Hello dear readers and greetings from the 36th floor of a condo along Chicago's lakeshore. So much has happened since arriving here that I hardly know where to begin.
I arrived weeks ago knowing that my father wanted me to succeed his wife as durable and medical power of attorney. The condo was a hoarder situation and my father was in the Sheridan Village Rehab. Because of covid, we could not see him there so we had no other choice than to spring him. Lots of work went into organizing his home and convincing the "rehab" center to let me return him to it.
Since then my siblings have been coming to spend some time with my ailing father. He is in a pretty bad way as he is in late stage Lewy Body Dementia. I plan to stay with him as his full time care giver and the family has been really supportive. We are enjoying our time with our Dad at last. So I am not sure when things we return to normal for me as I am just standing in the present moment. Happy Holidays to you dear readers - I will see you sometime in 2021.
Wow, what a situation! Was your father's wife preventing you and your siblings from seeing him? I may be misinterpreting your words. Anyway, what a task you've taken on -- both clearing out the hoarding situation and providing full-time nursing care to your poor old Dad. Sending my best wishes to all at this difficult time.
ReplyDeleteYep she has stood as his gatekeeper for 16 years. As recently as 2 months ago, she was trying to tell us we could not have contact with him when he was in the nursing home.
DeleteHave a great holiday time...
ReplyDeleteWe send the best of Christmas Wishes, dear Lady M ...
Glad to see things turned around like they did for you. Good luck with your caregiver job. There is lots of info online about caregiving. Lots of tips and tricks. Don't forget to take care of yourself.
ReplyDeleteI have learned a ton already. My problem is that so many video feature able bodied people pretending to be bed bound. It is not the same with someone with real muscle and joint damage.
Deletewhat a lovely photo of John and JL - quite touching
ReplyDeleteYou will have your hands full but will look back one day and know you created memories. Thanks being the person you are. Happy Holiday season to you and yours.
ReplyDeleteYou know I could not have done anything else. My dad has weighed heavy on my mind for years.
DeleteHappy Holidays Lady M, give all my love to Grandpa!
ReplyDeleteI showed him your wedding invite and he said "how about that". That was two weeks ago - he hardly speaks now.
DeleteI know it has.
DeleteThis made me a little sad as I understand a little bit. See my step mom passed in November and my dad has gone down hill everyday. Now his alzheimer's has kicked into full steam ahead. It's been a struggle for me as he lives 45 minutes away trying to care for him. The hardest part has been tracking down doctors and phone numbers along the way. Now we are trying to get him closer to home. He struggles some days and it just so sad to watch. I know we are just internet strangers for the past few years but I will pray for you and your family. What you are doing is a wonderful thing and its nice that you have your dad back in your life enjoy the time you. May you have a wonderful Christmas, and welcome back to Illinois see in and a hopeful better 2021!
ReplyDeleteTracking down medical history when record keeping was bleak can be a challenge.
DeleteIt's a daunting but rewarding task you've taken on, and I wish you the best with it. Things will be very hard sometimes. As Mike said, be sure to take good care of yourself as well.
ReplyDeleteNo need to worry about me - I am tough as an old leather boot.
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