My sister Jennifer and some of her kids drove in from North Platte on Thursday evening just as we were getting the folks tucked into bed. The next day, they came over bringing the makings of a Root Beer Float party and Dad enjoyed seeing them all.
My nephew Casey stayed Friday night with the folks and helped Dad go to the bathroom in the middle of the night. Once he had to catch him to keep him from falling. Mom was so thankful to have Casey available.
Brian and I were with the folks for most of the day yesterday and Jenn and Casey and her daughter Mariah stayed the night last night. They insisted we not worry about getting supper for them. I already had fish for dad and Southwestern Chicken for mom in the fridge so that was easy. And Jenn and her kids tucked them into bed for what we all prayed would be a peaceful night.
I selfishly went home, ate a light supper of celery sticks and dip, took a long hot shower and was in bed by 8PM.
My phone was charging in the living room and I slept right through its little dings and chirps.
When I woke at 5AM, I found Jenn's 3:04AM text and missed call:
Dad had another fall. I've contacted hospice. They will be sending a nurse over to start comfort care. We currently have EMS here. He does not want to go to the hospital. I will keep you updated on his status.
At 5:16AM she responded to my text with:
The folks are resting well now that the hospice nurse has been here. I've already spoken with her. She'll be back tomorrow. We are keeping Dad as comfortable as possible with the medication.
He did hit his head in the bathroom when he fell. He told Casey he hurts all over.
He's sleeping now though. I love you sissy.
Mariah is also here.
A text isn't enough sometimes though and Jenn called me when I texted we'd be right over. She said we should wait until later since the folks were resting. Casey was feeling miserable that he hadn't been able to stop this fall like he had the night before. But this was not his fault. Dad has refused to wear the safety belt that might have made it easier for Casey to catch him. Evidently Dad was up almost every hour with urgency but not much production, so he was exhausted by the effort of standing so much. Mariah supervised the medication administration. It's very reassuring to have an RN in the family.
It's almost 7 AM now. I'll gather up what I need to make a big frittata for breakfast for them all and head over there soon. Dad has been unable to put his teeth in for a few days, but egg with very soft veggies is something he can still handle. And he still seriously likes his ice cream!
Our hearts are broken but our bodies must go on. I don't want Dad to ever feel alone as he makes the final leg of this journey. And we want to ease Mom's pain and worry as much as we can.
Which means we've probably spent the last night in our own bed for a while...
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