I’ve been spending a fair bit of time at Sue’s lately, since my dad is home receiving Hospice care. I slept at home last night and got a shower this morning before we all headed over. Kendall made me smile this morning, wearing her hat and showing me some twirls, saying “that’s how ballerinas do!” So cute. We picked up a rotisserie chicken and Sue had made a big pan of macaroni and cheese, but, we ended up not being able to eat together. When we arrived, Sue was having chest pains. Everyone agreed, she needed at minimum to go to an urgent care right away, so she did, as hard as it was for her to step away from my dad. They ended up sending her to the hospital, where she was admitted and kept overnight for observation. Life sure throws some curve balls sometimes, but, somehow, when we have to do what must be done, we find a way. I felt just terrible for Sue, who didn’t want to be away for a moment, certainly not overnight.
So, I took care of my dad, while Brandon and the kids had fun building with the Construx. Once we knew Sue really couldn’t join us for dinner, we went ahead and ate, if a little glumly. I made sure to talk to the kids a little bit about Grandpa and how it was important they visit him, and tell him that they love him. I tried to explain a bit about what was going on, so they wouldn’t be afraid of the hospital bed and strange equipment all around, or worried if Grandpa couldn’t answer. Eventually, Brandon and the kids had to go home, so I got to work.
I stayed busy doing anything that needed doing, and sat with my dad in between. We had his iPod in his room, playing all of his music. That was actually really nice, listening to all the different kinds of music he liked, from different parts of his life. There was 60’s rock, beach music, swing jazz, the odd pop song here and there, and lots of blues, which he’d gotten into in recent years. I’d never had much affinity for blues, even though he’d told me more than once I really should give it a try. I’m glad I had the chance to just sit and listen with him now. No matter what came on Dad’s iPod, it always seemed just right.
I was quite glad I’d been trained by the hospice folks, so I knew what medications to give on what schedule, and Sue had taught me how to efficiently turn and raise Steve on his hospital bed. I setup eight alarms on my phone for all the meds, kept notes on everything that happened, and stayed overnight. Sue’s friend Mary came over and stayed in the house with me, which was a comfort. What a gem she is. Sue had thoughtfully arranged for a night nurse to cover the 11pm-7am time as well, which allowed the rest of us to get some sleep.
