2013 Ventures

Hello family bloggers,
Here I am, the middle of May.  Where has this year gone???  But, we've been busy. Nearly all of February and March was doctor visits.  Finally got done with that, then I started having ear issues.
Nonetheless, we went on vacation with Gene's brother and his wife, to Birmingham, AL.  Visited the Sloss Furnaces factory.  It's no longer a working factory and free to the public to tour.  Very interesting place.  Took a LOT of pictures.

Steel mill that is located in Birmingham, AL.  Closed now.

 Gene standing beside a large wrench.

 Huge wheel.  Gene's love and weakness.

We all took turns having a photo session with the some of the old machinery.

Gene, Dennis and Steve visited the Aircraft Museum in Montgomery, AL.  The girls went shopping.  So I didn't get any pics of that adventure.  We had a great time visiting with Gene's cousin and her family.  Steve's 91 year old father lives with them.  Mr. Smith has lived a very interesting life.  He was a young man when he met Stan Musial and was on his way to be signed up with the American League when his life had a change in course, and he joined the Navy.  For all we know, he could have been one of the greatest left-handed pitchers ever known.  He has pictures to document all of this.  Also showed us an old pic of the Daytona Beach speedway when it was on the beach.  Part of the big highway, I believe it was I-10, was closed during the races.  The other side of the track was in the sand (on the beach).  He said there was many a time the drivers would get loose and their car would head towards the ocean.  Too cool to listen to his stories.  I could have listened forever.
After leaving Birmingham area, we headed to Wetumpka, AL where Dennis' and Enid's middle daughter and her family live.  She gave us a short tour of the town of Wetumpka.  Very neat stories there too.

 Leslie Clark Hines with her son, Holden, and daughter, Delaney.

Me and Gene at the Wetumpka Park.

Dennis and Enid Clark with Holden and Delaney Hines.

We walked through the park and Leslie told us about how the Coosa River and bridge was used in the movie, "Big Fish", a Tim Burton film.  She showed us the house that was used for the Ed Bloom house whom Albert Finney portrayed, which is actually the Collier House.  The bridge is unusual and is easily recognized for its design.  

 Coosa River Bridge

Collier House, Wetumpka, AL

 The old jail

 Dennis holding Holden up to see inside the old jail.

We only had a day to spend in Wetumpka, but I asked my niece to brush up on her history of the town to give us a longer tour the next time we visit.  We had a great time walking through the park and along the river.  Can only imagine how neat the little town will be.

Next was Easter. Relatively quiet for us.  We did spend a little time with the kids but half of our grandchildren don't do much with Easter any more.  The little ones enjoyed egg hunts.

Mother's Day was the next big event.  What a FANTASTIC day it was!  Patrick, Lisa and Aaron picked us up and drove us to a new eating establishment called Willie Jewel's BBQ.  Sharon had to work a few hours at the Urgent Care office (filling a few Rx's).  Myron picked her up after work and they met us at Willie's.  We enjoyed some of the BEST stewed squash I've ever eaten.  And I've had my mom's squash, and I used to cook it all the time, but this was just super good.  Maybe it's because I haven't had any for a long time.  Yummy!  Anyway, after eating, we headed to downtown Charleston to the Joe P. Riley stadium for a Charleston Riverdogs' baseball game. They played an excellent game!  I believe the score was 10-9.  They played the Texans.  Throughout the game, different events were taking place.  One, was two guys dressed in oversized padded sumo wrestler suits.  Our son, Allen was one chosen.  I got a video of it and posted it on YouTube and Facebook.  Allen knocked the blue guy down the first time, but the blue wrestler knocked him down on his back, and then finished him off by jumping on top of him.  We laughed!  Allen said he couldn't feel the guy on top of him because those suits are really padded!!!  

Backing up to when we entered the stadium, there was a section set off for kids to test their ball throwing speed.  So Adam pitched.  He threw a 52 the first time.  Then Patrick paid for him to do it again.  This time he pitched a 55.  Allen decided he wanted to try.  Again, Adam tried to outdo his previous speed, and he pitched a 58.  They told him to keep checking throughout the day to see if anyone beat his speed.  At the end of all the fun, Adam stood undefeated, and won three tickets to the Riverdogs' games.  We all feel like we'll be watching Adam playing for the Charleston Riverdogs one day.  How cool would that be?  He is wanted by all of the teams in Summerville.  Everyone knows Adam "AJ" Jordan.  He's a good pitcher, outfielder, short stop, and batter.  He eats, sleeps, and thinks about baseball.  He found this to be his niche when he was 4 years old.  And he's been obscessed ever  since.

Adam's pitching speed---58 mph

Sawyer_enjoying the ballgame

Aaron and Adam_managed to catch them on the run

Cooper_ my sweet boy.  He had a great time too.

Gene trying his hand; 38 mph.  Not bad for a Grandpa who never played baseball.

Patrick didn't do too bad_for a 37 yr old.  He got a 57.

(But Adam was in the category for 11 yrs. and under.)

The day ended with Gramma buying all of the kids little Slugger baseball bats and they got the Charleston Riverdogs to sign them.  The sky was coming to a dusk as we all parted.  We had a great time and the weather was perfect.  If I never have another great day, that one will live with me forever.

School is nearing an end, and Grandpa has worked to get the pool open for the summer.  Now we just need several days of warm temperatures to get the pool water just right and the kiddos can enjoy swimming at Gramma's and Grandpa's.  Looking forward to spending time with the kids again.  That's what it's all about....FAMILY.

SO I end this blog time for now.  Hope everyone has had a good Spring.  Summer is upon us as far as the calendar indicates, but Mother Nature hasn't checked the dates as of late.  The weather is still iffy but that's OK.  Those of us who know what the terrible hot, stuffy, humid summers can be like are not complaining.  We'll take these mildly cool days and enjoy.  

Everyone take care.  Talk to you soon.

Enjoy your backyards, front yards, and all of God's beauty.





He finally went Home!

On October 22, 2011, Wilbur Rease made his final trip...Home! On the early morning hours of October 21st, he was trying to get out of bed to use the bedside toilet. Somehow he got his feet tangled and fell...breaking his upper leg. Mom covered him up until the EMS people could get there to access the situation. Of course, he had to be taken to the hospital. Once he arrived at Trident ER, x-rays were done and they found he had a fractured femur. Question was whether to do surgery or not. If they decided not, then he would be bedridden for the rest of his life. However, he might not come out of surgery. But amazingly, the doctor said he came through the surgery with flying colors. As we all went into his room after he came up from recovery, I noticed his coloring. I was not pleased, but figured it was just the lighting in the room. I asked him if he was feeling any pain. He said, "No". Everyone came in and talked with him...then as more people came into the room, the noisier it got, so Dad asked us all to leave. Which was fine. We knew he needed the rest more than anything.

The doctor called me the next morning about 7 a.m. He wanted to know if we were planning to come to the hospital. I told him that we would all be up there later. He said that Dad had had a rough night and they were having trouble stabilizing his blood pressure.

That same morning I had a local TOPS convention and had told 3 other ladies that I would drive. But something was nagging at me, telling me not to go. I talked it over with Gene and he said that I should go...that I'd have fun. So I went---reluctantly. Upon arriving at the convention center, I turned my phone on vibrate and placed it next to my chest...so it wouldn't interrupt anyone, but I would know if someone was calling me. No sooner than the convention was called to order, I got a buzz. So I went outside of the building to answer the call. It was a voice mail...and it was the doctor calling me. He said that the family needed to get to the hospital ASAP. Then I got a 2nd call. This time the doctor said the family needed to come to the nurses' station when we arrived at the hospital. I didn't give it any thought. I just knew that I had to get to the hospital. I told the ladies that I had driven with me...and they decided they would get someone to come pick them up later. So I headed for the hospital. The whole time I was asking Dad to 'hang on'....that I was coming. I got to the hospital and had a bit of a time finding a place to park, but finally got one. Once I got to the floor where he was, I headed straight to his room. His door was closed. I went in...he was laying there with his eyes closed, his mouth open a bit. I took his hand. It was cool but that was nothing unusual. Then I placed my hand on his chest. He wasn't breathing. I laid my head on his chest. No heartbeat. That's when I knew...and suddenly, my heart broke. I began to shed some tears. Then in another instant, I thanked God for making him comfortable. For taking him out of his misery and pain. It wasn't long before two nurses came in. They held my hand while I continued to hold his. They told me that he had no pain that morning and that he told them he was doing fine. His body just couldn't handle the trauma of all that he'd gone through. He had been sick nearly the entire year. In and out of the hospital the last couple of months. He was so tired of hospitals. He was sent to rehab twice. He did what they wanted just so he could go home. Then he got pneumonia and he fought that and won. But the fracture was just more than he could take...and he knew it was going to be a rough road back.

As much as we miss him, we're glad he's no longer suffering. He'd really had a rough year. He'd tell me and mom so many times that he was ready to go to Heaven. He was tired. Each time we'd tell him that God knew when his time was...and that he had to be patient and just enjoy the time he had.

Here it is----2013!  Wow, the last year has flown by (at times).  I feel like I've been in a coma.  Yet, so much had to be taken care of.  Never, in my 63 years of life, have I ever dealt with so much paperwork, and jumped through so many bureaucratic hoops.  It is unreal what the "government" requires people to do...especially when you have lost loved ones.  They act as if it's "just another day", when you're dying inside.  The general act of walking and managing to put one foot in front of another is a miracle.  Why...even breathing has to be automatic, or you'd stop!  But---push was what I did, of course with the persistent urgings of Gene.  If he had not "nagged" at me and pushed me to go take care of papers, I guess I'd still be sitting.  I truly wasn't in the mood, but, with his loving urges, I got them done.  And now, I'm just waiting for the final papers to arrive telling me that the probate files are closed, and thanking me for being so diligent about getting everything done in a mannerly time.  Ahhh!  Now I can sit back and reminisce all I wish...remembering the BEST days of my lovely parents' lives. 
Just recently, my cousins Patty and George brought me some old movies of Uncle Charles'.  They had them put on a DVD.  How wonderful it is to look back and remember all of the sweet faces.  Young and old alike.  When they were filled with youth and vibrance.  Full of life.  Life seemed to be without a care.  Those times were like they would never change.  But change they did!  Thank goodness for technology we are able to look back and relish in the love and livelihood of those early days.  And we can laugh, just as they did in those many footages of film.  Thank you Patty and George for bringing some smiles and joy to my heart. 
I decided just before the end of 2012 that I was ready to let go of the past year and all of the sadness and losses.  Dad, Mom, Connie (a dear friend that I had become so close to), Aunt Jean, and my sister-in-law's mother, Lilian Graham.  Later in the year, Maureen Anspaugh and her sister, Jenny, died.  So many, so close to our hearts, some too young.  But none of us know how long we have here on Earth.  We're born, we learn and live, enjoy life to our fullest capacity, then we pass on.  Seems very short-termed.  What we do with our time is up to us. 
Anyway, I'm moving forward.  Not looking back at the sad times, but looking at the new days.  Enjoying what time we each have.  Making the BEST of each day.
So, here's hoping everyone has a wonderful New Year.  That only positive things will happen for you and yours.  Should sadness, or unfortunate times befall you, that you will not be swallowed by doom and gloom, or despair.  Instead, pick yourself up, brush yourself off, and start all over again. 
Until next time....have a great life.  Love to all.  Enjoy the backyards, front yards, and all around.

Ahhhh!

At last, our biggest stress may be coming to an end. Gene went to see the company doctor last week and he agrees that Gene cannot ever go back to work doing what he did before. However, if the company can accommodate him with light-duty work, he could return. Again, that scenario may be denied, so it he could be going out on PMR (permanent medical restrictions). So we are going to be joining those people that Kris Cannode calls, "Drain on Society". Yay! I'll take it! This has been a HUGE drain on our psyche and has had me pulling at my hair for months. The four days we spent in Florida was great, but no sooner than we arrived back home, the phone started ringing and it was non-stop stress. Dealing with Mom and Dad's estate is going to be "Nothing!".

I have been able to let down my hair a few times when I've played Bunco with the ladies at our night and day games. We laugh, eat, and cut up and that adds up to stress-free. I've got thank you notes to get written and mailed. I've been so slack on some of my duties. But when the mind is not set to work on a "to-do" list, it's easier to just curl up in a cozy chair and let the mind go blank.

Tomorrow Gene and I will start a new venture...getting paperwork together to get our Social Security started. Again---YaY! Retirement is beginning to look pretty good. I mean, wow! Look at Patty and George, Sharon and Chas! In all the pictures, they're sitting on their derrieres, feet up, drink in hand, soaking up the sun. Looks pretty simple to me! ha ha

Spring is slipping up on us a little at a time...noticing the days are lasting a little longer. That means the kids will be playing baseball soon...and I've got my bleacher cushion ready. Oh yeah!

Please keep in your prayers---Today my Aunt Jean (my Uncle Harold's wife) passed away after coping with the pain and discomfort of an aneurysm near her heart (which was the size of her heart). They had no children. My uncle is coping with the loss of his best friend. He just lost his only sister on January 17th and now his wife. Life deals some heavy blows and how we cope with it tells a lot about our character and our faith. He is handling it as well as any person can. She will be buried on Saturday in Columbia, with family and friends attending. Another beautiful person and soul has gone to Heaven to join those who have gone before her. She joins her sisters and one brother and parents, along with many in-laws. Only one brother survives.

I love you Aunt Jean and will miss your soft-spoken voice and gentle hugs. Rest in Peace!

So, this ends another blog for now. Still have to learn how to post pictures. For now, you'll have to endure the writings of a confused mind. Some days are better than others. Whatever you do, make the best of every day. Tell someone you love them. Give them a hug. Sometimes those are the small things that make a big impact.

Live, Love and Laugh! ~Mildred

Two Souls Meet Again

After a long illness in 2011, Wilbur (Dad) passed away on October 22, 2011. He had been in and out of the hospital all year. The last admission was due to him falling and breaking his thigh bone (femur). It was decided that surgery was the only measure that made sense and after 2 hours, Dad came through with flying colors. We were sure he was going to make it. But the morning of the 22nd, Dad's electrolytes were off the charts, and he needed another pint of blood because he was still having bleeding issues. Because he was a DNR (do not resuscitate), all the doctor and nurses could do was make him comfortable. We couldn't get to the hospital fast enough and Dad passed away @ 10:20 a.m. I had gone to a TOPS local gathering, but once the doctor contacted me, I left to be by his side. David had taken Mom for a good breakfast before getting to the hospital. Again, they didn't make it in time. We were all saddened to know that Dad had none of his family by his side when he went to the "other side". We can only think that he was happy we were all with him the night before and that this was his way of making it easier on his family.

Nonetheless, after spending time with him, we left to get some lunch. His favorite eating place, Captain D's. It was decided at the hospital that we would bury Dad in his old military uniform. Only had to get a few things; shirt and tie. The rest of the uniform was at home.

Then I spent several days putting together a remembrance booklet of old and new pictures to give to all who came to the funeral. I wrote the eulogy as well. Everyone didn't think I could do it without crying, but with the support of God and Dad on each side of me, I got through it. Of course, being the comic that I can be, I was able to put in a few laughs to lighten the mood. The service was beautiful. A soldier played TAPS, and two Marines folded the flag and presented it to Mom. It was perfect!

Thanksgiving came and went. Christmas was coming. We had the family together on the 10th of December. Mom was lost without Dad at her side, but she muddled through it. She sat at the dining room table and each time a great-grand would come to the table to grab a snack, she would grab a hug and kiss. Christmas Day would have been hers and Dad's wedding anniversary. First time she had to celebrate Christmas without Dad. She was making the best of it. Watching TV with David and Lisa, but she wasn't her jovial self. It was obvious. We took a 8" x 10" picture of the family that was made at our Christmas gathering. She loved it! The next day, David and Lisa were married and she was guest of Honor. So glad she was able to be with them. Afterwards, they took her to lunch with them at Carrabba's. She wasn't in the Christmas mood this year, so she didn't even put up a Christmas tree.

New Year's Day came. She got through it. Even cooked the traditional dinner with Hoppin' Johns, collard greens, and pork chops. On the 16th of January, George and Patty called saying they were coming by to visit. She was looking forward to seeing them. She had called me to make sure they were on their way. She had been out gathering up pine cones and sticks out of the yard that morning. Then George and Patty arrived. She was happy to see them. They had been sitting in the living room talking with her for about an hour when suddenly she slumped to one side of her chair and started talking incoherently. Guess that's when it happened but we didn't know until after she arrived at the Trident Medical Center ER. Patty and George had called me to let me know they had called 9-1-1. So I knew that she would be arriving at the hospital, possibly before me. We got there at the same time. David, Patty and George were not far behind. The doctors did some tests and quick observations and learned she had a cerebral hemorrhage. Because she didn't have a living will, she was placed on a ventilator. But after all of us kids had a chance to be with her, we knew she wasn't going to come out of this. So later that night we had the ventilator removed. She lived another 11 1/2 hours. We stayed by her side throughout the night. The longest night I've ever lived. The next day was fairly long too. At 12:10 p.m. Mom finally went Home to be with her Lord, and Dad. As sad as we were to lose her so quickly and close behind Dad, we knew she was not happy. She was only going through the motions. She and Dad were married almost 63 years. And the last year, she had done everything for Dad but breathe for him. She was lonely and wanted to be with him. The doctors reassured us that there was nothing they could have done for her. There was NO way they could have seen this coming. She had been in perfect health and had just had a checkup.

Everything was good. There is nothing that can fix the Love of a broken heart. She had seen her last child married and happy. Her job was done here on Earth. Now she's back with her true love and partner in life. Mom had a brain like a computer. She knew everything. And she could do figures in her head like no machines we have today. So I have to say that her "computer" crashed that day on January 17, 2012.

She is missed---greatly! To lose two of the best parents in the world so closely has been so overwhelming. We thought we'd have more time with her since Dad had been so sick. She had earned some special treatment. But she always said she didn't want to leave us kids behind to take care of Dad. She thought he would be difficult and she didn't want us to deal with that. He could be cantankerous, but then he was 90. He had earned that too. They were fair to us but they made us mind. They dealt out discipline together. There was never any squabbles between them about how they disciplined us. We respected them and we showed them that respect in our actions and through our words. Never a "yeah" or "nah". It was "yes ma'am", "yes sir"; "thank you", "no thank you". "Please". Something that has slipped away from our society. Our children were raised the same way and we feel it's only right to make sure our grandchildren receive the same discipline. Whether it's followed up when they are not around us is not our concern, but they do it around us. We have fun with our grandchildren especially now that they can share their thoughts and feelings. The little ones are fun too, but love the older kids. They love spending time at our home. Adam (10) is already staking his claim to live in our house when we're gone. The boys love the fact that they have some freedom to run through the woods, or ride bikes on the road. We that they love it.

Anyway, we are now dealing with closing things down with the estates of our parents. That's been a tough row to hoe. Touching all of their belongings. They were so private (always) so seeing their clothes, etc. This is new to us. We never were allowed to go into their dresser drawers. Now we're having to deal with this stuff...and it's not only odd, but it's emotional. We know this is the finality of everything. It will take time to go through it all, and sign things over to whoever...but we'll get through it and then we can start remembering the good times. Right now, we barely have time to mourn our losses.

To end this, please take time to love and embrace those you love...be them family or friends.

Life is tricky...and you can be here one second and gone the next. So never ever take for granted that those you love will always be there. And when you can't give them a hug, be sure to always end your calls with "I love you". God has added two very special souls to His garden of Angels. Now we have to believe that they, along with Him, are looking down upon us and watching over us. That's a comforting feeling.

Love to you all. Come see us when you're in Summerville, SC. We'd love to see ya.

Lions, and Tigers, and Hurricanes!?! Oh my!!!

Hurricane (Horror-queen) Irene! Sounds like the East coast could be facing a dangerous storm coming the end of this week and weekend. It's been a while since SC had a good-size piece of hot air blow through! Oh wait! Have to exclude all of these politicians. I am SICK of all of them! Patty...I don't blame George. We DO need to clean house---AGAIN! Seems once they get to DC they lose all sense of why they were elected. So...if they can't do what we sent them there to do...then Adios! Time to get this country back, and the only way we can do that...is get the right people that represent and convey what the American people want. But---let me step down from my soapbox...it doesn't take much for me get hoisted upon it.
Now...back to the hurricane that is spinning upon us. We'll do whatever is necessary to prepare for her quick visit...hopefully, she will just skirt all of us, bring us some much-needed rain, then dissipate into the ocean. But, if she sees fit to pitch a tantrum and toss a few things around, rip up a few buildings or signs, so be it....just don't hurt anyone or put them on the street. People are in bad enough shape as it is. It's one thing to make work for some, but hope Irene doesn't destroy things to the point that our economy is hurt any more.
School has started and the kids are set up in their significant classes. Noah is in 8th grade, Adam and Aaron are in 5th grade, and Cooper is in 2nd grade. Sawyer turned 4 on July 10th and was hoping to be admitted to 4K classes, but he's just too smart. So guess he'll sit home this year and get into Kindergarden next Fall. Sydney will be 2 soon. She is as girly from the one long curl in the back of her head right down to her polish-painted toes, but loves playing with trucks and cars just as much as her brothers. She knows how to hold her ground too. Those boys are NOT going to get over on her. If nothing else works, squealing deafens them and puts them on the run. LOL They can give her a hard time one minute then give her tender kisses on her cheek or forehead when she's taking a nap. Go figure!?
On July 10th, Allen, Susan, Patrick and Lisa got together and planned a huge birthday bash for Aaron, Cooper and Sawyer. A humongous jump/slip&slide was placed on Allen's property and the kids (of ALL ages) had the most fun sliding and splashing. It looked like a big tiki type castle. To add to the decor, Allen built a tiki hut/bar (furnishing drinks of all kinds, alcoholic and non). BUT...Mother Nature would not hold off the afternoon thunderstorm that evening...and almost as soon as the jump/slide castle was at full-running capacity and all the decorations and tables were set up...then the clouds opened up...and all you could see was people, feet and arms....going in every direction. Thunder clattered and lightning flashed. Rain came down with such a force it was like it had not rained---EVER! Cats, dogs, bullfrogs...I'm sure I felt some of those fall on my back. The guys started setting up tents only to find they were missing some parts that were essential (like the cover part that goes on top). But never fear---guys are great riggers...and they can make anything work in a pinch! The rain would let up for a while, and there would be a mild mist---then it come down a little harder---just to remind us that Mother Nature was still in charge. The yard filled with water to the point people just took off their shoes and splashed and sloshed in water and mud mix. Nonetheless, the kids had a great time and Allen even had a DJ (his helper with his business---Platinum Electric Inc.), Josh! Yes, the equipment was the first tent placed to ensure that Josh's prized possessions weren't harmed. After a few drinks, some good eats and lots of talking and laughing, endorphins were released and the kids could have probably gotten anything they wanted that night. As I said, I really don't know who had more fun...the big kids or the little kids. The slide provided a lot of exercise and fun for ALL!
Sorry that I don't have pictures. This is one thing I have not learned to do YET! But give me time. I will!
Anyway...just wanted to touch base with everyone. I know it takes me a while to post anything, but I have problems with my computer and ---without the assistance of my "happy" pill, I'd probably have thrown this piece of technology out the window, door, or nearest receptacle. But, I'm still retaining some cool and the "beat" goes on.
Hoping next summer that we can have our pool fixed and working. The grandkids are begging for us to get it going again...and with all of them at the perfect ages to be enjoying the pool, it is only fair that we fix it.
So happy to hear that George has completed his chemo and I'm praying that the PetScan will show he's in remission and can get on with his life---once again. So many of our elders are growing weaker in body. We are so fortunate to have them with us at the ages they have reached. Dad is 90 and, if he makes it to November 16th, will be 91. Aunt Toots just celebrated her 86th birthday on Aug 19th. Aunt Marie will turn 82 on October 1st and Betty just turned 80 on Aug 1st. If strong will has anything to do with surviving...these 4 have a good chance of making it for a while longer. Whenever possible, it would make their day if we'd drop them a line to let them know that we love them and are thinking of them. They don't demand much...only to be remembered. OK...I'm closing for now. Until the next time, know that you're all in my thoughts. You're in my prayers. You're forever in my heart!

Good grief, Charlie Brown! Where have you been?

Sorry I haven't been keeping uptodate on my blogger. Seemed like we had the family reunion in June and from then on, it was something to do constantly. Things never did settle down...and here we are in the end of January, and there's more and more to do still! Guess a busy life is better. You don't have time to think about stuff that can upset you, or you can get into. ha ha
Dad started going downhill after the reunion. We first noticed that he was just sitting and sleeping more. Then he didn't want to talk much. He's never been a magpie but for those of us who are used to being around him, noticed that he was unusually quiet. Then we noticed that he was getting weaker in his walking. He'd have difficulty picking up his feet. I was beginning to think he was wearing lead shoes. Mom was diligent in taking him to the doctor to have checkups and would mention problems. The doctor never really got serious about his problems until October and November. By December he had taken 3 falls in their house and Mom had had enough. When she was clipping his toe nails she noticed that he had a black toe. Immediately we all thought it was due to bad circulation. He has neuropathy, so we just figured it was getting worse. Well, lo and behold, he had a broken toe from one of the falls. Then he started complaining about his back hurting. So...the doctor said, "we're putting you in the hospital for a week and we're going to run tests on you and see if we can find out why you're falling so much and what is causing your weakness." He ended up staying in the hospital for over 2 weeks. The family was beginning to get anxious about not knowing what was going on. We couldn't get in touch with the doctor. If we wanted to see him on his rounds, we had to be to the hospital by 5 a.m. What??? No intelligent humanoid is up at that hour!? Where is this guy from? Mars?
Mom finally got a few calls from him, but she wasn't paying close attention and she was getting things a bit mixed up...and she asked me to call him. Well, my efforts ended up futile. Never got a call from him, EXCEPT when he thought he was talking to me but had called Mom's number instead. And she never told him any different. Oh MY!!!! After talking with Dad's hospital case worker I was able to find out that their insurance would not pay for him to go to rehab because he was not working with the therapists in the hospital and they would not pay for him to go just lay in the bed. So I suggested that we just take him home. We learned, however, that their insurance would pay for home health care. So we started the wheels spinning on taking him home. Mom was apprehensive about taking him home. We weren't seeing any remarkable changes in him at the hospital and we were pretty sure we were going to be doing a lot of lifting, etc. for him. BUT, alas, the doctor told him that if he'd start making some efforts to work with the therapists, that he would send him home. Well he got busy and we started seeing some big time changes. He got home, and there was a hospital bed there for him, David got a bedside potty for him. Then the therapists and nurses started visiting him. He's improved a good bit. Of course, he's got a long way to go, but he's moving. That's more than we had seen him do in months. He had given up before.
We took him to the doctor for his post-hospital visit. The doctor was impressed with the changes. The findings for all the CT scans and MRIs were age-related. 90 year old brain, and degenerative disc disease. He did have a UTI (urinary tract infection) and developed a bacteria in his urine, so that required some IV antibiotics. But, all-in-all, we are seeing results.
He still has his memory-loss moments. But everybody has those moments...and we don't have to be 90. He has to be reminded to pick up his feet when he's walking. We have to make sure he's standing close to the walker and not pushing it like a plow. And we have to stand close to him while holding onto him while he's walking. Sometimes he gets in a hurry and his feet get tangled up; then he loses his footing and falls.
Now to focus on some much-needed doctor follow-ups for myself. And make sure that Mom gets some time away from the house. We don't need her going stir-crazy. Her life has changed much too but she's hanging in there. Dad has his cantankerous moments and says things that hurt her feelings. Hang...he hurts everyone's feelings! She handles it as well as she can. She knows that following him up would only make things worse, so she just walks away and let's things go. God love her. I find myself wanting to argue. But I know there's no winning or changing, so I, too, walk away.
The weather has gotten better this weekend, and I'm hoping that Mom has been able to get him to at least step out onto the front porch to soak up some "rays". Maybe the sunshine will brighten him up. ha ha
Anyway...I will do my best to keep uptodate now. I won't promise...but I'll try.
Take care. Everyone have a Happy Valentine's Day. It's not too far ahead.