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Good thing I did get too excited about the improvements....although Dad is still walking with the walker again....so that's a good thing. He has had just ONE 'TIA. That one just lasted 15 seconds.
http://americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4781
{copy & paste that, if necessary}
The last 36 hours have been uhhhhh, shall I say, draining?
That's not really the word but you fill in the blanks.
Dad has a sharp tongue when he wants to pour it on, let me tell you.
I can't even repeat most of what he said because few would believe me anyway.
Rod saw it first hand for the first time and I think he is still trying to believe it.
That's the hardest for me to deal with. That's 100 times worse than any physical work I do for Dad.
He finally said this morning at about 11am..."Okay, kid, I won't argue with you anymore."
Argue? Oh my, if ONLY it was JUST that. Yesterday afternoon was so bad that I just broke down in tears. There's no response to the things he says....he really believes all of it. He believes what his mind is telling him. I need a way to handle it better than I do. Crying is emotionally draining for me over something I know he can't help right now.
Rod reminded me that he has dementia but it still hurts me.
I have had maybe 3 solid hours of sleep in the last 2 days. Rod stayed up with Dad all last evening while I tried to sleep but I could hear Dad from the living room.
There are some days he won't lay down for more than an hour at a time and then he is wide awake, yelling my name, only to tell me some wild story that is developing in his head.
So please, NO ONE tell me to take a nap when he lays down. I have tried that dozens of times....only to have my sleep broken and that really is not the answer.
I wish I had a dollar for each time I have been told now you need to lay down when he does.
He is finally resting on the sofa now. Who knows for how long. Ooops, spoke too late...he is yelling my name again.
Just keep going, Wendy. I know that it's easier for someone like me to sit here and say that while on the outside looking in. But, you are doing the right thing! I'm really proud of you. And, I guess I have no right to be. But, I'm thankful, this family should be grateful, that you (and Rod) are doing what you're doing anyway. What you're doing is honouring your father. It reminds me of the poem you gave at Grandma's funeral. It was the sweetest...I think that you have a more special bond with Grandpa and Grandma in a way that most of us don't.
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