July 8, 2010

The New, but Temporary Routine- My Dad's Life Race Report

I really wanted to blog about my dad b/c sooooo many people have been supportive and caring in nature throughout the whole ordeal. So, I'll just try to summarize what's going on right now. It is my complete pleasure to report that he has been home from the hospital since the 26th (Lucky Marathon Day). He still needs lots of help, but can finally do the main things on his own- use the restroom, bathe himself, get dressed, and eat. He can also walk w/o assistance, but needs help on stairs. He still gets confused a lot, though.

Nights are really the worst. I do not have kids, but I can relate now to those first-time moms and dads that are up all night w/ newborns. It is sort of like that with my dad. See, he wakes up CONSTANTLY during the night and is really, really disoriented. He will try to walk downstairs, which is dangerous, and he will often use the restroom places other than the toilet. He has also tried to get the car keys, take everything out of the refrigerator, and unplug all the appliances. So... I came home for about 9 days and I knew my mom needed a serious break. Therefore, I've been feeding her sleeping pills at night and handling it myself, for the most part.

I have been sleeping back in my old room in the basement, but the house is so old that you can hear any little creak or door. This works to my advantage. I have sleep issues anyhow, so it is easy for me to wake right up if I hear something upstairs. I will basically just go upstairs and watch what he does to make sure he is not harming himself or messing anything up. After being up and down all night, he goes to rehab 4 days a week for 6 hours at a time. On the days he does not rehab, he has exercises and activities to do at home. He is really making progress. I want to give a major shout out to the people at Frazier Rehab Center. WOW, those ladies are amazing. They are so sweet, caring, and know EXACTLY how to handle everything. We are so blessed to have them in charge of my dad's recovery!

I admit that I am worried about my mom, and I am not really wanting to leave. I just feel so guilty, like I abandoning her. It makes me really think about next year. See, nothing is keeping me in LA. At the end of this year, I could move wherever I want. A ridiculous thought is that I actually don't KNOW what I want. Bizarre, but true. I have never really made my own decision about where I want to live. It has always been someone else's decision. My parents strongly led me to AL for college, then I only had an AL teaching certificate, so I stayed there. After that, I moved to LA with K, and now... it's just me. So, what do I want??????? Part of me would LOVE to move back here. I am friends w/ a handful of people, enough to have a resemblance of a social life, plus my parents. The area is nice and I could see myself making a life here. Then again, maybe this year will bring about a different idea. The doors are WIDE OPEN, and that makes me kind of excited. It's almost like I don't know what do with myself.

IN running matters, I have been doing a little cross training by going to spin classes while here. I've reduced mileage to recover from Seattle, but hopefully in the next week or two will start back into a mild training for Wineglass. My legs are feeling fine, almost scary good.

Run strong, friends!

11 comments:

  1. Anonymous7/08/2010

    so glad to hear your dad is progressing. sounds like a tough situation but you are handling it with such strength and compassion. remember to take care of yourself too & know that everything will eventually work out in the end :)

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  2. Glad to here he's progressing. Sounds like they're lucky to have you. :)

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  3. I'm glad he's improving and coming along. I agree with marathonmaiden as well-it's great that you are there for your Dad. Please make sure you give yourself that time to take care of yourself too, because it's win/win for you and your parents.

    It's a big decision as far as the "what next" in life. You're bound to do well wherever you wind up, though, being a smart, strong, and determined lady. Again, great news to hear that your Dad is home.

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  4. What a hard time for your dad and you two. My heart goes out to you. As for where you'll end up, it's wonderful that the world is open now and you get to decide what's right for Rebecca. About time!

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  5. Damn, Rebecca. Sorry and so sad about what your dad, you and your family have to go through right now. Hopefully, the progress will continue and you and your mom will be able to sleep a little easier as it happens.

    You are in control of the next move, so make the most of it. Don't be afraid to put your own needs in front of others while still allowing yourself to be able to help others...if that makes sense.

    Anyway, best of luck to you and your family and I'll be pulling for your dad's continued recovery.

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  6. I moved in with my folks about 18 months ago under similar circumstances. Physically Dad does well, but mentally he still struggles. They didn't ask me to move in, but I had just gone through a divorce and knew it would help all 3 of us to be together. That's proven to be true. My mom doesn't ask for my assistance, but they both she and Dad like "knowing I'm in the house" as Mom put it.

    Weigh the pro's and con's. Talk to your mom, and you'll make the right decision for you.

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  7. I'm glad to hear that your dad continues to make progress and that he's receiving such good care both from the rehab center and from you and your mom. Hopefully he'll progressively become less confused as time goes on and things will get easier for you and your mom. ((((Hugs))))

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  8. hooray for your dad, and i'm sure they have loved having you home to help. may i make a suggestion? how about memphis? you need to visit sometime!

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  9. I am praying for discernment about where you should live. Preston and I would love to see you back in B'ham btw. I have no doubt that the Lord will lead you where you are supposed to be and where you can make the greatest impact on people's lives by being the wonderful and inspiring person that you are.
    Acts 17:26
    P.S. you may want to read #28 in my archive:

    http://sites.google.com/site/jzehnder208/2009-10verseandmessage

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  10. Glad your dad is doing better! hang in there. Praying for you and your family! You'll make the right decision. Time will be your best friend in this situation.

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  11. Anonymous7/12/2010

    Rebecca, sorry I'm late to post. I'm glad your dad is making progress. I only ask that you somehow carve out some truly quiet time for yourself and see what your heart says. I would only worry that you take the safe route and stay near the things you know. This is an opportunity to do something for just you, perhaps live somewhere that is perfect for an amazing runner like yourself, see anothe part of the country. Your hometown will always be there. I would encourage you to push your limits just as you do in running. Regardless you know you will end up with a new adventure and if it's a mistake or not the right fit, you can always come back. You are so strong inside and out. I'm excited for you as this is a new chapter.
    Lots of love to you and your family!
    CJ

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