An Artist's View

I am back
and so very happy to report
that my dad is doing great.

That's right, great!

When I was packing to go see him, I took 2 weeks worth of clothes . . . and my black funeral suit (still in the suitcase from Wyatt's funeral), was zipped back up to return to California. All I could think was "this is too many funerals in a 6 month period".

too many funerals.

Dad was conscious when I arrived and I was so thankful I made it in time. He slurred his words and spoke with difficulty, but made some sense . . . when he wasn't seeing rats in the room or our eyes boiling. For four days, he worried us with hallucinations. I met with my three sisters, and made plans for mom and dad's physical and financial future care. Then, on day 5, he suddenly and miraculously began to speak clearly and make complete sense. He was transported that day to a nursing home for rehab. It was there, that the Speech Pathologist explained to me that strokes cause swelling that prevent normal brain function. As soon as the swelling subsides, the patient can return to normal, in what seems like a sudden and miraculous healing.

Dad's stroke was a blood clot in the language center of the brain, if it had been a brain bleed, like my mother had, the outcome could have been much more devastating.

I am so gratified and blessed to have my dad, back to nearly 100% of his pre-stroke self. He is going home today and I wish I could be there to see him reunited with mom. They are such sweet love birds at this point in their 57 year marriage.

Dad won't be mom's caretaker anymore. For the summer, my nephew, Milan will stay in their home to oversee things; we will hire help when he returns to college.

I am very tired. Steve picked me up at midnight last night and I chatted at him until 4 am. But I will be good as new in a day or two

The miracle of a 77 year old stroke patient coming home in good shape, is not lost on me

I am deeply grateful for another day with my dear parents.