Sunday we decided to go for a drive and kerflump, the car makes an ominous noise and the steering goes heavy. Fortunately they were able to stabilize the shaft that held the timing belt pulley otherwise we would have needed a new engine/vehicle.
Monday brought a messed up printer, disrupted internet service and a blown computer at work.
Tuesday brought the news that my work computer was pretty much shot and the My Passport we use as a backup for both computers, meh that wasn't working either.
Wednesday morning Mom called to say she was going to the hospital by ambulance (going to the hospital is Mom's new hobby)
Then the nursing home called.
They were sending Dad to the hospital by ambulance.
Dad is in the hospital. For several days we weren't 100% sure what was wrong with him. Slurry words, mild hallucinations and a decided left sided slump would make you believe a stroke. Except a CAT scan and then an MRI were clear. He also has pneumonia, an urinary tract infection and C-dif (an intestinal infection) so it's possible that all the medication was causing some neurological issues.
Except that is a stroke. In his brain stem which doesn't show up on CAT scans and MRIs and the pneumonia's pretty bad. So we have played hospital tag. We've sat with Dad and held his hand and tried to figure out what he wants when he's talking. TV on. TV off. Covers up. Covers down. I'm thirsty. I'm tired. I'm hurting...
Today is the first day that I've actually been able to stop running and breathe. Today Dad is better. More alert. Breathing better. Less scared. Today hope hasn't seemed like a double edged sword waiting to cut the knot that's holding it all together and drop it all on our heads.
I don't know what's going to happen. I'm praying for the best even though right now I'm not sure what the best is.
Mom is still in the hospital but may get out tomorrow.
Oh and Amanda is also in the hospital...
January 8, 2011 6:02 pm
9lbs 2oz 22 inches long
Through all of it Karl has been amazing and I can never, ever, ever show how grateful and happy that I have him. I love you Mr. Husband Man yes, I do.
Update Dad died the next day. One day before his 78th birthday. Cate called and said. "I don't know if you should come..."
In the scheme of things really what are you going to regret leaving work for something that turns out to be okay or missing the last moments you have with someone you love?
I was there and Cate and Lora and it was sad but okay. Just like a lot of things.
