Dad is home once again...

After almost a year, Dad come back home. Mom and I went to pick him up at the hospital yesterday. They said goodbyes with lots of smiles and a few tears. Mom was surprisingly calm, not what I expected. We arrived by 11:30am, and tried to settle down. Unpacked a few items (bedrail, walker, feeding bag pole). It was sort of a non-event to Dad. As far as I know, no offer of help from anyone else (brother or Dad's side of the family were absent of course). We got into the Meds and the feeding schedule. Figured out where and how to position Dad so he would be comfortable. After a long day we all went to bed for a well deserved sleep.

Dad is more comfortable going to the bathroom without people watching him and waiting for him. I don't blame him. He no longer has to rely on the nurses or support workers to get him to the bathroom. I went and got bagels from one of our favorite spots. It's been a year since he's had one. We took out the soft inside and buttered it for him. I think with the ability to feed him at any time, Dad will gain weight even faster.

His sister called but only said to Mom "Can I speak to please". No hello, no acknowledgement. I'm not sure if I would be brave enough to step foot in the house after what she and brother did with trying to get POA.

Brother wanted to come over but declined after learning I was here. I'm staying for a few days to help with the transition. Mom's got everything under control however.

Brother is having a dinner at his house, I suspect to "celebrate" Dad's return. He didn't invite Mom however. Or me (not that I care - he hates me for what ever reasons he has). I insisted to Mom that brother be aware of Dad's schedule and agree to it. Dad can leave after his meds at 5:00pm and return before 8:00pm for his final feeding. Mom still doesn't understand that she does not have to be a victim. If he doesn't agree, don't let brother take him. If brother screws up and doesn't return Dad, then don't let brother take him next time. It's simple isn't it? Just keep in mind what Dad wants as well. Quality of life. For everyone.

This division is the result of a disagreement on the use of accupuncture. We agreed to accupressure (no needles), but when they wanted to persue needles, Mom and I didn't think this was the right time.

Dad is finally able to resolve the condo issue. He kept talking about condos, but it was for the future. The social worker at the hospital told him that the maintenance fees on the condo would be much higher than the operating costs of the house as it's mortgage free.

I'm very proud of Mom and Dad for getting through the last year.

Dad's coming home...

It's been a while since the past post. Dad will be coming home on September 29, 2006. Almost 1 full year since the stroke. He's made the most incredible progress. He's done more than anyone ever thought possible. He's able to walk with the use of a walker. He can go up and down stairs with assistance. He's getting his memory back. There are times when time is needed to heal. This is one of those times. The brain can recover, but in cases like this, the mind needs time. When the mind starts to mend, the body follows easily. Dad's pushed himself very hard, with concentrated determination. The hospital has been instrumental in getting Dad back on his feet. But really, the single person that is responsible for Dad's recovery is Mom. She hasn't missed a day (except for the public transit strike) going to see Dad. She has been the one to get on the therapists whould something not go right. She's has been the one to feed day, slowly and daily. No one else has done this. Cheers Mom, you've done a hell of a job.

There were a few things that were suggested with the house. Small things like a grab bar in the bathroom, non-skid strips on the bathroom floor, a handrail outside by the stairs and a gate to block the stairs to the basement. Of these things she asked Brother to put up the grab bar and install the outside handrail. Brother came back saying he could find such a handrail for the outside. Mom told me and I went to Home Depot only to find all sorts of handrails. She told Brother that I found them at Home Depot, to which he responded - "since you're being such a pain in the ass, I'm only going to do the bathroom grab bar". Well, I found a no rust aluminum handrail for the outside. I installed it and it looks great. See big Brother, you're an ass.

Dad's been doing very well at the walking. Today he did 8 laps around the ward, 80 squats, 2 sets of stairs (up and down) and one lap walking with me helping (no walker). Incredible.

The evil sisters have been inquiring about getting him a recliner chair. They don't even realize that he's not strong enough to get out of the chair as once they are reclined, it takes some strength to push it back. Hey girls - just pass over the cash and leave.

One evil sister sent an invitation to her grandchildren's celebration dinner. Just an excuse to show off infront of a bunch of so called close friends. She sent the invite to Dad alone. Why don't these people smarten up. Either invite Mom and Dad or don't invite at all. Bitch.

I told Mom that she has to make sure people call before coming over. No doubt the evil sisters will just show up and expect Mom to roll over while they are visiting.

Daughter is very excited about Grandpa coming home.