November 24, 2012 - Simple Things

Simple Things

It's already Saturday night, November 24, 2012. That means I've been away from my home, California friends, and kitties for 25 days. I'm not sure where the time has gone, even though some days feel like they've gone on for an eternity. I went to Knoxville for the first time yesterday morning. Conrad treated Christy and me to a massage, then she and I stopped in Old Navy before heading back to Maryville to go spend the day with dad. I've seen very few of my friends while I've been in town. I've eaten at only a couple of my favorite restaurants. I've shopped in very few of my favorite stores. And, I haven't even gotten to see the Smoky Mountains with the exception of the view as we walk out of the hospital late each afternoon. I didn't make it to a single Maryville High School football game or even an Ice Bears hockey game. This hasn't been a 'pleasure' trip, but a necessary trip. Mom still has a list a mile long of things we need to do while Conrad and I are here. We may have to split up and kick it into high gear to get everything done. Tomorrow is Sunday. It's supposed to be a day of rest, but that won't happen for us. 
Dad had his fourth radiation treatment this morning before 7:00. We didn't make it up to see him until about 11:30 today. Conrad and I took mom's car to have it detailed; we stopped at Starbuck's to grab a treat to have while we sat and waited on the car. That was a welcome treat ... First time I've been in a Starbuck's since November 3rd. (I was going through Chai Tea withdrawals!!!) We also stopped at Home Depot and had a couple of keys made.
Dad was quiet when we got to his room, but asked me to give him a shave. I did. Afterwards, I gave him a warm, wet washcloth and it was quite obvious he enjoyed the sensation on his face. I'm sure that was a welcome change from the foaming soap the nurses use on him. It's the simple things we take for granted. Like the other day when Christy and I gave dad a manicure. Afterwards, he proudly showed his nails to everyone who came to see him. Having well groomed nails made him smile. Having a clean shaven face made him smile. Being surrounded by his family makes him smile. Blowing us kisses and throwing ice at us makes him smile. 
For several days before dad's radiation treatments began he was somewhat fixated on when they'd start. He's well into that routine now, so he's on to another phase ... When is he being moved to Asbury. What's Asbury like. What will he do at Asbury. I told him everything I knew about the place. We do know he's been accepted out there, but we don't know when his doctor will release him to go out there. I told him what the rooms are like and what the rehab area is like. I even told him I have a very dear friend who works out there and that she will take extra special care of him while he's out there. I told him how beautiful the view is from the rehab area and that they have a very high success rate in helping people regain their mobility. I told him with hard work and determination, perhaps he can be back at Shannondale within a few months. Again, it's the little things that help him begin to accept the unknown. 
Dad doesn't want us to hide anything from him. That's fine, because we all want to be completely honest and open with him. As we learn things we share them with him. He soaks it all in and begins to accept and deal with the situations as they arise. He's a very smart man. An engineer. He was diagnosed with early stages of Alzheimer's several years ago, but I honestly do not see it. I see a man who still processes everything he hears, sees, and reads. I see a man who enjoys working crossword puzzles and watching old Westerns of TV. I see a man who was proud and firm in his beliefs and dealt with red tape in order to vote in the election this year. I see a man who still loves his family and worries about each and every one of us all the time. I see a man whose interests have narrowed some, but whose haven't at 88 years of age? 
I have three more days I can spend with dad before Conrad and I fly back to California. I am planning on making the best of every moment available. I will be there with dad most of the day tomorrow, Monday and Tuesday. I will help mom with chores and run errands when I'm not there. I will take breaks for the occasional meal, and spend some time with a few friends, but I will not be able to add any more visits during this trip. If I haven't seen you while I've been in town, I hope you understand why. We've been blessed with visits from some amazing people, and I truly appreciate all you all have done for us. Meals. Brownies. A beautiful Journal. Cards. Prayers. Visits. Hugs. Smiles. Tears. Concern. Love. It's the little things that matter. They all mean so much to all of us. A thousand Thank Yous to you all!