Update 1/23/2009

We appreciate all your kind thoughts and words.  Honestly we do not know what Dad's timeframe is, but his memory is rapidly declining.   He seems to recognize everyone but he is stuck in the past which is pretty normal for his condition.  He still manages to get a smile on his face especially if you mention "chocolate."  He played with Whitney today which is always a wonderful sight and sound.  One of the best things for us now is to remember the lives he has touched and the wonderful man that he is.  Please feel free to leave your thoughts here or our email degrucciofamily@gmail.com.  If you have questions please call me, Jenny at 916-768-6896.

United We Stand

Tonight I went over to visit Dad. Rick had come down from Penn Valley and picked me up on his way. I was suprised to see Dad wide awake with plenty of lights on and even a grin on his face. Is this the same man we struggled to get to and from the Doctor yesterday. Did all that attention give him strength? Rick sat and visited with him which was good for Dad. Then we all started asking various questions and most of his answers were not right. At least not for this decade. He couldn't even name all of his children so we pointed to each one of us and he got that right but forgot the one who wasn't there...then Annie said to Dad "he thinks he's your favorite!" And then Dad said "Ohhhh, Michael!" He still manages to crack a joke once in while. It was nice to see him so chipper. And to have Rick's assistance and a new wheel chair, it makes transporting him around the house so much easier. We spent a nice night together and ended it with a priesthood blessing for Mom given by Rick. It was very sweet and I could feel the comfort of the Holy Ghost permeate the room as they blessed her. It was a sweet few moments. I'm not sure if the blessing was more for her or us. She is the back bone of the family and an incrediblly strong woman. We are so grateful to have one another to lean on...

Update

Dad's tests came back and Dad has signs that his liver is not functioning properly.  Which explains his tan looking skin...hard to notice on an Italian...

Update on Dad 1/22/2009

After taking Dad to his primary care doctor yesterday, which wore us (Annie, Mom and Jenny) all out, emotionally and physically, his doctor is referring us to Hospice. He didn't give us a prognosis or even really knows much more than we do why his health is deteorating so fast. Hospice will come in and evaluate and then let us know what help we will be receiving. After six months they will reevalute the situation.  Hospice is a scary word to most people, but after research this is really the best option as we see it.  They have all different types of help and if the patient improves they may find that the patient no longer needs their care.  The Doctor did more blood work trying to find out if there is something else going on. None of us, including the doctor, want to put him in a nursing facility he just isn't at that point and we obviously want him with us, as hard as it is, that's where he needs to be. When I say "we", I am talking about our family as a whole. Kathy, Jenny, Annie and Mom do the majority of the care, with often assistance from Monty or Paul. Mom has been bearing the burden for way too long and we are worried about her, too. She is an amazingly strong woman but she isn't superhuman as we all thought! As I mentioned before, his short term memory is declining and he doesn't have a strong desire to eat, which is sooo unlike our Daddy. We know Dad has lived a full life and was always so full of life. At times when we walk in the room he has that big silly grin on his face...so glad to see us. Now, he is usually sleeping and we don't see that big smile so much anymore, like we all remember, that's pretty painful to watch. He still is full of love and as his body is failing him he tries so hard to stay as sweet as he always has been but his mind gets confused at times and he is not himself, especially lately. We like to think of him as that robust, hugging, friendly, smiling, non-judgemental, Christ-like man he always has been. We know he has touched many of your lives and we are grateful and honored to take care of our dear sweet Daddy who has ALWAYS taken care of everyone else, without complaint. We appreciate all the kind words and prayers in our behalf and welcome your thoughts of him, they are so comforting to us. Thank you again for your prayers and please feel free to visit him. My cell is 916-768-6896 or email: degrucciofamily@gmail.com. ~Jenny

Update on Dad

As you may know Dad's health has deteriorated to the point he is immobile and unable to do anything but sleep and eat. Just about like a new born baby, except he talks back. Sometimes he is all there smiling from ear to ear and sometimes like a two year old refusing to do what you want him to. We will be taking him to his Doctor tomorrow to access his and our needs. It is getting harder and harder for any of us to care for him. His long term memory is still pretty good but his short term memory is pretty poor. He still manages to ask for diet pepsi, hot dogs and chocolate. We still manage to find humor in our dealings with Dad, and he does too. This keeps us all sane, at least for the moment. We are grateful for so many around to help at a moments notice, including our spouses. I think we all could use some chiropractic care and a good massage. We appreciate all your sweet memories of him and sweet words. Although this time is hard, we wouldn't have anyone else taking care of our sweet Daddy.

New Home Pictures

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Skinner/DeGruccio Family Home

Well, they are moved in and even have their cars in the garage! The Skinners are upstairs and Mom and Dad have the downstairs left wing. The home is perfect for all of them and they are in one of the best neighborhoods in Sac County (in my opinion). Lots of families, parks, trees, walking areas, shopping, restaurants and right of of Highway 50. Monty said the first Saturday the sidewalks were constantly full of people jogging,walking or walking their dogs. There still is much to be unpacked after moving two households but that can wait, the important things are there, the people...

Moving Day!!

Make a Smilebox postcard