My sisters’ came and stayed for the long weekend. While they were here, they cooked, shopped, did laundry, took care of mom, visited dad, and I’m sure more things that I don’t even realize. They were a huge support and I feel very blessed that they live close and that they were willing to take the time to be here.
I Found God today in my sisters.
I was able to have a good conversation with the doctor today about my dad’s stroke. He had a Hemorrhagic stroke – a blood vessel in his brain ruptured. But in the emergency room, they were able to give him a medication that stopped the bleeding. There is still a pool of blood in his brain that will take at least 6 weeks to be absorbed in his body. But, the doctor said that people who have this type of stroke recover better than those with a blood clot causing a blockage – which is what my mom experienced 4 years ago. He said that is why we continue to see small improvements in my dad every day, which we certainly have seen. It’s nothing short of miraculous to me. He said they are continuing to tweak the blood pressure medication, but not to worry – they will have it fine tuned before he leaves. The doctor’s last name is Kelly. My dad thought about this all day yesterday and was prepared to talk with him about his Irish background, which he did. This doctor is so gentle, knowledgeable, calm, patient, and pleasant. I don’t think I have ever encountered anyone quite like him.
I Found God today in my dad’s doctor.
This morning I was shocked to receive a phone call from my dad in rehab. His first concern was if I was talking with the staff there about his medication. He wasn’t quite sure what they were giving him and it was different from what he usually takes. I assured him that I have been speaking with the doctors and nurses and staying informed. He then wanted to know when I was coming. My mom was more than exhausted this morning, but I promised my dad I would get there as soon as I could. Both my sisters came to the house, so I was able to go and spend a good long time with my dad. I talked with the doctor and was with my dad as he did physical therapy. He has improved so much even since yesterday. There is much work to be done and he seems willing to do it. Today is also my sister’s 60th birthday, so later this evening, we brought pizza and cake to the rehab to celebrate with my dad. Even though he said he really just wanted to sleep, we got him up for the festivities. He conversed, laughed, and told stories. There was a piano in the room, so my mom played while we all sang “Happy Birthday”. We got my brother on Facetime for a while until my dad had enough. We were all so happy to see my dad making improvements.
I Found God today in the improvements my dad is making.
Today was my dad’s first full day of therapies. He had physical therapy for an hour in the morning and when my mom and I arrived, he had started his hour of speech therapy which includes cognition. The therapist was giving him a big test to get an idea of what areas needed the most improvement. Not surprising, he answered all the math problems immediately. I could see him trying so hard to work things out and remember things. Some of his answers were very creative. By the time he was done with that hour, he was exhausted. My mom and I were exhausted just listening to it. We let him sleep and went home to nap ourselves. I went back to the rehab in the afternoon with my son. By that time, my dad had spent another hour in occupational therapy that works on every day skills. We found him fast asleep. The nurse was in the next bed and said she was glad to see us and perhaps we could help wake him to take some medication. I guess she tried with not much success. We were able to rouse him enough for the nurse to do her thing, to chat a little, and for him to sip the Starbucks that my son brought him. I noticed he had on his pajamas that we brought him and that his hair was soft and clean. I asked him about that and he told me how people helped him wash and get his pj’s on. After seeing him very confused the past couple of days, I was glad he was able to recall to me what he actually did this afternoon.
I Found God today grateful for my dad’s beautiful mind.
In this morning prayers, I asked God for peace for my dad. On the way to the hospital in the car, my mom said the sweetest prayer also asking for peace of mind for my dad. When we got to his room, he was asleep. I noticed that he had a belt on and found the nurse to ask about it. She reported that during the night my dad was confused and kept trying to get out of bed on his own. He can’t bear his weight, so for safety he had a belt on connected to the bed. I was wondering what he would be like when he woke up. After a while, the nurse came in to check his vitals and woke him up. We were so glad to see him smile and say hello. He was pleasant and cooperative the whole time we were there. At home, I received phone calls and messages from so many people who are praying for my dad. Later in the day, he was moved to the rehab facility which is actually connected to the hospital, just up 2 floors. My mom and I headed back to bring him some things and to see how he was settling in. We prayed some more, thanking God for the good morning and continuing to ask for peace. My dad took the transition fairly well. He knew where he was and really trying hard to get things straight in his head. He was weary when we left and so were my mom and I. I think we shall all sleep well tonight.
I Found God today in so many prayers and peace for my dad.
It was a very tough day today. My dad is doing better physically, so was transferred out of the ICU last night. When we arrived in the room, I pointed out how wonderful it was, said good night and went home. When my mom and I arrived this morning, my dad was upset. He was confused about where he was and why he has to be there. He just wants to go home. It was a difficult day. When I left for a while, my sister stayed and let me know what he was saying. On the drive back, I prayed about how to talk with him. When I walked in his room, he questioned me as expected about why he couldn’t go home. I told him I loved him and would care for him if I could, but they were able to care for him better at the hospital. I told him I knew it was very hard for him and that I was sorry, but everyone wants him to get better and stronger so he can come home safely. That seemed to settle him for a bit. It felt like the right thing to say and I was glad it was received as well as could be.
I Found God today finding words to say to my dad.
I had quite a surprise this morning when I arrived at the hospital. My dad was sitting up awake and eating breakfast. He smiled when he saw me and said he was just thinking about me and wondering where I was. It was a huge improvement from yesterday. He will still have a recovery ahead of him. But he told me, “I will be ok.” And I think he will.
I Found God today in a huge improvement in my dad.
When I got to the hospital this morning, I found my dad sleeping…and sleeping and sleeping. He was having a difficult time waking up and staying awake. The doctors are doing more testing to see if there’s anything else going on. In the afternoon, my mom and I went home to nap. My sister stayed at the hospital and called to report that my dad actually woke up for a while, ate a little, and talked a little. When my mom and I went back to the hospital, my dad was back asleep. Just as we were planning on leaving, the nurse was able to wake him again. He wasn’t completely coherant, but was happy to have my mom fed him some applesauce. When he fell asleep again, we were able to leave on a positive note.
I Found God today able to leave the hospital somewhat encouraged.
Thanking God my sister is here! During the night – 1:00 am – she heard a thud and woke me up. We went upstairs and found dad on the bedroom floor. He said he felt weak, his legs gave way, and he collapsed. He couldn’t get back up. We called 911 and got him to the hospital where they found a brain bleed. He was losing some strength on the left side of his body, but conscious, aware, and answering all the questions. They started giving him the appropriate medication right away. During the day he was visited by all kinds of specialists. His favorite doctor came by and encouraged him even though he didn’t need to be there. A Eucharistic minister also came by. I was able to receive Communion and we prayed for my dad while he slept. All in all he is doing pretty good. We are grateful for a quick diagnosis, speedy treatment, caring professionals, and the ability to receive Jesus and know that He is present here.
I Found God today in many blessings during a difficult day.
One of the things they reiterate in all my caregiving lessons is how important it is to take care of yourself so you have the energy and stamina to care for your loved ones. Today my sister came to stay the weekend. So this afternoon, I went to the gym and learned a new workout program, got a massage, and did some shopping. It was wonderful to have a few hours to myself while knowing my parents were in good hands.
I Found God today taking a few hours for myself.
Still Finding God 