Dad Update

[the_gneech]

Just got back from the rehab hospital visiting Dad. The attendant who cleaned him up this morning apparently asked if he'd like a shave, and when he said yes, she lopped his mustache and beard completely off, something that hasn't been done since I was in high school. The difference was dramatic, to say the least! Mom was still boggling about it while we were there and is likely to keep boggling about it for a week.

Dad is certainly more active, but even now the elevator ain't making it all the way to the top floor. He's putting strange interpretations on sensory stimuli — a beeping medical unit becomes "We've got birdies in here!" and patterns on the curtain become "Look at the bugs." It doesn't help that my mother's logorrhea means that he can't get a word in edgewise at the best of times, much less actually finish a sentence when it takes him an average of 30 seconds a word to remember what he's trying to say. I saw him give up on trying to get a sentence out at least twice when he'd get through two words and then she'd launch into a new discussion of something nobody in the room but her cared about.

Anyway, it's tough going, but they're doing their best. We've just got to keep on keepin' on.

-The Gneech

Comments

[kendokamel.livejournal.com]

I hope things continue to improve for him!

Thoughts and mojo to you all.

[doodlesthegreat.livejournal.com]

Repeat after me:

"Mom, shut up. Dad is trying to speak."

Use this phrase often. Add "the fuck" if she fails to pay attention.

just three words...

[mammallamadevil.livejournal.com]

not an option....

Gneech, thanks for the update...

MLD

Re: just three words...

[c-eagle.livejournal.com]

You're a classy gal, Ms. Llama ^V^ .. *hugs*

[anthony-lion.livejournal.com]

Learn the ways of the Duct Tape.

It can do wonders with Logorrhea...

[camstone.livejournal.com]

[Nods] My advice is take solace in that you are doing what you can, and that it is largely out of your hands to make miracles. I could relate to you the story of my father when he had end-stage cancer, and mom was downstairs cooking chicken bones in a five gallon cooker to make homemade noodle soup (the house stank of rendered chicken bones for days, and dad wasn't much of a soup eater.)

As for your mother, and yourself, perhaps there is a time you can go over to the hospital yourself and see your father one on one. I know that might not be the most pleasant thought for you, but if if helps any - I could take some time off from work to be around as a "buffer" for you, either before, during, or after. I'd keep my mouth shut for the most part, and just be a "being" in the room for either you or your dad to "buffer your thoughts" when needed.

Besides, I am getting to the point where I know what to expect in most cafeterias...or vending machines.

[torakiyoshi.livejournal.com]

Logorrhea... what a brilliant word! I could talk for hours on how useful it is.

...what?

;)

Glad to hear your Dad's doing his best. Has the family considered having a carer visit a few times a week?

[kamau-d-lyon.livejournal.com]

Thoughts and prayers continue to be with you and the family.

[hossblacksilver.livejournal.com]

Wishing the best for your dad, Gneech.

[c-eagle.livejournal.com]

YIKES! uhhh... well, good to hear dad's not peeved about the clippin'!