One Month Ago

A month ago today we brought Dad home for hospice care.

A month has seemed like a lifetime {in a very good way}.

In a month:

• My sister and I learned how to clean a patient in bed.
• We learned how to give my dad his blood thinner shot. Something I never thought I could do because needles scare the hell out of me. I guess we all do scary things in the name of love.
• My sister and I take turns sleeping on the couch to watch over dad at night.
• We administer medicine and keep track of what he takes in a notebook, so we can always know what’s going on with his meds.
• We had one very scary night where he wasn’t feeling well but my sister and I got him through it using common sense, internet advice and advice from the Visiting Nurse service. I could not have gotten through that night without my sister. We make an awesome team!
• My mom’s wonderful cooking has dad’s system back on track and staying healthy.
• Dad has had physical therapy at home and gotten out of bed a few times. We are still hoping he can walk again soon.
• We’ve only had one trip to the ER this month and thankfully dad was okay and sent home within a few hours.
• Max is also thrilled beyond words to have dad home. He no longer has those big doggy tears streaming down his face.
• Dad looks good and everyone who comes to the house says it was the right thing to bring him home. {Even those naysayer family members! }
• My sister, the amazing psychologist-to-be, used all her skills to talk to my dad when he was feeling down. She was brave beyond words as she coaxed him to express his feelings. The words were so hard to hear. Dad later said he felt so much better after talking to his youngest daughter. It was a moment so precious to witness.

We feel so lucky to have dad at home and getting stronger. We are holding firm that his condition will improve with time and love.