Got some Scotch?

Sunday Morning I went over to stay with Dad to let Mom attend church. That was really hard to stay home...ha ha. As soon as I walked in Dad said "can you get me some Scotch?" And I said, "Only if I can have some too!" We laughed...not sure if he was serious or not? I made or should I say toasted some waffles and he gobbled those up. He asked if it would be alright if he slept, and I said "why?" And he said "because you came to visit me." "Oh Dad, you go right ahead and sleep all you want!" Kathy came over for a short time too and assisted me in changing him, Thank Goodness! Dad told her I was talking too much and wouldn't let him sleep???? I had been at the computer as quiet as can be. He was a little dilusional seeing things and waking after talking in his sleep. The hard thing is that he knows he is seeing things and asks if I can see them too, I said, "do want the truth?" We then discussed how none of us can control our mortality. "I could go tomorrow" and he said "ohhhh, that would leave a big hole in my heart! But your right, we can't control it." He still has such a good sense of humor and cracks me up! And he is still as loving as ever!

We're going out to Mexican Food....all 18 of us!

Wow, today has been an interesting day. Our cousin Dave Petrizze, came out from Utah to visit for a couple days and last night he made us some incredible Authentic Italian Pizza. You can imagine how much Dad enjoyed that. Gathered together were the Chidesters(those who weren't sick), the Skinners, Mom and Dad, our cousin Dave and our good friend Judy (who by the way made the most wonderful chocolate chip cookies)!! The kids had fun helping with the Pizzas and Dad sat in his chair facing the kitchen so he could watch the fixings. Everyone had a great time and we were all stuffed. This morning Dave and I arrived to take care of Dad and found him in a confused state. He had been that way since he woke up. We are blessed he still knows who HE is and everyone else. But it's been a little nutty listening to him all day. He has been very chatty. He has been asking me and Annie about getting everyone ready to go out to dinner, all 18 of us? Anyone who really knows Dad knows he looooooves Mexican Food. Well, that's where he was taking us tonight, and he was buying. It was rather cute and so much like the old Dad we remember. I asked him if he wanted lunch today and he grabbed my hand and whispered, "All I need is your lovin"! We imagine it's the toxins in his body confusing his brain, this has happened before, but he has been awful chatty today. Sometimes I don't know whether to laugh or cry, but I can't do either one in front of him or he thinks I'm up to something. If he isn't talking confusing chatter he is resting with a big grin on his face. Silly Daddy! Unfortunately we never made it to dinner, but I imagine he will bring up the mexican food thing again plenty of times! I think we may have to bring it to him....
P.S. We appreciate your comments and welcome them.

Milk Shakes and French Fries

I am with Dad again today. He got sick this morning while the aide was here so I came over to help Annie. Kathy ended up here too. We have all hung out here together. He doesn't want to eat really or even drink much. We did go get him a milk shake and fries though he didn't eat very many fries (crazy I know). He won't let go of the milk shake though, I tried to put it away for him but he said "over my dead body!" Obviously he still has his sense of humor. He is very achy today so we really can't even move him. He keeps waking with a smile on his face...I had a very sweet talk with him today. He told me he couldn't go yet, he had too many people to love, can you imagine him loving anymore? Imagine what we can learn from that...my Daddy has taught me so much but one of the greatest things he instilled in me is the pure love of Christ. Dad definately knew and lived that throughout his life. He has always been a great example of unconditional love.

Dad's update

Today is Tuesday, my day, to be with Dad. Although Annie's day is everyday, she has been a great help or should I say I have been a help to her. Since I don't know how to work everything.
Last Tuesday Hospice came into their home and evaluated Dad's needs. He was such a show off smiling from ear to ear and cracking jokes. Finally on Friday the bed and hoist was delivered along with many other supplies they are providing. What a huge blessing they are. Just about every day someone is coming in to assist in someway. We still have to do the majority of the work (Mom and Annie) but they have been a great help. This past week Dad has been very alert and back to himself. Since he is in a bed his poor little legs are all skinny again. They were soooooo swollen for so long I had forgotten how skinny his legs are. The bed was put in the family room because there wasn't enough room in their bedroom. This has been a huge relief for Mom since she can finally sleep well. I think they are both sleeping better. Annie and I figured out how to get him in the hoist and transfer him to his chair. He looks like a little child in a swing, I can't help but laugh when we put him in the hoist. Dad has enjoyed all the visitors and attention from Hospice staff. It has lifted all our spirits. The way the floor plan is in their new home is amazingly perfect. The Lord has really blessed us all!