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New Perspective

Posted by eph21920 on January 24, 2020 in Answer, Family, Healing, Sick

My dad has about 2 weeks left to go in the rehab facility and let’s just say he’s not thrilled about it. He has made amazing progress during the past week and the therapists feel confident that they can help him get to a higher level. We see both physical and mental improvement each day. The therapists, doctor, and nurses explain that they want him to go home safe and strong. But my dad just wants to go home, which I completely understand. We were able to have a little heart to heart talk today as I told him how far he has already come and less than 2 weeks ago, we couldn’t even get him to wake up. He wanted to know more about that, so I slowly recounted the events of the past 2 weeks. He listened carefully and asked questions. He didn’t remember most of that time and didn’t realize that he was in such a bad way. At lunch we sat in the dining room. Another man was there who had his leg amputated. We met him before and he likes to talk to whoever will listen. He said they added another week onto his stay and wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or not. I told him my dad can understand that. He said he has been in many hospitals and rehabs and that this place was the best – the staff is great and so attentive. He said he knows you need to take advantage of the therapy you get while you’re in there as when you get home, you’re basically on your own. My dad smiled and shook his head. With all he heard today, he said he now had a different perspective on the whole thing.

I Found God today in a new perspective.

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Rehab Workers

Posted by eph21920 on January 23, 2020 in Family, Grateful, Healing, Job, Patience, Struggles

I think that it takes a special kind of person to be a therapist, nurse, CNA or any other medical worker in a rehabilitation facility. Today and every day, they are right there ready to help my dad with anything he needs or wants. They work with him patiently and lovingly, offering encouragement at every step. They help him with all his personal hygiene. They transport him to where he wants to go. They make sure he is eating good food. They bring him warm blankets at night. The list goes on. And they do this job for countless other people day after day with a smile on their face. Furthermore, as they work with people to help them get to their highest level of function, they are not necessarily met with appreciation. I do believe they are amazing people and I am very grateful for them all.

I Found God today in the wonderful people working with my dad.

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Blessing of Neighbors

Posted by eph21920 on January 22, 2020 in Friends, Grateful, Prayer

The little complex here where my parents live started a prayer group. They have been praying for my dad and family since the stroke. This afternoon we found a card left by a neighbor and brought it to my dad. Tonight we listened to a voice mail left by a neighbor on the phone to just let us know that she was praying for us and loved us. These small things are so uplifting.

I Found God today in the blessing of neighbors.

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Staying Positive

Posted by eph21920 on January 21, 2020 in Answer, Doctor, Family, Healing, Home, Hope

Before I left visiting my dad this afternoon, the case worker stopped me to discuss discharge. She said she had been on vacation and just had a meeting with his team to review. They feel it would be best for him to stay longer than initially thought and has insurance authorization. I thought it sounded good, but I knew my dad would not. We both then went in to talk with him. She was great and presented it as they have the highest level of rehab available and he can stay longer than was first thought. Dad’s face dropped. She said no one stays against their will – she can set him up with therapies at home, but they are able to do more for him there. When she left, he said “I just want to go home!” I said I knew and everyone wants him to go home, but safely – we don’t want him to go too soon and then fall or something and now is back in the hospital. When we went back for dinner with him, he told my brother and mom that they want him to stay a few extra days to get stronger so nothing bad happens when he goes home. He said that made sense and was more positive about it than we anticipated. Another miracle moment.

I Found God today in my dad’s positive attitude.

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Blessing of Sisters

Posted by eph21920 on January 20, 2020 in Family, Grateful

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.

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Encouraging Doc

Posted by eph21920 on January 19, 2020 in Answer, Doctor, Grateful, Knowledge, Patience, Sick

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.

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Party at Rehab

Posted by eph21920 on January 18, 2020 in Birthday, Family, Healing, Sick

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.

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Beautiful Mind

Posted by eph21920 on January 17, 2020 in Answer, Family, Grateful, Sick

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.

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So Many Prayers

Posted by eph21920 on January 16, 2020 in Answer, Family, Peace, Prayer, Sick

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.

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Tough Day

Posted by eph21920 on January 15, 2020 in Answer, Family, Love, Sick, Struggles

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.

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