February 27, 2006: Past Entry...

This is a recollection of what transpired since I officially was blogging. I had stopped blogging about Dad's situation because of altercations between Dad's side of the family and Mom.

Dad was getting acupressure treatment. It was going fine. One evening I get a phone call from Mom saying Brother is having Dad get acupuncture starting the next Saturday. Mom's all upset saying she doesn't think he's ready. She doesn't want to take the chance and have complications due to any infection or other issues that may arise.

Brother send an email saying Dad is to receive acupuncture this weekend and that the Aunts will arrange. No discussion.

Mom tells Brother she doesn't want it after speaking with me. I'm sure Brother took it that I convinced her otherwise. Mom sends email stating that she doesn't want it happenning.

Brother replies to email saying she is going against Dad's explicit wishes. Brother states that this is what Dad wants. She, as the Power of Attorney, should respect what he wants. I reply to Brother saying that Dad is not in any state of mind to determine what his medical needs are. The hospital has already made it clear that he cannot act on his own behalf. I call Brother an idiot.

This is family.

Why haven't I been posting?

Well, Dad is making progress. He's able to walk 30 or so steps with assistance (that's one holding him for stabililty behind and one infront to guide and another following up with a wheelcchair). His swallowing is still not strong enough to remove him from the feeding tube. He almost always talks of food (what to eat, can we order something now, recipes) and now he talks of going home. He wants to go home. He cries because he worries about Mom, his children, his grandchildren. He wants to call Mom as soon as she leaves. He still gets affected by the sedatives he's given. He's doing exercise classes (again with assistance) and is getting some work with a physiotherapist. His speech is improving. He can hold a conversation. He writes but it comes out as chicken scratch.

We continue with the acupressure, but it's a constant battle with Mom as she will blame any negative ailments of Dad on the acupressure. I'm tired of the battles. My life needs to be dealt with as well. I have a family and work that don't stop because of this. We've been dealing with this for 4 months now. I've put my family on hold until now. But I'm seeing the results. No one is happy. I have responsibilities as well.

I'm so tired and stressed. Is winter over yet?