me since he's been moved to the really fancy section of the care home. He was so happy to see me and showed me all around his room. He thinks he's living in a luxury hotel now and was especially thrilled to show me his bathroom with the huge shower and the tap that turns on when you put your hands under it. It's good to see that he's happy and in no pain. He is even walking without his walker or even his cane. He continues to have mini-strokes and one day the big one will come and he'll be gone. But in the meantime, it's good to see him so content.Then I had him sit down and gave him a small book of photos to look at. The photos were all of my little Noah whom he hadn't seen since last Thanksgiving. My daughter wanted to visit and bring the little guy, but Dad just hasn't been well enough. So while he was looking at the photos, I went out and got them and brought them in to surprise him. Well, Dad just welled up and was so thrilled to see Noah, hugged him tight and had him sit on his lap. We managed to get a few photos after he'd calmed down a bit and stayed for about 2 hours. Anyway, just thought you'd like to see this photo - I think it's the best one as they're all smiling.
We have to cherish every moment right now as we never know when will be the last time we see him. Realistically, he probably won't be here for Christmas, but only God knows. I'm just thankful that he's happy and that we can bring him some joy when we visit.
15 comments:
Everywhere, in the industrial world, the aging of the population is an inescapable fact. Some countries have invested a lot of their resources to take care of their old folks and some less so. We hear so many horror stories about the elderly abuse whether it's done by the children or those of who are supposed to take care of them professionally. What a rotten end to long lives for many and what a scary thought for those who are getting closer to become elderly themselves. In this light, my chest is filled with the strange feeling of content and happiness that you, Leslie, are such a good daughter and see it important to deal with your dad in a manner that we all wished to be treated during our waning years!
Oh my gosh, pekka, you made my eyes well up and my chest hurt from holding back the tears! Yes, we have always known that some day our parents would need more care than we could give them. My mother was at the same care home as Dad is now before she succumbed to Alzheimers 5 years ago. The people are SO kind there and we've never had any worries about the quality of care they give. Their motto is "hugs not drugs" which is so different from many care homes where the elderly are just drugged up. My Dad has a huge room with his own private bathroom, bed, beautiful wingback chair, his own huge leather recliner and his own huge TV, and giant closet. There's also a lovely cushioned window seat where he can look out onto the patio and gardens. The halls are wider than some people's rooms and are lined with original artwork and glass cases that hold antique crystal, vases, etc. AND it's subsidized! My Dad's income covers more than is necessary for his care there. He's so happy 'cuz he thinks he's living in a luxury hotel. :D Thanks so much for your wonderful comments.
Hugs not drugs!!! This home is a home! This is fantastic, what peace of mind you must have Leslie, beautiful pictures, beautiful smiles...
*Cherish the moments* love it.
Pam
Leslie,
This care home sounds wonderful. You must rest easy knowing your Dad is getting such tender and loving care.
He looks happy in these photos..
:)
Leslie, it's nice to see your Dad so happy. These are lovely photographs of the four generations. He's so lucky to have all of you to care for him. Getting old can be a very scary prospect for a lot of people. As Pekka says, "what a rotten end to long lives for many and what a scary thought for those who ae getting closer to becoming elderly themselves."
I know when the time comes, you will have people to care for you as well, Leslie.
The cycle of life.
This is a happy post Leslie. It's great that your father likes his nursing home because so many elderly do not accept it willingly.
Lovely photos.
Oh my...that brought tears to my eyes...how wonderful...what a lovely lovely memory you have created...yes cherish it and appreciate every moment you have like that with your dad.....
Hey Leslie...I too was born at VGH...on my post yesterday I had mentioned about my mom and dad and immigrating to Canada...well yes they brought 5 children with them...but then they had 7 here...and I was one of them...so..yes I am born and bread Canadian and proud of it....
hi mary anne, I did read your post about your parents and just thought you were one of the ones that came over. there are few of us around now that were born at VGH and glad to hear you're one of them! :D
What a heartwarming post. You are blessed to have your dad able to enjoy life so and to enjoy his family so. He is blessed to have such a caring family.
Leslie, how lucky you are to still have your dad! Spend lots of time with him!
i'm glad your dad is happy!
Leslie: So lucky to have your dad and happy memories of him. Not all of us have been so fortunate. My mom is 76 and still living independently, but you never know. She's pretty fragile. So far, she's doing fairly well. I keep my fingers crossed.
Donnetta
Thanks for all your lovely comments. Yes, it will be sad when my Dad moves on...he's the last of that generation in our family. My mother passed away over 5 years ago from Alzheimers and we really didn't expect Dad to make it this long. But considering the grief of his/our loss, he's managed quite well up until last January when those major strokes got him. His doctors have him on medication but he isn't "drugged" - he's up and tottering around making friends in his new "home" and seems happy. We'll cherish every day from now on, for sure.
Your post reminds me of my father-in-law's days spent in a nursing home. He thought he was on a cruise ship, and we decided to let it be. Nice post.
Oh Leslie, Your Dad looks like a real sweetie. I work in a seniors residence and I love working with elderly folks. We have so much to learn from them. I am happy you all had such a nice visit and that he was feeling well enough to see his great grandson. You look great by the way!
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