My daddy is in the hospital. My daddy has Alzheimer's and it's getting worse. Not so noticeably to those who don't know daddy so well...but oh-so-noticeable to us. How to open a coke can? How to pull out a chair to sit on? How to find that word that he wants to say?
Daddy got taken to the emergency room last night by ambulance. He had a raging fever, shaking, and major incoherence. My mom, brother, and I met daddy at the ER and began the process of finding out what was wrong and the incredibly long process of getting checked in!
He didn't recognize any of us really, but certainly seemed to have seconds of at least knowing that he should know us or knowing that we were "friendlies". How scary for an Alzheimer's patient to not know anyone around them!
He was diagnosed with urinary tract infection and antibiotics were given. The thought was that he'd be better in no time. Not quite so....tonight he is spending another night in the hospital and is having to be fed by mom...not quite sure how to open his mouth, chew, and swallow.
I sat in the room watching my mom taking sweet care of daddy! I almost felt like an intruder in their life watching my mom feeding daddy, wiping his mouth, coaxing him to open his mouth...keeping his dignity.
4 comments:
What a special example of holding true to the vows we say on our wedding day. I'm praying for your sweet family as you walk down this road you did not choose for yourself. I know the Lord will guide you all in your decisions, and I pray that your daddy will begin to physically feel better soon.
Praying for you all!
thinking of you Lisa and the rest of the family.... specially your mom as she has to take on this new chapter of their lives. Blessings
My father passed away 5 years ago in December and watching the whole thing unfold was an experience unlike I've ever been through. Your family will be in our prayers - especially your father. I constantly had to tell myself that although I'm selfish and wanted him here that soon he would be somewhere much better. I still struggle with that.
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