Gene Penler

Welcome to our CaringBridge site. We've created it to keep friends and family updated. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement during this time when it matters most.

In February, Dad was in the hospital for 8 days, then rehab for another 14, and he returned home March 2nd. I arrived from Portland late that night and he awoke and said "what a wonderful surprise!" Then he told me that he had the best kids in the world. He slept poorly that night because he couldn't walk to his bed and slept in his chair. The next morning we went to see his Dr and waited over 2 hours. Poor Dad was in so much pain from the transport chair, then from being moved by several of us. He finally slept and was out of it when the Dr saw him. She immediately recommended in Home Hospice and told us she felt his days were numbered. She also thought he might have Pneumonia and ordered antibiotics just in case.
The next several long days were a whirlwind with Hospice team members arriving and briefing us. Hospice is pretty amazing, even Dad said so. We got home from the Dr at 1pm, had a meeting with our team admin at 3, the nurse evaluation at 4:30 and a hospital bed delivered at 6. The next day was similar with more provider visits, moving furniture, reorganizing, getting accustomed to Dad's new needs, ordering more supplies, etc.
Dad started getting better right away on antibiotics and our home cooking; his appetite was immense, as he had lost lots of weight. He was soon able to hold his own weight on the walker and Sunday he walked a few steps several times through out the day. And he initiated a conversation about getting physical therapy asap so he could walk and be independent again.
As a healer, I like to take my lead from my patient. So at this time we, his family, are focused on establishing a routine and exercise plan that supports Dad's goals. At this point we feel it is realistic.
And we will take 1 day at a time. Monday, he was tired and needed more rest and ice cream, so that's what he got.
We want to keep all our friends and family in the loop and this is a great way to do it. Please take this opportunity and space to connect with Dad, share your love, memories and friendship.
Thanks!
All our Love to y'all.