Well ... here we are. It's 2017 and we've been caring for Terry since 2012 when he had a stroke March 1. He was in Virginia State close to his youngest daughter Angela. After much thought, discussion and approval from both his daughters Tim and I brought Terry back to Minnesota to take care of him.
It certainly wasn't because his girls' couldn't but Tim and I could be within 5 minutes from him whereas the girls didn't have that option. Just made sense.
The journey Tim made to get him here was not as easy as Delta made it sound but Tim did it! We got him settled close and enlisted the staff for all the necessary therapies ... he started them but soon ceased as they were too painful.
He had existing back and neck stenosis and then additionally compromised due to the stroke. Left hand and vision weren't good and eventually the legs became contracted together and bent.
Could be lifted into his wheelchair for meals but then eventually just breakfasts and recently not getting up at all. Wheelchair was painful for any length of time.
He also has vascular dementia due to the stroke but amazingly he didn't lose his short or long-term memory or his sharp wit!!! 😊
Tim was there to see him every day and sometimes twice or three times a day! We found things that Terry could eat and liked and the mainstay turned out to be peanut butter and honey sandwiches on cinnamon chip bread! Tim would make those up for him daily. He would take him outside for fresh air and once a handicap van was secured he found a pontoon boat and could take Terry out fishing or just a ride on the lake!!
This past weekend it appears Terry has turned that proverbial corner and now we wait. Amazing too was a short visit from a high school friend Gary Swanson that perked Terry up a bit. Gary decided to come from CA at the drop of a hat and I understand they had a great morning reminiscing and joking as much as Terry could.
His daughter Jennifer, from Florida, was also here at that same time.
We recently re-engaged Hospice since things were "different" than the last time.
Today they came and gave him a plaque and pin for his service in the military. Terry was Air Force and a paratrooper.
Today his daughter had to sadly return to FL but so glad she was here. We also face timed his other daughter, Angela, in VA and her family so they could be involved too.
It's quiet here now in his room and I'm just sitting here with him typing this. It's just a waiting game... but right now he's peaceful and not in pain.
Thankyou to those that visited him here and those that kept him in your thoughts! Pray for strength ... ... for Terry to make his final journey ... for his daughters so far away that would rather be here ... for Tim just cuz! and thank his constant unconditional love for his brother and family. He's a rock!!! And his constant quick wit and charm provided levity as many times it was needed.
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