Tuesday, August 09, 2011

Visit with Dad

Barbara, Faye, Russ and I visited Dad on Saturday, August 6. I had previously seen him in June 2 or 3 times with Justine, Cora and then Chip while visiting Barb. In June, he was not opening his eyes much or talking, though he did appreciate the visit, held our hands, etc. They said at the time they were having to feed him though he was still a good eater, but he wasn't walking much. We also had a priest visit and give him the Sacrament of Anointing which he also seemed to enjoy.

On this visit, he was on a lounge chair and gave a big smile when we said hello to him. When Russ said hello, he said something like, "I busted you in the nose," and then that set the theme for the rest of the visit, as no matter what we asked or said, it came back to him busting somebody's nose, or his getting busted, or him busting two noses, etc. It was pretty funny, and he had his eyes open the whole time, and it was enjoyable. We heard that unlike a month or two ago, he was walking a bit, but it is getting very difficult to get him up and even also to sit back down, as he arches his back instead of bending forward. He is still eating, but I believe they feed him more than him doing it himself. The hospice nurse follows his weight by measuring his arm, and he has lost some. But I thought he looked pretty good, not underweight. He had a recent haircut from Haydee.

I am really impressed more and more with the great care he seems to be getting. We were looking at his feet, and I noticed how soft and smooth his legs were, it was clear lotion was being put on after bathing, for instance. I like it that I see the same caregivers each time I visit.