Monday, October 25, 2004

MY DAD

THINGS WORSE THAN DEATH

And it has a name, dementia. It is like holding on to my father by the fingertips as he dangles over a cliff. The grip is slipping little by little until he lets go.

He is back in the hospital. Almost two days at home, from Friday evening until Sunday afternoon. My sister and SIL were visiting from Louisville doing yard work etc. When 4pm rolled around, they could not wake him up. The angels always are protecting my family. The traveling nurse was making her visit. She called our family doctor who instructed us to call 911.

His heart rate was so low. This morning it was 47.

And he is hallucinating...or has entirely lost his grip. Last week it was okay, he recognized my Aunt, his sister. "Tell me something about myself", she demanded of him. "You're loony!" he threw back (much to the amusement of my mother).  

 Please keep us in your prayers and thoughts.

   

22 comments:

Anonymous said...

Prayers for you all coming from CA. {{}}

Anonymous said...

{{{{Mary}}}}  This must be SO hard!  Though I lost my dad and still miss him terribly, there is one thing for which I humbly thank the powers that be---that he was "himself" until the morning he died.  I cannot imagine what you are going through.  My thoughts are with you.  Lisa  :-]

Anonymous said...

((((Mary))))

E

Anonymous said...

Oh, I'm so sorry.  :-(

Anonymous said...

{{{{Mary}}}}  You and your family are in my thoughts and in my heart.

Anonymous said...

Awww, Mary. My mother is in a nursing home with Alzheimer's, so I'm having similar experiences. May the angels continue their vigil.

Anonymous said...

Yes I know I saw my grandmother die last year of it. ITw as a slow death and so scarry. NOW I see it in my mother. Lori

Anonymous said...

Some days there are just no good answers. On days like that I try repeating the senerity prayer over and over. God grant me the senerity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference. Prayers to you and your family Mary. Peace be with you!  Anne

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry y'all have to go through with this.  Dementia is truly much worse than death. It's losing someone by inches and degrees.  You are all in my thoughts and prayers.  Since I cared for my father during his dementia years, I can sympathize, and if you ever need an understanding ear, I'm here.

Anonymous said...

Oh, Mary, I will be praying for you and your family.  Michelle

Anonymous said...

Oh absolutely.  I will be praying for all of you.  Pamela

Anonymous said...

Oh I so understand, having just went thru my dad's illness.  It's awful to see a parent suffer like that and from what I understand, dementia and Alzheimer's patients linger longer.  It's so cruel.  My thoughts and prayers are with you as you and your family deal with this situation.  Take care of you as well.  Lisa

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry Mary! My heart and thoughts go out to you and your family.
:-) ---Robbie

Anonymous said...

I feel so sad for you....my step dad has parkinsons...its not real bad yet...He raised me since I was an infant.  He was always so strong...so smart.  Now he shakes and forgets.  He is half his former size.  I know your heart is breaking to see your father be less than what he once was...but he is still all he ever was in his heart and soul.  I will pray for you and your family.

Anonymous said...

This is tough. I've known several people who have had to deal with it. We'll keep you in our thoughts.

Anonymous said...

I used to co-facilitate a support group for families of Alzheimer's patients, so I know a little of what you are going through. It is so tough to watch your loved one lose the essence of who they are.

Anonymous said...

Sorry to hear about your father.  This must be heartbreaking to witness.  I'll keep him in my prayers...

Anonymous said...

I'm so so sorry. During times like this the only comfort I find is in Jesus and His word. There were occasions on earth where He healed all who were sick...just a preview of what is coming when at the end of history He "will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain anymore". The Bible says He defeated death and disease by taking them on Himself and carrying them to the grave. "He was wounded for our transgressions;he was crushed for our iniquities;upon Him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed. The horrible blows to the back of Jesus bought a world without disease. Praying for His peace to comfort you and your family and His presence to be with you.

Anonymous said...

Please know that I will keep you, your dad and your family in my prayers.  My grandma had dementia and I remember at times she didn't know who we were, as a child living with her it was a scary experience.  For my dad, I think it was hard to his social and active mom dwindle and lose her memory in front of his eyes.  

Again, I will keep you all in my prayers.

Monica
http://journals.aol.com/sonensmilinmon/SmilinMonsAdventures/
http://journals.aol.com/sonensmilinmon/MamarazziInAction

Anonymous said...

Mary, so sorry to hear about your Dad.  

Best wishes,
Debi

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry to be late here........ read the post above and had to backtrack. I am thinking of you and your family.
judi

Anonymous said...

Well I've had my two of my great uncles pass in the same week and my only regret is that I never spent anytime with them.  I will keep u in my prayers and in my thoughts. Best wishes.