Caregiving

I feel like I need to write to unload my mind.  It has been a whirlwind the past few months with my mom.  I decided to let her Dr. know that she needs physical therapy in-home, since she gets no exercise.  Her movements consist of walking from the lazy boy chair to the bathroom, to the kitchen to the bed, in which she is completely out of breath.  I made her a Dr. appt. for last Friday because she was complaining of another bladder infection.  She almost was not able to go because she was so weak and sick.  I told her it was either try to go or I would call for an ambulance.  She finally got ready and we made it over there.  The doctor scolded her for not finishing her last antibiotics from her last months bladder infection.  Then she told us her chest x-ray revealed she had congestive heart failure and that the infections are taking a toll on her heart.  She sent us home with MORE meds and I had to pick up a breathing machine for her 3 times per day treatments.  I spent the rest of the day running errands to get her set up with things she needed.  The Visiting nurse came to hook up a pulse oxygen machine to monitor her pulse oxygen every morning.  Sunday morning I did a pulse oxygen check and it was low.  That afternoon the visiting nurse calls to tell me that her oxygen level was way too low and she needed to be checked out.  So, we head on over to have her checked out and they ran a bunch of tests and the ER Dr. advised that she needed to be admitted to the hospital.  She was transported to the hospital.  She has been put thru lung and heart tests to see why the oxygen is low.  So far we don't have many answers other than when she is released, she will have oxygen in her home to use.  I have spent my week working during the day and running to the hospital after work.  I run to moms house to check on things and get the mail and keep things running around there, besides my own home.  Is it taking a toll on me?  I am too busy to wonder.  I am thankful she is where she needs to be right now and having the best of care.  When I get her home, I pray she will adjust on her own with the oxygen and everything else.  Thankfully we have Tracee, who comes 2 times per week for a few hours to do whatever we need done.  And we have the visiting nurses and therapists who come to check on mom. I am in the process of signing her up for meals on wheels.  I really don't mind cooking extra and taking her meals, but she would probably eat a more balanced diet if she had the meals on wheels.  There are so many decisions to make being a caregiver.  I do feel like I have a guardian angel watching over me and I'm not doing too too bad at this.  I will continue and wear a smile.

Happy Father's Day to my one and only

Celebrating Father's Day has changed for me the past 2 years, since I don't have my dad anymore.  But, it should still be a celebration, in my book.  I don't give my hubby, Mike enough praise this one day out of a year.  He doesn't like to be recognized or noticed, but he deserves to be.  He is a Great Father.  I love watching his relationship with our older children and the grand kids now.  He has a better relationship with our son, Nate, now than when he was growing up.  They have so much in common.  Nate is always calling his dad for advice and even followed in his dad's footsteps with his love of airplane modeling.  They are like two peas in a pod.  And I think that Steph will always be daddy's little girl.  It was such a special year for Mike and Steph, being able to drive cross country together and share in the move to Oregon.  How awesome for a dad to be able to help his daughter and grand kids in this way, even with a newly operated detached retina, without complaining.  These are memories that you can't buy.  Steph played her dad's favorite songs and his favorite groups on the trip and even endured his non tuned singing...I guess she got used to his voice, since he used to rock her to sleep when she was a baby, by singing "Turra lura lura" an Irish lullaby.  He had a singing voice only a daughter could love. 
Mike is also an awesome Grandfather.  I love watching Abby hanging all over him and wanting his full attention.  He taught Jack a song the other day that made him proud....the song from Big Bang Theory, "Soft Kitty"....Each grandchild holds a special place in his heart.  And now on to the dogs.  Mike is a good daddy to Halle & Lilly.  They are his "girls".  I am so glad he finally has lap dogs.  I am also glad that he discovered that these sisters needed to be rescued a few years ago.  They have brought a lot of joy to our empty nest.  So, on this Father's Day, my wish for Mike is to do what makes him happy.  Let me guess....a Sunday newspaper, dogs on his lap while relaxing in the lazy boy chair...and some good ole' Adam 12 and Dragnet episodes playing on the t.v....and must I forget, the heater on by his feet (even if it's 90 degrees outside).  That's Mike...a wonderful Father!