I'm still not sure what happened this afternoon to send Mom over the edge, but she ended up at my daughter's house bawling out her stress and frustration. You don't do that in front of my daughter unless you are ready to release the hounds, so to speak.
My girl is nothing if not well versed in medical things and a defender of the underdog. Put those two things together and you've got a natural born advocate. Within a short time she had talked to an administrator at the hospital and had Mom on the phone with the administrator, too. It was a less than satisfying conversation.
I learned of all of this on my way home from work. By the time I got home my daughter was waiting for me and off to the hospital we went with Mom's blessing. It took a bit of doing, but we were able to meet with the hospitalist...who, a lifetime ago, was one of the young men I had the pleasure of teaching as a youth leader in church. Our families were very close at the time and he and his siblings were like my own kids. He was able to calm my daughter down and explain things very clearly. He talked with us for about an hour and I feel much better about things.
My girl still has some reservations, but since he ordered the CT-scan she was ready to fight to have done, she is feeling a bit better about things. I am glad my stepdad is in good hands.
I also learned today that Mom and my stepdad have decided he will go to a nursing home for a couple of weeks before thinking about going home. My stepdad thinks it would be better for Mom. It's Mom that is being the more stubborn of the two. She just doesn't seem to be able to admit that caring for him at home would be too much for her right now. Everyone from family to her doctor to my stepdad's doctor agrees she is entirely too stressed right now. She needs to take care of herself, too.
So, that's where things stand today. I am very thankful my daughter is at home and able to fight for Mom since I have to work. I am thankful for the doctor and his genuine concern and care. I am thankful Mom and my stepdad have decided to be reasonable. I'm thankful the CT-scan will be done just so we can be sure nothing serious is wrong with his spine. I'm thankful for all of the concern and prayers from you.
Wow, that's a lot going on there, and I am thankful that your daughter was able to help your mom, and that you were able to help get things straightened out as well. That sounds like a much better plan, to have him go to a nursing home for now. It's so hard to see our loved ones going through these difficult times. They are blessed to have you and your daughter close by to intervene on their behalf. Praying for all of you. I do know what this is like...been there and done that, and there's never an easy answer. (((HUGS))) and prayers for all.
ReplyDeletePrayers for your family continue. I hope everything works out.
ReplyDeleteI love that your daughter's first impulse is so generous. And I'm glad your parents made that decision. My favorite uncle had Parkinson's and as his condition deteriorated, he was in better and safer in professional hands. As you know, people who are trained have the necessary detachment and expertise that family members just don't. I remember we all wanted my uncle cared for by family, but honestly, we weren't good at it. Wishing your family peace and all good things.
ReplyDeletePrayers will continue, Stacy. My goodness, this has been a journey. Thankful your daughter was there and able to get the ball rolling. It seems some good decisions have been made! God is good! xo
ReplyDeleteKeeping in prayer, sweet friend.
ReplyDeleteThat is a great deal on your plate, my friend, You are a wonderful daughter, and mother as well. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteI think your stepdad's right about a temporary nursing home. It's a very difficult decision. I'm having tremendous guilt that my dad is going through a medical issue and I'm on vacation in Virginia.
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