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Tonight's picture was taken in December of 2005. That Christmas we went to Boston to celebrate it with my former in-laws. Their house has the perfect hill out front to sled down. Mattie was a little timid to do it alone, but was eager to sit on my lap and we did it together. I really thought we would have many more moments like this, but I have learned that what we want in life and what we actually get are two separate things. In any case, I am glad we experienced as many adventures with Mattie as possible. It may have been only 7 years together, but these years were packed with love and memories.
Quote of the day: In times of separation, I affirm that our connection remains intact through spirit. Spirits lead our loving hearts, and spirit knows no distance or separation. ~ Julia Cameron
My dad had a physical therapy evaluation at 10am. All I can say is by 10am, I already felt like I went ten rounds! To get my dad up, showered, dressed, and downstairs by 10am was a feat. But I did it! I am very familiar with my dad's physical therapists from the home health care agency. It is a duo--- father and son. The father has worked in the healthcare industry for over 30 years and he does all the assessment evaluations for his agency, and his son then does the actual therapy. Both the father and the son came over today. They were expecting to find a very depleted 90 year old. They were both stunned with how well my dad is doing considering that he was bed bound for a week and had a brain bleed. They both acknowledged me, as they feel the only reason he is thriving is because of my oversight and care! I thanked them very much for this feedback and normally I do not take the kudos, but in this case, I believe they are 100% correct. The best thing I did was discharge my dad from the hospital on Sunday. If he spent anymore time in bed, it would have been disastrous!
After the PT evaluation, I had to get my parents in the car, because my dad had a follow up appointment with his primary care physician. This was the first time we were out of the house since Sunday. Thankfully I have Mattie's transport wheelchair. This is a lighter wheelchair, which was fine for a child, it is a bit more flimsy with someone my dad's size. But nonetheless, I am not sure I can handle maneuvering a heavy wheelchair right now, so for the time being I am sticking with the transport chair. But dealing with winter coats, blankets, a tote bag, as well as my dad's walker and a wheelchair was exhausting. Let's not forget that I also had to hold onto my mom as she's walking. So what should have been a simple visit to the doctor turned into my own personal nightmare.
Unlike my dad's therapists, the doctor felt my dad looked much more unstable on his feet and cognitively out of it. Certainly my dad has declined, but from where he was in the hospital to now, he has made significant strides. I can see it! My dad's primary care doctor has discontinued ALL of the meds prescribed during his hospital discharge. He wants him back on all of his former medications! He said at my dad's age, if something is working, you don't change it! I agree, but now I have to go back to CVS and talk with the pharmacist again, as I had her cancel out all his previous medications in order to fill the scripts my dad got at his hospital discharge! Seriously why do hospitals play with medications? Why don't they consult with the patient's doctor? The system is absolutely absurd because the in-patient doctors want nothing to do with the out-patient doctors! Leaving me to do their leg work for them. Truly it is laborious, unnecessary and worse changing medications is not always in the patient's best interest.
After the appointment, I took my parents out for frozen yogurt. My dad enjoyed that, and he stayed in the wheelchair the whole time. But even though we are living in 2025, with all sorts of ADA laws, I would say that MOST PLACES are not well equipped to handle people with disabilities. Aisles are small, doors are impossible to open and hold open, and don't get me started about wheelchair ramps! I came across several today that were hellish. Some are bumpy, some are too steep, and some have ridges in them as you transition from the flat surface to the ramp. I can't tell you how many times the wheel of the chair got caught in this ridge, making it almost impossible to get onto the ramp! Just when I think things can't get worse, I have learned.... THEY CAN!
At dinner tonight, we asked my dad what he remembered about his day! The answer was nothing. When I reminded him about his PT evaluation, seeing the doctor, and going out for frozen yogurt, he remembered NONE of it. In fact, he doesn't remember being hospitalized, and when he returned to our home on Sunday, he did not remember our house or the family room where he always sits on his recliner. It is like a black hole in his mind, and I guess I should be grateful he still remembers my mom and me.
On an aside, I wanted to show you a before and after photo of my Christmas tree. Recap, I found this artificial tree in the storage area above my garage. When I was married, we used to display this tree outside. When I found it a few weeks ago, I decided to use it inside!
BEFORE
This is what it looks like now. When it is lit up at night, to me it looks magical. It is filled with many meaningful ornaments, which I will share with you in another blog posting!
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