Small Things

Life is hard.  There is no way around it.  You make a plan and things change the plan. You put bread in the toaster and it burns.  Hurting people you know experience more hurts and you feel at a loss. You give and give and the receiver wants more and more.  You figure your bills before pay day and you are in the red before you even get paid. You learn a new truth and resolve to live by it only to forget it when you needed to remember it.  Yes, life is hard.  But then in the midst of life's trials . . . . . .

You spot a cockroach, a big one crawling along your kitchen ceiling.  You do that squealing thing running for the can of roach spray you hope is in the laundry room.  You aim at the roach and give it all you got.  Without any maneuvering on your part, that roach falls directly into the kitchen trashcan so you can smother it with more spray followed by the lid. You giggle thinking how you got that roach and scored two points all in one swoop.  Plus you didn't have to touch that yucky thing!  That's when you thank God for the small things.

Dad update

So I am sure that it is not coincidence that Thursday afternoon by which time many people would have seen my post and were praying, Dad took an amazing turn around for the good. He was shaving, brushing his teeth, walking the halls, and all in a much less agitated and confused state.  He was sent home Friday afternoon.  When I saw him that evening he was sitting in his chair watching TV.  He said he was tired but was fairly chatty.  There was some normal repeated conversation and some hints of confusion but nothing like what was happening in the hospital earlier in the week.

Due to some caring co-workers who sent me off when my concern and weariness was evident, I was at the hospital Thursday morning when the Doctor came.  I had an opportunity to express my concern for dad's mental well being.  As it often is, Dad was lucid during the doctor's visit and he was unaware of the behaviors Mom and I had witnessed. Basically the Doctor's conclusion was that what Dad experience is common among the elderly during hospital stays.  Mom and I also tend to think the numerous medications he was taking contributed as well.  

The report is that he has had a pretty good weekend.  He has a cough from the respiratory issues but he is doing the necessary breathing exercises to help with that.  He is now looking forward to a visit from his friend in Mississippi who is coming to do some projects around Mom and Dad's condo this weekend.

Thank you for your prayers.  I am convinced there is a connection between them and his amazing turn around. 

Dad

Wanted to share that Dad has been in the hospital since early Sunday morning.  He went in with a stomach blockage.  This is a somewhat common occurrence so it was not too alarming. Although that issue has not been totally resolved, it is better.  However meanwhile, respiratory issues developed this morning.  The most distressing part is his confusion and crazy talk.  It has been humorous in some regards.  In truth there are times we haven't been sure that he was really not aware or just being funny.  The nurses have told mom that it is certainly not uncommon for people in the hospital to show such confusion.  We have also wondered what is connected to medicine that he is on.  We have tried not to be alarmed but some interactions with him today have been somewhat disturbing.  Mom is staying with him the majority of the time.  She is an experienced hospital companion from many stays with both my dad and brother.  None the less, it has to be wearing.  Appreciate your prayers for clarity for the doctors, Dad's healing, and mom's stamina and strength. Thank you.