12 April 2010

A good day

I spent a long day with my dad. It was a good day. He was awake, aware, and in many ways seemed like his old self. They're not sure what his breathing problem is...it seems like a combination of things. His kidney function is down, but it's getting better. They're still doing lots of tests. Breathing tests, lung tests, abdomen scans, heart scans, CAT scans. He was sitting in a chair for most of the day. So much better than being in the bed. His doctor said she hopes to get him out soon if he continues to improve. I had my laptop with me today and found a great nursing home/rehab center for him to go to when he leaves the hospital. One that's only 4 miles from home! The goal is to get him home again. I've seen him up and walking, and it's not good. It's hard to imagine him getting around, but that's what physical therapy's for. So, today was a good day and I hope it means that he'll get better. Last night it looked so much different. What a difference a day makes. Thanks to all of you for your good thoughts and prayers.

I picked up another 10 bags of mulch on my way home today. It took everything in me not to start putting it down. I'm still SO sore, and it's still early in the season. I have plenty of time to work in the garden. I did mow the lawn.

Today was a memorable day for Emily. She got her driver's license! I'm so excited for her. She's proven herself to be a great driver right from the start and she has 9 months of driving with a learner's permit under her belt. I was nervous when she took my car out today, but not a wreck. One more milestone to check off the list.


It was nice to spend a few hours outside this afternoon. So nice to see my hummingbird feeders and my spring flag flying. So glad to be back on the porch.

5 comments:

Lena said...

Thanks for posting an update! I was thinking about you all day. I was remembering all the ups and downs with my dad that started a few years back. I was hoping the situation with your dad was better than predicted because things do change quickly in a day! If he was sitting up in a chair, that is great news! And rehab will help him to get stronger.

How is your mom handling things?

And congrats to Emily for getting her license! Yes, another milestone. You will love having her run errands for you! I remember the first time my kids took the car out and staring out the front window waiting for them to return. I wasn't a wreck either, but nervous, and it just felt so strange!

Take care, Cheryl! Prayers still coming your way.

Jamie said...

I'm a bit behind in reading blogs, so just now I find out what's going on with your dad. Ugh honey, I am sorry. It is so damned hard when their health fails...and things are left to the kids to figure out and then act on. It does sound better for him now, though. Any chance, since he IS better, that he will get to come back home at some point? I feel for you...you are right in the midst of all the crap. But do take the time to just BE with him...like you said, what a difference a day makes. But, that day can bring about a whole different outcome, sometimes. You are the best daughter, and I know that you will handle all of this just fine. It's just what you do. I will be praying for your family and for YOU to manage. Big, big hugs. :) J.

Forsythia said...

Mom always got foggy--REALLY foggy--in her later years from the least little thing. A bad cold would mean less oxygen was getting to her brain, which made her foggy. A week on antibiotics would do it too. After she was well, and lucid again, she'd often say, "You tell me I was sick, but I don't remember it at all."

happyone said...

Glad to hear your dad is improving. :-)
Mine is doing very well with his radiation treatments.
See you tomorrow at 2.

KathyA said...

What a difference a day makes, indeed! Four miles from their home or yours?

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