There will be an open memorial service on Saturday, March 3rd at 3pm, here at my parents' house. All my parents' friends and neighbors -- anybody who knew them -- are welcome. If you'd like to bring a tray of sandwiches or snacks, feel free to do so. Contact me, Mike, at 916-410-4150 if you have any questions.
My father's obituary will be published in this Saturday's issue of the Roseville Press-Tribune.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Dad has passed
A few minutes ago, at 10:30 am, my father passed away peacefully. He was 91.
There will be a memorial service, and details will be posted here.
There will be a memorial service, and details will be posted here.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Near the end, people
Today Edie the bather and Brian the RN (in place of Linda) visited. Brian tells me that Dad's basically got 48 hours or so. He no longer takes in any food, liquid or medicine.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Status (old)
Yesterday, Dad became much weaker and less aware of his surroundings. He is awake (eyes open, hands folded on his chest, brushing his face, etc.) but unaware of us (or unable to acknowledge us). He is much less active now.
This morning he was at an awkward angle on the bed, so I picked up his legs and put them back on the bed, and picked up his head to reposition the pillow. He said, "Oh, Michael." I said, "Hi Dad. Do you need anything?" He said, "Yes." I said, "What do you need?" He then faded back into oblivion and incoherence, but he knew I was there. A few minutes ago I held his hand and he clapped my hand with his other one, so he knows I'm there.
This has slightly eased the 24/7 care-giving burden on me. I was able to slip out to grab something to eat just now. I've actually lost some weight in the last few days due to not being able to take care of myself.
I have a strong sense that I'm doing the right thing for my Dad, which gives me strength and focus. I feel that I'll be able to look back on this period of my life with no regrets. I took care of my Dad in his old age.
This morning he was at an awkward angle on the bed, so I picked up his legs and put them back on the bed, and picked up his head to reposition the pillow. He said, "Oh, Michael." I said, "Hi Dad. Do you need anything?" He said, "Yes." I said, "What do you need?" He then faded back into oblivion and incoherence, but he knew I was there. A few minutes ago I held his hand and he clapped my hand with his other one, so he knows I'm there.
This has slightly eased the 24/7 care-giving burden on me. I was able to slip out to grab something to eat just now. I've actually lost some weight in the last few days due to not being able to take care of myself.
I have a strong sense that I'm doing the right thing for my Dad, which gives me strength and focus. I feel that I'll be able to look back on this period of my life with no regrets. I took care of my Dad in his old age.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Status (old)
This morning Dad was active for a couple of hours, then settled back down to sleep again. Mother also went back to bed, so I thought I could skip out to go home and take a shower. (It had only been three days since my last shower, but I decided, what the heck, I'll take one anyway. Joking!)
When I got back, Dad had somehow got his pajama top off. Well, excuse me for taking a few minutes for myself! I obviously can't leave him alone for even a minute any more.
He did eat a few spoonfuls of oatmeal, which is the first thing he's eaten in days. Hopefully that will give him some energy.
2/24/12
He got a bath today. Edie was off, so it was Esther instead.
We managed to get a tiny amount of Ensure into him, maybe half an ounce. Not sure how much that will do for him. I tipped a teacup of it up to his mouth; he can't sip out of a straw any more. He was confused during the process.
When I got back, Dad had somehow got his pajama top off. Well, excuse me for taking a few minutes for myself! I obviously can't leave him alone for even a minute any more.
He did eat a few spoonfuls of oatmeal, which is the first thing he's eaten in days. Hopefully that will give him some energy.
2/24/12
He got a bath today. Edie was off, so it was Esther instead.
We managed to get a tiny amount of Ensure into him, maybe half an ounce. Not sure how much that will do for him. I tipped a teacup of it up to his mouth; he can't sip out of a straw any more. He was confused during the process.
Request
Many of the neighbors have expressed a willingness to help out. If that's you, and you can spare the time, please leave a comment here or call me at 916-410-4150. I need someone to fill in for me Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays for four hours, 4:30 - 8:30 pm. If you're able to help out for one or more of those times, that'd be great.
It would mainly involve getting Dad things to eat and drink, raising/lowering the bed, making sure he keeps the oxygen line on, making sure he's comfortable, etc., but it may also mean helping him onto the bedside commode, which would mean using some physical strength to help him to his feet. If you have a condition that wouldn't allow you to do that, I advise against it.
Thanks in advance!
It would mainly involve getting Dad things to eat and drink, raising/lowering the bed, making sure he keeps the oxygen line on, making sure he's comfortable, etc., but it may also mean helping him onto the bedside commode, which would mean using some physical strength to help him to his feet. If you have a condition that wouldn't allow you to do that, I advise against it.
Thanks in advance!
Status (old)
After yesterday morning's adventure, Dad was exhausted. He slept all day. That wouldn't have been a problem, except it continued all day today. He fought against wearing the oxygen tube, wouldn't take any meds, refused all food and drink. He may have reached a turning point, although he is a little bit better tonight.
I talked to Linda the RN, and she said to keep at it. Wearing the oxygen tube will help avoid a lot of problems. She'll be here tomorrow to help evaluate his status.
Edie the bather was here around 1:30, and as usual she was incredible. That lady has been doing it for 36 years or so! I learned a lot about keeping my dad comfortable by watching her: making sure the sheets don't bunch up under him, etc.
He just told me he thought he was booked for 1953 at Carnegie Hall.
I talked to Linda the RN, and she said to keep at it. Wearing the oxygen tube will help avoid a lot of problems. She'll be here tomorrow to help evaluate his status.
Edie the bather was here around 1:30, and as usual she was incredible. That lady has been doing it for 36 years or so! I learned a lot about keeping my dad comfortable by watching her: making sure the sheets don't bunch up under him, etc.
He just told me he thought he was booked for 1953 at Carnegie Hall.
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