Different This Year
As of today, all the children are in class for the entire school day (except for Paul, who is working full-time). Usually I do a Happy Dance on the first day of school. This year, I'm just numb and trying to recover. It's been a very rough transition.
A New Stage
Just like Dad's neurologist told us, his condition is a series of stages, each followed by a rapid decline that results in a stable stage at a lower level. His prediction has been true. Dad seems to have kicked the pneumonia, but is now sleeping one and two days in a row before having a time period of wakefulness before going back to sleep.
Here in Chicago, we've had a very full week or two. We arrived home from vacation on August 11, and three children started high school on August 13. I had outpatient surgery two days ago, and we've been to the ER twice with children in the last 10 days. Everyone is doing better, but it's been challenging. I hope to get back to writing on a regular basis as things (hopefully) settle down.
In Memoriam
Leonard Stahlke
April 8, 1933 - August 14, 2013
Sunday
My sister sent me a text two days ago:
Update on a good morning with dad.
Dad had 24 hour sleeping stretch but was awake last night and this morning. Eating today and sang with us when the kids and I had church with him this morning
Sleeping Again
Mom told me today that Dad has slept most of the last 48 hours. The aide has been able to rouse him enough to give him some food, so he has eaten a little. His cough has not been as severe, possibly because he is sleeping.
Sports: My Father's Hands, Part 2
My mother reminded me that my father's equipment was stolen one night during the bowling league's play. He figured the thief had stashed it somewhere in the building, since no one was coming and going. So Dad searched high and low, found his ball and shoes, and stole them back.
Woke Up
Dad is responsive again. In fact, Mom said he is talking up a storm. He still has a very bad cough, so the pneumonia is still a factor. He's taking a little nourishment, although not much. I'll keep you updated.
Changes
In the last day or so, my father has been unresponsive most of the time. The aides couldn't wake him up, even while giving his daily bath or trying to feed him. But his color is still good, and his oxygen levels are normal. He did wake up enough to eat some yogurt and applesauce for supper, and he responded briefly but appropriately to a question.
My sister was scheduled to attend a conference on the west coast, leaving tomorrow for a week. She decided to cancel, and her supervisor will be taking her place at the meeting. That way Anne has more flexibility since Dad's condition is so unpredictable right now.
Lots of sleep probably means he's not in pain. I'm thankful for that.
Stable
For several days, my father's condition has remained stable. Anne told me that she doesn't know if the reason is the oxygen, the antibiotics, or my dad's constitution. Reminds me of his orthopedist's comment, upon hearing of Dad's survival a year-and-a-half ago in the cardiac ICU: "He's one tough dude!"
More Calm
Mom reported that Dad had a much more peaceful day compared to yesterday and the day before. The oxygen is helping him breathe and therefore keeping him from being so frightened. She also started him on an oral antibiotic as of last night. My prayer for him is comfort, and God granted that today.
