his meds and wake him up. Well, guess what? The scoundrel had somehow gotten himself out of the bed, into his pants, into his wheelchair and managed to "walk" his way to Carolina Room and put himself in his chair. I read him the riot act and told him that obviously I could not trust him anymore. He said he wouldn't do it again; it was too hard and he tired himself out. The rest of the day progressed normally until 2:30 this morning. He decided that rather than "do his business" in his brief, he wanted to get out of the bed. I caught him as he was trying to escape at the foot of the bed. His brief was dry as a bone and he wanted the urinal. Well, at 2:30 AM I am not the most congenial person, I regret to say, and was in no mood to get into the argument we have everyday during the daylight hours. I flatly told him I was not taking off a clean brief and waiting around for him to pee! He asked me what I was going to do. "Back to bed. It's 2:45 in the morning." Well, how was he supposed to know? Maybe the lack of any lights on in the house? Anyway, 10 minutes later, he calls out, "Ginny? What am I supposed to do?" I got up and went into him and said, "Papa, please, would you just relieve yourself in your brief and let me go back to sleep?" "Oh, all right." Ten minutes late, "Ginny?" "Yes, Papa?"
"What are you doing?" "Trying to go back to sleep." "Oh!" This went on till nearly 3:30. I should have just thrown in the towel and gotten the urinal, but, oh, no. I had to continue this power struggle with this 90 year old gentleman who is really accepting his limitation with a lot of grace, but this aspect of his caregiving is the most difficult for him to accept. However, at 3:30 in the morning my empathy is severly lacking. I might add that he went back to sleep and at 4:00 AM I finally just get up and go into the living room and eat a piece of pound cake, drink a glass of water and read for an hour till I got sleepy again. I relate all of this to say that obviously I am just as childish as he is on occasion. Last night was a good example of that.
This morning he is good as new. Tammy was here to bathe him and he had a great breakfast and now he is looking at a 1930 film, FAST TIMES. He's having a great time. Me? Well, let's just say I am tired and, in addition, a bit ashamed of myself.
Today is warm and cloudy. Hopefully, we will get some rain and I will not have to sneak outside to water my plants. In addition, we have a friend from Tennessee, Terry Kennedy and her daughter Susan coming in to stay at the Inlet for a couple of nights. Terry's husband Ron died a couple of years ago and we did not make the trip to see him that we wanted to. She is coming so that she can see Kenny and us, of course. She and Ron used to come down and spend a weekend with us a couple of times a year and they became very fond of Papa. He has been so fortunate. He has made so many friends of all ages and they are so great about dropping by for a minute or two just to check on him and to say "hey." That's what we say in the South instead of "Hi!"
"What are you doing?" "Trying to go back to sleep." "Oh!" This went on till nearly 3:30. I should have just thrown in the towel and gotten the urinal, but, oh, no. I had to continue this power struggle with this 90 year old gentleman who is really accepting his limitation with a lot of grace, but this aspect of his caregiving is the most difficult for him to accept. However, at 3:30 in the morning my empathy is severly lacking. I might add that he went back to sleep and at 4:00 AM I finally just get up and go into the living room and eat a piece of pound cake, drink a glass of water and read for an hour till I got sleepy again. I relate all of this to say that obviously I am just as childish as he is on occasion. Last night was a good example of that.
This morning he is good as new. Tammy was here to bathe him and he had a great breakfast and now he is looking at a 1930 film, FAST TIMES. He's having a great time. Me? Well, let's just say I am tired and, in addition, a bit ashamed of myself.
Today is warm and cloudy. Hopefully, we will get some rain and I will not have to sneak outside to water my plants. In addition, we have a friend from Tennessee, Terry Kennedy and her daughter Susan coming in to stay at the Inlet for a couple of nights. Terry's husband Ron died a couple of years ago and we did not make the trip to see him that we wanted to. She is coming so that she can see Kenny and us, of course. She and Ron used to come down and spend a weekend with us a couple of times a year and they became very fond of Papa. He has been so fortunate. He has made so many friends of all ages and they are so great about dropping by for a minute or two just to check on him and to say "hey." That's what we say in the South instead of "Hi!"
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Oh what a beautiful morning, oh what a beautiful day, I've got a beautiful feeling, everythings going my way....
Saturday is always one of my favorite days...Larry has no meetings, he spends little time on the phone putting out fires and I usually find time to do some of the things that I want to do that I have been unable to do during the week. Today was one of those days and Kenny had a really good day too. I told you all before that Courtney and I have been working like Trojans to get our back yard around the terrace looking at least respectable. I really wanted to get some planting done this morning and, thanks be to God, I did. Papa was up early; he breakfasted in bed and then spent a peaceful morning in his chair reading the paper and watching TV. I took my cell phone with me and left Kenny instructions that if he needed me he was to call my cell phone. (Mind you, I was no more than 100 feet away at any time.) I planted my
vinca, periwinkle and alyssum in a wonderful round planter atop a 6X6 wooden post in the center of a round flower bed. Larry went to the beach to Costco and Sam's Club for me. (He is definitely Hyrtha's boy. He is a great shopper...he looks at every single item in the store.) He came home with some extra treasures but boy, was it worth it. I got to spend most of the morning outside in glorious weather. I came in to check on Papa several times and each time he would say,"Go on back outside. I am fine!" Precious man!
Tonight I had a night out. Casey and his family came to "Papa Sit". It was a treat for all three of us. Before I left, he said to me, "Ginny, you can get drunk tonight if you want to." (Well, I did have 3 glasses of wine but I could have walked home if I had to.) When we got home, guess what? At 8:00, he was in bed, waiting for me. We have had almost two weeks of wonderful days and fairly uneventful nights. We thank you all for your prayers for our well-being. Prayer works. We are evidence of that. In fact things have been so good that I may just update the blog every other day because otherwise, it seems like more of the same. If we have interesting days, of course , I will report it. If we have challenges, you can be sure that I will be online asking for your prayers. Have a great Sunday tomorrow.
vinca, periwinkle and alyssum in a wonderful round planter atop a 6X6 wooden post in the center of a round flower bed. Larry went to the beach to Costco and Sam's Club for me. (He is definitely Hyrtha's boy. He is a great shopper...he looks at every single item in the store.) He came home with some extra treasures but boy, was it worth it. I got to spend most of the morning outside in glorious weather. I came in to check on Papa several times and each time he would say,"Go on back outside. I am fine!" Precious man!
Tonight I had a night out. Casey and his family came to "Papa Sit". It was a treat for all three of us. Before I left, he said to me, "Ginny, you can get drunk tonight if you want to." (Well, I did have 3 glasses of wine but I could have walked home if I had to.) When we got home, guess what? At 8:00, he was in bed, waiting for me. We have had almost two weeks of wonderful days and fairly uneventful nights. We thank you all for your prayers for our well-being. Prayer works. We are evidence of that. In fact things have been so good that I may just update the blog every other day because otherwise, it seems like more of the same. If we have interesting days, of course , I will report it. If we have challenges, you can be sure that I will be online asking for your prayers. Have a great Sunday tomorrow.
Friday, April 17, 2009
I'm late, I'm late for a very important date. Hello, goodbye, not time to stop; I'm late, I'm late, I'm late!
I fell asleep last night at 8:30. It appears that Papa is not the only one who has difficulty with drugs. My doc prescribed a pain killer and a muscle relaxer for me to use just at night. Well, it was still heavily in my system late yesterday, as I slept almost all afternoon and ended up going to bed at 8:30 PM I asked Larry to blog for me last night - to no avail. Several folks let me know that I had not updated Hangtownred's blogspot. Apologies!
Yesterday was a good day but Kenny was really tired and we saw the same thing today. He decided today that one of the reasons is that he has not been taking his daily vitamins that he has been taking for the last 10 years. So beginning tomorrow morning, he will be back to his once a day vitamins. (Dr. Ginny has spoken.)
Today, he had lots of visitors - Jessie, Courtney and B-Man, Casey, Kim and Olivia (dressed for the eighth grade prom, what a beauty!) He did not get his nap so he went to bed at 7:00PM, much to my dismay. He finally found his jewelry box that I had Rose take in the "big house" for safe keeping and had forgotten. He spent a lot of time today going through it deciding what things he wanted to pass on to the kids. He then called them and told them that he wanted them to come by and look over the loot and take what they wanted.
If we can get Chad around here, maybe we can get rid of some of Kenny's shoes. He tells the story of having to wear his sister's "hand-me-down" shoes to school. He swore that when he grew up he would only wear nice shoes...well, let me tell you, he has some nice shoes, size 7. Each pair has a pair of shoe trees and they look like they have never been worn; he has certainly not worn them in 15 years. I ended up putting them all in a basket in an effort to find the jewelry box. Now if I can just find a place to store the 8mm films and slides and....this is a small house for three people to be living in most of the time.
The weather has been gorgeous lately. I would really like to take Kenny outside for
a walk tomorrow if he feels like it. I think the fresh air would be so good for him.
Courtney and I worked (actually I directed, Courtney worked!) in the yard planting azaleas and hydrangeas in some of the beds where my 72-year old azaleas died this past year. What a worker Courtney is! The back yard is beginning to look so much better. I would like to take Papa out to see what we have done; I think he will enjoy seeing all the flowers. Our little town has been lovely this spring. Y'all come to see it.
Yesterday was a good day but Kenny was really tired and we saw the same thing today. He decided today that one of the reasons is that he has not been taking his daily vitamins that he has been taking for the last 10 years. So beginning tomorrow morning, he will be back to his once a day vitamins. (Dr. Ginny has spoken.)
Today, he had lots of visitors - Jessie, Courtney and B-Man, Casey, Kim and Olivia (dressed for the eighth grade prom, what a beauty!) He did not get his nap so he went to bed at 7:00PM, much to my dismay. He finally found his jewelry box that I had Rose take in the "big house" for safe keeping and had forgotten. He spent a lot of time today going through it deciding what things he wanted to pass on to the kids. He then called them and told them that he wanted them to come by and look over the loot and take what they wanted.
If we can get Chad around here, maybe we can get rid of some of Kenny's shoes. He tells the story of having to wear his sister's "hand-me-down" shoes to school. He swore that when he grew up he would only wear nice shoes...well, let me tell you, he has some nice shoes, size 7. Each pair has a pair of shoe trees and they look like they have never been worn; he has certainly not worn them in 15 years. I ended up putting them all in a basket in an effort to find the jewelry box. Now if I can just find a place to store the 8mm films and slides and....this is a small house for three people to be living in most of the time.
The weather has been gorgeous lately. I would really like to take Kenny outside for
a walk tomorrow if he feels like it. I think the fresh air would be so good for him.
Courtney and I worked (actually I directed, Courtney worked!) in the yard planting azaleas and hydrangeas in some of the beds where my 72-year old azaleas died this past year. What a worker Courtney is! The back yard is beginning to look so much better. I would like to take Papa out to see what we have done; I think he will enjoy seeing all the flowers. Our little town has been lovely this spring. Y'all come to see it.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
I get weary and sick of tryin'; I'm tired of livin' and scared of dyin'....
Today was a different kind of day. First of all, Kenny has worried about me far more than about himself. Last evening after I finished "blogging", I fell asleep in the chair and when my phone alarm went off at midnight for the midnight Methadone, I evidently got up to quickly and my blood pressure took a nose dive; I lost my balance and began to fall into the table where my laptop is. I did not want to risk cracking the liquid crystal screen so I evidently tried to correct my fall and wrenched my right hip somehow. I have been in agony most of last night and a good part of today. He has worried himself sick about me. Plus I get the feeling that he has decided that the end may be near for him. He has been very tired most of today. He has also begun to fret about things that he has done in the past that he feels he needs to rectify...many of them things that really need no fixing...stands he took on principle that caused rifts between him and others, but also acts of selfishness on his part. He feels that Jesus won't forgive him until he does something. Jessie was around this morning for me to go to the MD and she did a wonderful job of talking to him about Jesus and grace. Please keep him in your prayers.
I am happy to report that he is seriously planning to go to my niece Rachel's wedding and be her granddaddy. I do hope that happens. It certainly gives him something to look forward to in the coming two weeks.
He was interested in all the Tea Parties going on across the country today. He said it was too bad he wasn't in Sacramento to attend that one. I can see it now!
Our children have been absolutely wonderful to their PaPa. They all take time to come sit with him and talk to him. Just today, Jessie, Casey and Courtney were over here spending time with him. We are the most fortunate of people; not only do we have wonderful friends, we have great kids too. God is good all the time. All the time, God is good!
I am happy to report that he is seriously planning to go to my niece Rachel's wedding and be her granddaddy. I do hope that happens. It certainly gives him something to look forward to in the coming two weeks.
He was interested in all the Tea Parties going on across the country today. He said it was too bad he wasn't in Sacramento to attend that one. I can see it now!
Our children have been absolutely wonderful to their PaPa. They all take time to come sit with him and talk to him. Just today, Jessie, Casey and Courtney were over here spending time with him. We are the most fortunate of people; not only do we have wonderful friends, we have great kids too. God is good all the time. All the time, God is good!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Though April showers may come my way, they bring the flowers that bloom in May...
Today, Papa and I kept waiting for the heavens to open up and pour rain...didn't happen; it only spritzed all day. I think that may be the best kind of rain, though - a slow gentle misting. We had a really good day again today. I will say that he was awake a few times last night, since he went to bed so early yesterday. Today, he asked Sherry, his nurse, if she thought he was sleeping too much, as he cut his eyes at me. Thank goodness she told him that it was not a good idea to go to bed really early because it meant that the effects of his sleeping meds would cease before time for him to arise. Same thing I told him...but as long as he listens to someone, that is what counts.
He is getting comfortable getting out of his bed and his chair into the wheelchair, which indicates to me that he is getting a little stronger. His mind is pretty good and he is again enjoying the newspaper. He still has an occasional challenge verbalising his thoughts, which is frustrating to him, but then I have that challenge sometimes and I am not 90.
We have discovered a great use for some of the "hundreds" of tee shirts that Larry has accumulated over the last 17 years. We split them up the back to within 3 inches of the neck and they make perfect shirts for him to wear. They are easily put on and taken off and are soft and comfortable - much better than those awful hospital gowns that leave you feeling a bit naked. I guess necessity is the mother of invention.
Our weather is getting warmer and warmer. It is truly Inlet weather; however, I do not think we will make it over there this year. The move would be just too complicated. Therefore, our summer will be very different this year. No ocean breezes, no pluff mud, no Great Blue herons and other sea birds. We will all miss it, I am sure. But that doesn't mean we aren't welcoming of visitors...especially visitors who can look after themselves. So, to quote Ellie Mae, "Y'all come, you heah?"
He is getting comfortable getting out of his bed and his chair into the wheelchair, which indicates to me that he is getting a little stronger. His mind is pretty good and he is again enjoying the newspaper. He still has an occasional challenge verbalising his thoughts, which is frustrating to him, but then I have that challenge sometimes and I am not 90.
We have discovered a great use for some of the "hundreds" of tee shirts that Larry has accumulated over the last 17 years. We split them up the back to within 3 inches of the neck and they make perfect shirts for him to wear. They are easily put on and taken off and are soft and comfortable - much better than those awful hospital gowns that leave you feeling a bit naked. I guess necessity is the mother of invention.
Our weather is getting warmer and warmer. It is truly Inlet weather; however, I do not think we will make it over there this year. The move would be just too complicated. Therefore, our summer will be very different this year. No ocean breezes, no pluff mud, no Great Blue herons and other sea birds. We will all miss it, I am sure. But that doesn't mean we aren't welcoming of visitors...especially visitors who can look after themselves. So, to quote Ellie Mae, "Y'all come, you heah?"
Monday, April 13, 2009
I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart...
Today was gray and gloomy outside but inside it was a great day. I think I am turning Papa into an early morning person. He was ready to get up at 7:15 AM, that is, until he found out it was 7:15, then he decided to sleep until 8:00. He sat up at 8:00 and ate a great breakfast, had his bath and went in to watch Regis & Kelly. He stayed up till after lunch, when he decided to take a nap. My dryer went on the blink and while I was drying clothes at my sister's and Larry was taking his siesta in the next room, Kenny decided to get up, put himself in the wheelchair and was "pedaling" his way back into the Carolina room when I caught him. Need I say more? He is coming along!
The only tough part of the day was when he decided that he would go to bed at 6:30 PM. Nothing we said would dissuade him. Now, at almost 1:00 AM he is awake and wondering if I forgot to give him his pills. I just told him to go to sleep and let me worry about the medicine. I have a feeling that this will be a sleepless night for me because when he goes to bed so early, he really doesn't sleep well and I think he likes company...me.
So many of you have written us or called us to wish us well this Easter. Thank you all so much. Your friendships are treasured more than you can imagine. God has richly blessed us with many caring friends; without you all, we would never have been able to carry on as we have. I believe that He sends his angels to care for us and many times they come in the guise of friends.
God bless all of you.
The only tough part of the day was when he decided that he would go to bed at 6:30 PM. Nothing we said would dissuade him. Now, at almost 1:00 AM he is awake and wondering if I forgot to give him his pills. I just told him to go to sleep and let me worry about the medicine. I have a feeling that this will be a sleepless night for me because when he goes to bed so early, he really doesn't sleep well and I think he likes company...me.
So many of you have written us or called us to wish us well this Easter. Thank you all so much. Your friendships are treasured more than you can imagine. God has richly blessed us with many caring friends; without you all, we would never have been able to carry on as we have. I believe that He sends his angels to care for us and many times they come in the guise of friends.
God bless all of you.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Oh, what a beautiful morning! Oh, what a beautiful day...
What a glorious day for all of us! For Kenny, it followed, more or less, the same course as yesterday. He awoke ready to get up and "get going". He was cheerful and pleasant all day long. Just after church, James and Judy Hunter, our friends from Danville, Virginia, dropped by to see him. He was thrilled and they were amazed. His memory and his talent for remembering names truly is a source of amazement.
The final day of the Masters Golf Tournament from Augusta was the focus of his attention for most of the day, with a few moments taken to check into the hostage rescue off the coast of Somalia. He stayed glued to the TV except for meals and he ate really well for all three meals today. He is a member of the "clean plate club" again today.
It is a joyous thing to experience the kindnesses of friends and loved ones. Today not only did we have visitors from church but the church also sent him one of the lilies that graced the altar this morning for the Easter eucharist. How blessed we are and what love we find in our friends and our community. God bless all of you.
The final day of the Masters Golf Tournament from Augusta was the focus of his attention for most of the day, with a few moments taken to check into the hostage rescue off the coast of Somalia. He stayed glued to the TV except for meals and he ate really well for all three meals today. He is a member of the "clean plate club" again today.
It is a joyous thing to experience the kindnesses of friends and loved ones. Today not only did we have visitors from church but the church also sent him one of the lilies that graced the altar this morning for the Easter eucharist. How blessed we are and what love we find in our friends and our community. God bless all of you.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
One day at a time, sweet Jesus, that's all I'm asking of you....
I am almost afraid to tell you how great today was. He went 5 hours and 45 minutes between pain meds last night. I almost got to sleep til 6:00 AM. and then at 8:00 he was ready to get up and eat breakfast. He spent almost the entire day in his chair or in the wheelchair watching the golf tournament - the Masters, of course. I went out early to see if I could find him some drawstring scrubs that would be easy to get on and off so he would be more comfortable when he has folks stop by. I was able to find 2 pair of petites - they're shorter. Now he is ready to go. This afternoon, my sister Margaret and her whole family visited, including my niece's "intended" (that's fiance to those of you not from the South!) Papa is looking forward to Rachel's wedding two weeks from today. At the rate he's going, he may be able to attend. Rachel asked him to be her granddaddy since she has none. Up to now we had thought he would be unable to go but who knows...
Tomorrow (actually today here) is Easter Sunday and it is almost as if we have witnessed a resurrection here. A month ago we really thought we were experiencing the beginning of the end. Once again, Kenny has surprised us...I am not sure why. I guess we keep forgetting that it is futile to anticipate God's timing. I think we have finally reached tohe point where we truly are living one day at a time and are thankful for each day that comes along with Kenny in our lives. At this point in the journey, the medication is working like a dream with few side effects. We realize that it will not always be so; at some point his pain level will ratchet up and we will have to increase the medicine too but for now, we're grateful for the success we have had. Thank you all for your support, your comments either here or on email and for your cards as well. God bless all of you. Happy Easter. Alleluia, Christ is risen! The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Tomorrow (actually today here) is Easter Sunday and it is almost as if we have witnessed a resurrection here. A month ago we really thought we were experiencing the beginning of the end. Once again, Kenny has surprised us...I am not sure why. I guess we keep forgetting that it is futile to anticipate God's timing. I think we have finally reached tohe point where we truly are living one day at a time and are thankful for each day that comes along with Kenny in our lives. At this point in the journey, the medication is working like a dream with few side effects. We realize that it will not always be so; at some point his pain level will ratchet up and we will have to increase the medicine too but for now, we're grateful for the success we have had. Thank you all for your support, your comments either here or on email and for your cards as well. God bless all of you. Happy Easter. Alleluia, Christ is risen! The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Friday, April 10, 2009
Here comes Peter Cottontail, hopping down the bunny trail...
What a great day we had today! Kenny has felt really well and, taking the advice of Sherry, his nurse, we took him out for a ride this afternoon. We went to Costco where he got a sundae and watched part of the Masters Golf Tournament while I did a spot of shopping. I think he enjoyed getting out. We also took him for a "tour" of Lakeside Cemetary so he could see the azalea that Larry bought to put on Nanny's grave. It was in full bloom along with the rest of the azaleas there. We then brought him home to watch the rest of the second day of the Masters.
He ate three good meals and was in really good spirits all day. I hope that tomorrow will be the same. He does love to watch golf on the TV and tomorrow promises to be a good day for that.
Our weather here is just gorgeous. Perfect Easter weather. We wish for each of you a happy and holy Easter.
He ate three good meals and was in really good spirits all day. I hope that tomorrow will be the same. He does love to watch golf on the TV and tomorrow promises to be a good day for that.
Our weather here is just gorgeous. Perfect Easter weather. We wish for each of you a happy and holy Easter.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Three steps forward and two steps back...
Today we are back to last week. Kenny was agitated and frustrated today. He was constantly pulling at things, balling up the blanket or sheet, constantly trying to get out of the chair, out of the bed, out of the wheel chair, go to toilet. He was in a state of confusion most of the day. He had touble remembering what he wanted to say, what he wanted to do. I think it is a response to the pain medication. He went to bed at 3 PM and got furious with me because I would not give him his evening meds at that time. He wanted his sleeping pills and I would not give them to him. I told him that if he took them then, he would be awake in the middle of the night. I will say that the pain has stayed at bay so the dosage of Methadone seems to be right; however, I think that he has a low tolerance level for narcotics after so many days.
He still has tenderness in his belly and that is a constant. He is also re-experiencing tenderness in his feet and toes. He cannot stand having the sheets touch his feet so we have to keep the covers on the bed tented over his feet. I feel like we are losing ground. I try not to be discouraged, but it seems that for every good day we have, we experience three that are not so good, I guess this is to be expected. On the positive side, he ate fairly well today. He cleaned his plate at supper which is very unusual. Breakfast is usually the best meal of the day for him, but not today.
We are grateful for every day we have with him, good or bad. He is getting tired of the ups and downs that he is experiencing day in and day out. Please pray that we can keep him happy and content for however long he has left and that we will be able to maintain our patience. It is so difficult sometimes to remember that he cannot help the rebellion that we sometimes have to cope with. Please pray especially for Larry that he will be able to cope with all of the different stages that we seem to go through. Thanks for all your support.
He still has tenderness in his belly and that is a constant. He is also re-experiencing tenderness in his feet and toes. He cannot stand having the sheets touch his feet so we have to keep the covers on the bed tented over his feet. I feel like we are losing ground. I try not to be discouraged, but it seems that for every good day we have, we experience three that are not so good, I guess this is to be expected. On the positive side, he ate fairly well today. He cleaned his plate at supper which is very unusual. Breakfast is usually the best meal of the day for him, but not today.
We are grateful for every day we have with him, good or bad. He is getting tired of the ups and downs that he is experiencing day in and day out. Please pray that we can keep him happy and content for however long he has left and that we will be able to maintain our patience. It is so difficult sometimes to remember that he cannot help the rebellion that we sometimes have to cope with. Please pray especially for Larry that he will be able to cope with all of the different stages that we seem to go through. Thanks for all your support.
Same song, fourth verse?
Today we are beginning to see the effects of the narcotics again. Kenny was really agitated and "fractious" today. He was constantly trying to get out of his chair, get in his bed, get in the wheelchair, go to the toilet...all of the things that he realized yesterday he could not do. Today he was argumentative and difficult. He could not seem to remember that he was wearing disposible briefs and he was constantly worried about getting to the toilet.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Zippity do dah, zippety ay, my oh my, what a wonderful day..
I am happy to report that my medical research is coming along. We think we have found the proper dosage and the proper dosing frequency...however, the bladder cancer may be rearing its ugly head. As I mentioned last night, Kenny is encountering some pain in his gut and after talking to his physician this evening, he and I are both beginning to think that this may be associated with the cancer because the kidneys and bladder are working very well. So although I may have determined the correct dose of meds, we may now need to increase it if this pain persists and/or gets worse.
Today was a really good day. In fact, he and Larry had eggs, bacon and hash browns (home made, please!) for breakfast and they both decided that when all this is over, I can get a job at the Waffle House ( in the event that a career in medical research falls through. ) He was alert and able to read the paper and watch the television all day. He is spending most of the day in his chair now. I hope that will continue for a while yet. This morning Tammy brought some wet/dry shampoo and washed his hair when she bathed him. My goodness, his beautiful white hair just looks great. It is about time for Savannah to come around and fix it for him. A couple of summers ago, he was in the hospital and had not had a haircut in a while; SJ (Savannah) came up and gave him a coiffure - with a ponytail no less. He really felt pretty good most of the day with the exception of this throbbing pain in the left side of his belly. He loves the old movies and this morning we watched a couple of Ginger Rogers movies and he was able to identify so many of the older stars for me..Zazu Pitts, for one. He may be physically old but his mind is still young and I had such a good time asking him, "Now who is that?" He knew them all.
We just had the last gasp of winter last night - down to 40 degrees and then today was just gorgeous - in the upper 70s and tomorrow promises more of the same. I do hope we have a pretty Easter this year. As we prepare for Easter, our thoughts and prayers are with all of you who have been so generous with your love and prayers on our behalf. We love and appreciate each of you.
Today was a really good day. In fact, he and Larry had eggs, bacon and hash browns (home made, please!) for breakfast and they both decided that when all this is over, I can get a job at the Waffle House ( in the event that a career in medical research falls through. ) He was alert and able to read the paper and watch the television all day. He is spending most of the day in his chair now. I hope that will continue for a while yet. This morning Tammy brought some wet/dry shampoo and washed his hair when she bathed him. My goodness, his beautiful white hair just looks great. It is about time for Savannah to come around and fix it for him. A couple of summers ago, he was in the hospital and had not had a haircut in a while; SJ (Savannah) came up and gave him a coiffure - with a ponytail no less. He really felt pretty good most of the day with the exception of this throbbing pain in the left side of his belly. He loves the old movies and this morning we watched a couple of Ginger Rogers movies and he was able to identify so many of the older stars for me..Zazu Pitts, for one. He may be physically old but his mind is still young and I had such a good time asking him, "Now who is that?" He knew them all.
We just had the last gasp of winter last night - down to 40 degrees and then today was just gorgeous - in the upper 70s and tomorrow promises more of the same. I do hope we have a pretty Easter this year. As we prepare for Easter, our thoughts and prayers are with all of you who have been so generous with your love and prayers on our behalf. We love and appreciate each of you.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
The sweet smell of success....
I am happy to report that my medical research project is coming along a little better today than yesterday. Today was a much calmer and pleasant day. Papa kept apologizing for yesterday, as if it were his fault. He realized that something was not right but could not seem to alter his behavior. We began giving him 1cc of Methadone every four hours this morning at 8:00 and continued at four hour intervals until I put him to bed at 8:00 PM. At midnight we plan to give him a little bigger dose and see where it takes us. I am hoping that he will sleep through the night. He was just about back to "normal" today.
Some of you had questioned why we were giving him Methadone. I will digress and give a little of our "narcotic" history. As many of you may remember, Kenny fell and fractured five ribs on December 21, a little over 24 hours after his release from the hospital after a week of bladder and kidney procedures. As a result of that extremely painful injury, he ended up on Oxycontin for the pain - one of reasons being that it could be given just twice a day. It worked beautifully for about 10 days and then he developed an opiate toxicity to the drug, so the docs decided to try Oxyfast which is a liquid Oxycodone. He still had some of the same symptoms so I decided to put him on Rapid Release Extra Strength Tylenol during the day and only use the narcotic at night. After another two days, I went to only the Tylenol and it worked very well. After this last hospital stay, during which many different pain relievers were tried, the Methadone was the best one for relief of pain and with the fewest side effects. When we came home, I used the Methadone only when he was in severe pain. The rest of the time we kept him on the Tylenol.
We went to the Methadone entirely last week when nothing else would touch the back and knee pain that he was experiencing. We have learned that all of these narcotics really wreak havoc on the elderly and their state of mind. We have spoken jokingly of our "drug" adventures with Kenny, but it has become more than just a few mental mistakes but rather, delusional episodes that are difficult for us to play along with, not knowing where he is coming from. He then gets upset with us because he realizes that we are clueless. Today he was well aware that yesterday he was "in left field" most of the day and that disturbed him. I am so hopeful that we will finally be able to keep him on an even keel for a while. But I did say last week that usually it is three steps forward and one or two steps back, so I may be expecting too much of him and of myself. This is definitely uncharted territory for us. Even with just 1cc of Methadone, Kenny has trouble expressing himself sometimes. His mind wanders and it frustrates him immensely when he cannot organize his thoughts well enough to get his points across. His body may be ancient but his mind is not and it is so hard for him when it acts like it's old.
Tonight at supper, he began to have discomfort in his gut immediately after eating. The discomfort was so acute that he simply stopped eating and drinking. This is similar to the episodes he was having that led to the discovery of the bladder cancer. The right kidney was so enlarged that it was impeding the eating process because it was pressing against the stomach, I think. Anyway, it was causing a similar kind of pain to the one he experienced tonight. Please pray that this is not the same thing. We really do not want to have to hospitalize him again. As his physician says, "People get sicker in the hospital." And we can do without that. I have to admit that after being a Pollyanna all of my life, I am beginning to change, always waiting for the other shoe to drop. (Or have I been influenced by the soaps that I do not watch? Usually a simple cough turns into pneumonia for the character in the show.)
I cannot tell you all how much we appreciate all of your input. If you prefer to email Larry or me you may do so rather than commenting on the blogspot. We are so grateful for your friendship and for your love and concern for Kenny. He has loved the cards. Keep them coming. God bless you all.
Some of you had questioned why we were giving him Methadone. I will digress and give a little of our "narcotic" history. As many of you may remember, Kenny fell and fractured five ribs on December 21, a little over 24 hours after his release from the hospital after a week of bladder and kidney procedures. As a result of that extremely painful injury, he ended up on Oxycontin for the pain - one of reasons being that it could be given just twice a day. It worked beautifully for about 10 days and then he developed an opiate toxicity to the drug, so the docs decided to try Oxyfast which is a liquid Oxycodone. He still had some of the same symptoms so I decided to put him on Rapid Release Extra Strength Tylenol during the day and only use the narcotic at night. After another two days, I went to only the Tylenol and it worked very well. After this last hospital stay, during which many different pain relievers were tried, the Methadone was the best one for relief of pain and with the fewest side effects. When we came home, I used the Methadone only when he was in severe pain. The rest of the time we kept him on the Tylenol.
We went to the Methadone entirely last week when nothing else would touch the back and knee pain that he was experiencing. We have learned that all of these narcotics really wreak havoc on the elderly and their state of mind. We have spoken jokingly of our "drug" adventures with Kenny, but it has become more than just a few mental mistakes but rather, delusional episodes that are difficult for us to play along with, not knowing where he is coming from. He then gets upset with us because he realizes that we are clueless. Today he was well aware that yesterday he was "in left field" most of the day and that disturbed him. I am so hopeful that we will finally be able to keep him on an even keel for a while. But I did say last week that usually it is three steps forward and one or two steps back, so I may be expecting too much of him and of myself. This is definitely uncharted territory for us. Even with just 1cc of Methadone, Kenny has trouble expressing himself sometimes. His mind wanders and it frustrates him immensely when he cannot organize his thoughts well enough to get his points across. His body may be ancient but his mind is not and it is so hard for him when it acts like it's old.
Tonight at supper, he began to have discomfort in his gut immediately after eating. The discomfort was so acute that he simply stopped eating and drinking. This is similar to the episodes he was having that led to the discovery of the bladder cancer. The right kidney was so enlarged that it was impeding the eating process because it was pressing against the stomach, I think. Anyway, it was causing a similar kind of pain to the one he experienced tonight. Please pray that this is not the same thing. We really do not want to have to hospitalize him again. As his physician says, "People get sicker in the hospital." And we can do without that. I have to admit that after being a Pollyanna all of my life, I am beginning to change, always waiting for the other shoe to drop. (Or have I been influenced by the soaps that I do not watch? Usually a simple cough turns into pneumonia for the character in the show.)
I cannot tell you all how much we appreciate all of your input. If you prefer to email Larry or me you may do so rather than commenting on the blogspot. We are so grateful for your friendship and for your love and concern for Kenny. He has loved the cards. Keep them coming. God bless you all.
Monday, April 6, 2009
One flew over the cuckoo's nest has nothing on us...
Oh my friends! Larry and I feel like we have moved to Bull Street (where the SC Mental Hospital is located in Columbia.) What we thought might be the solution to the meds challenge solved nothing. Kenny demanded that he be taken to his bed to perform all of his "body functions" today...like an idiot, I took him 6 times. He decided that there was too much tubing with his oxygen aparatus and was hell-bent on clamping the tube. Larry grew weary of trying to explain that if he clamped it, the oxygen would not flow. We finally just took it off of him. We need to find some busy stuff for him to do with his hands. We finally had to stop using the disposable bed pads because he tore them up during the night, picking at them and at his disposable briefs.
He really had trouble with reality today. He kept having the conversations with himself and then asking me questions pertaining to the subject of said conversation and about the other people involved. I told Larry he would have to take over this afternoon. I needed to brave the wind to go to Lowe's for potting soil. By the time I got home, Larry was firmly esconsed in my world and not liking it much.
So...we go to plan B with the Methadone. And if that doesn't work, I am considering a return to Rapid Release Extra Strength Tylenol for a while. If he were bed-ridden, it would not be so bad, but he isn't and he wants and needs to be up for a good bit of the day. Please keep praying that we will find the combination that will allow him to have a decent quality of life for a while longer.
Also pray that Larry and I will muster more patience in dealing with him on days like today. We realize that he cannot help how he is responding to the medications, but it really does tax our
patience and we truly have to dig deep to meet the challenge of the situation.
God bless each of you for you love and your prayers.
He really had trouble with reality today. He kept having the conversations with himself and then asking me questions pertaining to the subject of said conversation and about the other people involved. I told Larry he would have to take over this afternoon. I needed to brave the wind to go to Lowe's for potting soil. By the time I got home, Larry was firmly esconsed in my world and not liking it much.
So...we go to plan B with the Methadone. And if that doesn't work, I am considering a return to Rapid Release Extra Strength Tylenol for a while. If he were bed-ridden, it would not be so bad, but he isn't and he wants and needs to be up for a good bit of the day. Please keep praying that we will find the combination that will allow him to have a decent quality of life for a while longer.
Also pray that Larry and I will muster more patience in dealing with him on days like today. We realize that he cannot help how he is responding to the medications, but it really does tax our
patience and we truly have to dig deep to meet the challenge of the situation.
God bless each of you for you love and your prayers.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Beautiful dreamer...
Kenny slept like a log last night...and therefore, so did I. I think we are close to finding the right combination of dosage and frequency for the meds. I tried a little different dosage today and it's affect was of shorter duration that we wanted so we tweaked it a bit this afternoon and it looks like it will work a little better. We all like the methidone as a pain reliever but it still tends to make him a little unsteady and "fuzzy" thinking and talking; however, it is by far the best one we have tried since the first part of December. He still has a difficult time distinguishing reality from his dreams which makes for some very interesting conversations around here.
Our weather has been sunny and warm; it has made a huge difference in how he feels. He has been so cold, due to his poor circulation, but the last few days he has actually requested that the fan be turned on. Also, when the nurse was here yesterday, it was very warm in the Carolina Room. She commented to him that when the room (or the weather) is extremely warm, it sometimes makes it more difficult to breathe. I think he took those words to heart, which makes things a bit more tolerable - temperature wise, at least. Today he stayed up from 9:00 this morning until 6:00 this afternoon; I expect he will really sleep well tonight. I can remember as a young mother I found that if I could keep my children up and playing, especially outside, they slept wonderfully at night. We are finding the same is true with Papa. He enjoyed watching all the sports events today, especially the golf. Today they watched Kristy McPherson play. She is a Conway High School graduate who played on the boys golf team in high School. She went on to graduate from USC (the original one, founded in 1801.) She led most of the day and ended up in second. That was exciting for both Kenny and Larry. He and Larry watched the tube and slept and watched the tube and slept, as did the pups. It was a very good day. Thanks for your prayers.
Our weather has been sunny and warm; it has made a huge difference in how he feels. He has been so cold, due to his poor circulation, but the last few days he has actually requested that the fan be turned on. Also, when the nurse was here yesterday, it was very warm in the Carolina Room. She commented to him that when the room (or the weather) is extremely warm, it sometimes makes it more difficult to breathe. I think he took those words to heart, which makes things a bit more tolerable - temperature wise, at least. Today he stayed up from 9:00 this morning until 6:00 this afternoon; I expect he will really sleep well tonight. I can remember as a young mother I found that if I could keep my children up and playing, especially outside, they slept wonderfully at night. We are finding the same is true with Papa. He enjoyed watching all the sports events today, especially the golf. Today they watched Kristy McPherson play. She is a Conway High School graduate who played on the boys golf team in high School. She went on to graduate from USC (the original one, founded in 1801.) She led most of the day and ended up in second. That was exciting for both Kenny and Larry. He and Larry watched the tube and slept and watched the tube and slept, as did the pups. It was a very good day. Thanks for your prayers.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Same Song, Second Verse
We have had a couple of difficult days. Thank heavens that we finally have been able to aleviate most of the back pain...at some cost, I might add. Neither Kenny nor I got any sleep Thursday night. In fact, I had a meltdown about 4:00 AM. Poor Papa. He was such a dear, when he realized how upset I was. He tried to apologize to me when I was the one who needed to apologize. The upshot of the incident was that, at 4 AM, I sent the physician an email telling him that we needed a new plan for pain. At 8 AM, I called our Hospice nurse and told her the same thing. (She had witnessed some of the pain on Thursday.) We were finally able to get some help with the meds. Now we take twice the amount of Methidone - he was on a low dose initially. Today, he was extremely disoriented all day, more than likely due to the opiate.
This morning early, we had an oxygen scare. He got a little winded getting himself into the wheelchair to go into the bathroom to brush his teeth and comb his beautiful white hair. By the time he was in his recliner, he was in full panic mode due to some shortness of breath which was exacerbated by his anxiety. We hooked him up to the oxygen and upped the concentration which helped his actual condition but it took hours to calm him down. He is very difficult to distract in times like that. We are fearful that his congestive heart failure is worsening. It looks like his Lasix is not as effective as it has been in the past so we have discontinued it and substituted Bumex, which I assume is anothe diuretic. We also have some Lorazepam to help with the breathlessness and also the anxiety. (Before long I am really going to speak "medicine" fluently.) He has eaten little today and went to bed at 6PM so I am hoping that tomorrow will find him more clear headed and hungry. Dr. Sasser has given me a little latitude in dosing him with the Methidone. We know that 1 cc every 4 hours is too little and 2ccs every 4 hours may be too much so we are experimenting with both the dosage and the interval between doses to see what keeps the pain at bay but still allows him some lucidity (is that a word?) Anyway, I am not only a caregiver but can now qualify to run an experimental medical lab. I am not sure that Kenny would relish knowing that he is my guinea pig.
however.
At the present time, Kenny is on oxygen again and Larry and I have a better grasp of what needs to be done should the situation arise again. Please keep all of us in your prayers - that we are able to find the best combination of dosage and frequency that will allow him to maintain the optimum quality of life for as long as possible. Thank you all for keeping us in your hearts, your thoughts and your prayers. We wish for all of you a pleasant Palm Sunday tomorrow and a blessed Holy Week, this coming week. I always look forward to Holy Week and especially Good Friday; they make Easter so much more meaningful. I hope I will have better news for you tomorrow. God bless!
This morning early, we had an oxygen scare. He got a little winded getting himself into the wheelchair to go into the bathroom to brush his teeth and comb his beautiful white hair. By the time he was in his recliner, he was in full panic mode due to some shortness of breath which was exacerbated by his anxiety. We hooked him up to the oxygen and upped the concentration which helped his actual condition but it took hours to calm him down. He is very difficult to distract in times like that. We are fearful that his congestive heart failure is worsening. It looks like his Lasix is not as effective as it has been in the past so we have discontinued it and substituted Bumex, which I assume is anothe diuretic. We also have some Lorazepam to help with the breathlessness and also the anxiety. (Before long I am really going to speak "medicine" fluently.) He has eaten little today and went to bed at 6PM so I am hoping that tomorrow will find him more clear headed and hungry. Dr. Sasser has given me a little latitude in dosing him with the Methidone. We know that 1 cc every 4 hours is too little and 2ccs every 4 hours may be too much so we are experimenting with both the dosage and the interval between doses to see what keeps the pain at bay but still allows him some lucidity (is that a word?) Anyway, I am not only a caregiver but can now qualify to run an experimental medical lab. I am not sure that Kenny would relish knowing that he is my guinea pig.
however.
At the present time, Kenny is on oxygen again and Larry and I have a better grasp of what needs to be done should the situation arise again. Please keep all of us in your prayers - that we are able to find the best combination of dosage and frequency that will allow him to maintain the optimum quality of life for as long as possible. Thank you all for keeping us in your hearts, your thoughts and your prayers. We wish for all of you a pleasant Palm Sunday tomorrow and a blessed Holy Week, this coming week. I always look forward to Holy Week and especially Good Friday; they make Easter so much more meaningful. I hope I will have better news for you tomorrow. God bless!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Nobody knows the trouble I've seen...
Whoa, friends. We have had a rather stessful and tiring two days. Kenny has been in a lot of pain, none of which seems to be associated with the bladder - kidney challenges. He has been having discomfort in his lower back and right hip and thigh...similar to sciatica, I think. Yesterday it really became painful and today almost intolerable. He is the most thoughtful, gentle, mannerly gentleman you would ever want to deal with...until he feels bad. Then, like the rest of us, he can become not only demanding but rude and hateful to boot. That is where we were yesterday, and today, he has commanded all of my attention the entire day. He is so uncomfortable and we have tried every possible position in the bed and out. He left his chair and went to bed three times today only to decide ten minutes later that he could not stay there. He is a member of the instant generation too. He expects his meds to kick in immediately. Even the Rapid Release is not instant, so he has been asking for pain killers every 30 minutes and I feel so mean not giving it too him. I can sympathize with him. In the 90's I had a low back challenge that would not allow me to sleep more than 3 hours a night in bed. I would get up and doze in the recliner for the rest of the night. I never did find a pain med that really helped without absolutely knocking me out. If any of you out there have any practical suggestions, we would welcome them.
While he has had some rough days, he has had some good moments. He has a number of women who adore him. Does that sound familiar? They have popped in to check on him occasionally and that seems to perk him up a bit. My niece is getting married in three weeks and he asked me yesterday if Rachel still wanted him to be her grandfather. I told him that she absolutely did. He said, "Well, if I'm feeling better, I'll be able to go to the wedding in my wheelchair, won't I?" With bells on, if need be!
It is so frustrating for Larry and for me to try to deal with Papa when he is like this, because there is no reasoning with him. It took me three hours to balance one month's bank statement today because he kept needing me to do something for him. (Doesn't say much for my skills either, I guess.) I should not complain because for a couple of years we have been after him to let us do some of the things that he needs done because it was so difficult for him. Now, he has finally capitulated and here I am bitchin' about it. Not good, Ginny! Anyway, we have had a pretty easy time until this last day or two. I am so sorry this has not been a more positive posting. Let's all pray the tommow will be a better day for all of us.
God bless all of you faithful friends...
While he has had some rough days, he has had some good moments. He has a number of women who adore him. Does that sound familiar? They have popped in to check on him occasionally and that seems to perk him up a bit. My niece is getting married in three weeks and he asked me yesterday if Rachel still wanted him to be her grandfather. I told him that she absolutely did. He said, "Well, if I'm feeling better, I'll be able to go to the wedding in my wheelchair, won't I?" With bells on, if need be!
It is so frustrating for Larry and for me to try to deal with Papa when he is like this, because there is no reasoning with him. It took me three hours to balance one month's bank statement today because he kept needing me to do something for him. (Doesn't say much for my skills either, I guess.) I should not complain because for a couple of years we have been after him to let us do some of the things that he needs done because it was so difficult for him. Now, he has finally capitulated and here I am bitchin' about it. Not good, Ginny! Anyway, we have had a pretty easy time until this last day or two. I am so sorry this has not been a more positive posting. Let's all pray the tommow will be a better day for all of us.
God bless all of you faithful friends...
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