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Dad was discharged Tuesday and is back at the care home.  Have talked to him a few times this week and he sounds good. 

Update

Dad was admitted to the hospital yesterday and has double pneumonia.  I talked to him this morning and he didn't sound well, very groggy.  He's on IV antibiotics and was hoping to be out on Monday. 

Update

Just a quick update.   July 21st the care had him taken to the hospital.  He was admitted and has pneumonia again... they put him on IV antibiotics and he was back at the care home the next day.   July 29th... back to the hospital and admitted again.  Has fluid in both his lungs and is back on IV antibiotics - not sure how long he will be there for.

Update on the update - dad was discharged on Tuesday and is back at the care home.

Settled In

It's 3 weeks tomorrow since dad moved into the care home.  He's sent lots of pictures and it looks like a really nice place.  We've talked a few times and have been texting.  He said the food is okay and it sounds like some meals are better than others, but that's also what my kids would say about the meals here at home :-)

My daughter and I headed to Calgary for a track meet on June 18/19 and dad came to watch her long jump and hurdles.  We hadn't seen him since Christmas and he seemed okay but because we only see him every 4-6 months there's always a noticeable difference.  It was the first time he was able to see her compete and she got gold in long jump!  I am so happy that he could watch her.  I always send pictures of her and a few videos but it's so different to see her compete "live".   The majority of our family lives in Alberta and the only person that has seen her compete is my mom when she came to visit here in May.  Well, 19 of our family members came to watch her compete Saturday morning.  It was amazing and a bit overwhelming.  She had the biggest cheering section by far and it meant so much to her (and me) that everyone came out.

I want to share a God moment with you.  When dad was in the hospital he had a number of roommates through the year.  One of them was an older lady named Joanne who he said was like his mom and he treated her like he would his mom and took care of her - helped her with her meals, cut up her food and such.  The Monday dad moved in he went to the dining room for supper and there she was.  He went up to her, kneeled down, took of his had and said, "Joanne, do you remember me?".  She smiled, started to cry and said his name.  I don't post a lot on Facebook but that morning I had asked for prayers for a smooth transition and that dad would settle in okay.  I truly believe we need to keep our eyes open for the God moments in life and often times what seems like luck or a happy coincidence is really God at work in our lives.

What to pray for... continued peace for dad in the care home and also for my mom as she has been dealing with a lot of paper work and the behind the scenes stuff to get dad transitioned.

What I'm grateful for... prayers and support from everyone.  Thank you so much!

Moving Day!

A spot has opened up in one of the care homes on dad's list.  Unfortunately it's not at the one he had down as his first choice.  Mom texted me Monday telling me that a spot had opened up but they were going to let dad make the decision about whether or not he wanted to go there.  You get three choices and are allowed to say no to the first opening but then you have to take the second one when it becomes available so he decided to take this spot because he can still stay on the waiting list for his first choice.  He has been wanting to get out of the hospital but now that getting out is reality I think there's a bit of apprehension as the hospital is familiar, he knows people and they know him.  He was also concerned about his medications not getting messed up.  Dad has always been able to talk to anyone and I'm hoping that everything goes smoothly for him.  So... the furniture gets moved in on Saturday and dad moves in on Monday!  Our experience with hospital administration and policies in the past was they moved at a snail's pace but apparently not this time around!

What to pray for:  That the move goes smoothly for all involved and dad has a easy transition and doesn't feel too anxious.

What I'm grateful for:  That he is getting out of the hospital after a year!  :-)

Update

Dad was home for a visit this past weekend.  He was good on Friday and by Sunday had taken a turn for the worse.  My mom was able to get him back to the hospital on Sunday afternoon - not an easy trip for her as dad kept trying to open the passenger door while they were moving!  On Monday he didn't remember very much or know how he got back to the hospital.  He has pneumonia again and has been on IV antibiotics all week.

What to pray for... strength for my mom please.

Still Waiting...

A quick update.  Dad is still in the hospital waiting for a spot to open up in a care facility.  He has been there for just shy of a year now and has some pretty down days.  Please continue to pray for him as he waits and for a spot to open up quickly so he can get out of the hospital and settled in a care facility.  Thank you!

Prayers Please

Dad has been in the hospital for 9 months now and is on the mend from another lung infection.  Understandably, he has some down days and gets discouraged with the whole situation.   Prayers that he will get into a care facility as soon as possible would be much appreciated.  Thank you!

Last Goodbye?

"Is this the last time we're gonna see Grandpa?"

My 14 year old had a panicked, scared look in her eyes before she went to give him a hug and say goodbye.  I can't tell her no.  The kids know dad is sick and going to die.  They know he's been in the hospital for the past 8 months.  And they know that this could be the last time they will see their Grandpa.  The girls are more aware of this than their brother and saying goodbye is harder for them.   The past 3 visits have all felt like they could be the last goodbye.

We made a quick trip to Calgary this week and the visit went good.  Dad was better than I expected and even talked openly a couple of times about moving into the care home.  He is on the wait list for two homes and will stay in the hospital until an opening becomes available.  

What to pray for... that dad can get out of the hospital and into the care home.

What I'm grateful for... safe travels.