One year ago today…..
I was at Dana-Farber with a
friend for her first visit to an oncologist when I got a call from Mom saying
Dad had been rushed to the hospital, just two weeks after they arrived in Florida to begin their next phase of life.
Kate, BJ, Heather and I all got to Cape Coral as quickly as we could, and
there began the journey of the past year.
First, we didn't know if Dad would survive what they eventually told us
was a massive hemorrhagic stroke.
Thankfully he did. Then we were
told that he probably wouldn't have use of his right side. I’ll never forget the day in the hospital
when he lifted up his right arm (because his left arm was tied down) in an
attempt to pull out some of his tubes!
Two weeks after the stroke he was released from the ICU. Two more weeks found him being discharged to a
great rehabilitation hospital for a month where they helped him get his
strength back and learn how to deal with some of the residual weakness in his
right side. After that he went to a
different nursing/rehabilitation facility for another month in preparation to go
home. Finally, on January 26th,
2013, he went home to their condo in Cape Coral.
That sounds like a nice end to
the story, but it isn’t over. We’re so
glad Dad is still with us, but I’m not going to lie – it’s been a tough
year. It’s been hard on Mom, who has
faithfully been there with him every step of the way. The bulk of everything has been on her shoulders. It’s been hard on us kids,
knowing that we can’t always be there to help because we live so far away and
can only take so much time off from work.
BJ and Heather were there A LOT of weekends through the winter and
spring, which was great, but obviously they have jobs and other responsibilities.
Dad still has some physical
struggles, but mostly the problem lies with some memory and confusion
issues. He has had some great days –
sometimes I talk to him and it’s pretty much a completely normal
conversation. Other times he asks the
same questions over and over and seems a little “lost”. Those days are hard. He’s also been frustrated because he
can’t drive and really wants his independence back. Overall, most days he’s pretty happy, and he
definitely still has that “big good lookin’ guy” personality, so we’re thankful
for that. J
Dad’s having some one year follow
up appointments this week. Based on his
ophthalmologist appointment on Tuesday, it sounds like he’ll be having cataract
surgery in the next couple of months.
That will be helpful, as his vision has been a challenge since the
stroke. We’re also hoping his other doctors
may be able to figure out what’s happening with the confusion and maybe do
something to help. I've spent the past
year praying for a 100% recovery. It
hasn't happened yet, but that doesn't mean it won’t, so I’ll keep on
asking!
So, one year later, life looks a
little different for our family. This
isn't how any of us envisioned Mom and Dad’s retirement. I’m so thankful that BJ and Heather are only
a few hours’ drive away, and I know Mom appreciates having them around. Kate is very busy with school (finishing her
PhD!) and her business, so it’s tough for her to get away. As for me - I’m praying about where I need to
be. Boston has been home for a long
time (Woo hoo, way to go Red Sox!), but it’s possible a change may be coming.
I don’t know just yet, but the pull to be with the people I love - who
also happen to need some help - is pretty strong.
And let’s face it – for a girl who hates the cold and snow, Florida in the
winter is a whole lot nicer than Boston!
That doesn't hurt ;)
Mom and Dad would love to see people this winter, so if
you’re thinking about a FL vacation, give them a call and stop by for a visit!
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