August 9, 2010

Hell everyone!!!

Today has been a hard day on me but yet good in many ways. I did not get down to see Dad till about 3:15 pm he was still in bed for his nap but awake and coughing. He was coughing quite a bit actually. after about 1/2 hour they came in to get him out of bed to get ready for his dinner. even though he does not eat dinner for at least 2 hours after they got him up. he has the 2nd. round of trays. the first round are self feeders and he is not a self feeder.

I spent much of my time with dad today just singing to him and telling him how much we all love him. and talking about how he was such a good dad to all of us. Holding his hand. he spoke a few words I understood mostly the word NO to the nurses and aids. He had a piece of dried food on his chin so I was trying to get it off and he said "ouch damn it". I said you swore and he kind of got a very little smirk on his face. it was so funny.

I found out today that they have been thickening Dads liquids for the last 2 weeks. This is something Dad and I had discussed long ago and he did not want it. he wanted to to have nothing to prolong his life no resuscitation no artificial means of life support no medications or thickeners or I V's. I must uphold his choices. So I told them to stop thickening them. This conversation was witnessed by Lee.


I do not feel it will be long but no one can give me a definite time frame. They said he could choke on his next meal and be done. Alzheimer's is so unpredictable. All they say is it won't be long. I know this does not help you but I can not give you any other answers.

If you would like to call Dad, the nurses will hold the phone up to his ear so you can tell him whatever you would like. the veterans home number is...... 217-222-8648 extension 402. I know I gave this number to you when he first checked in but thought you might want it again.
you can also call me any time my cell phone number is 217-357-4898 I have it next to me 24/7
If any one feel they need to see him my home is always open and I have room. Otherwise when the time comes and he passes away He will be buried in Kalispell Montana near Mom. His wishes were to have his children at a graveside service with children singing I am a Child of God.
Dawn if you could I would like you to write an obituary for when the time comes-it needs to go to the funeral home so they can put it in the paper. this has been prepaid to them. I will need help with the services so any suggestions and help are welcome.

I hate to talk about this now but the time is now to start these plans. sorry everyone.

I Love you all so much and I pray every day that our family can heal and move forward. I also pray that Heavenly Father will comfort each of you during this time.



P.S. the picture on the top is from today the picture of Jon and Dad is from Friday.