Climbing Up the Ladder

When Dad woke up after his morning nap, he called, Is anyone home?  I went in to see him, and he immediately said he feels better and is "climbing up the ladder."  He had a pretty good day, eating a big breakfast, a light lunch, a milk shake and potato chips for a snack (there's still part of me that says, No No No, but I silenced it), and an egg, bacon, toast and grits for dinner.  Dad had slept most of the morning after being up every hour from 1:30-5:30 AM.  That of course meant Jon was up, too.  Dave and I came over about 8 AM, and woke them up.  We didn't mean to!  We have to create a code for "C'mon In" otherwise Stay Out, We're Sleeping.

Jon left today and I can't even think about it without getting tears in my eyes.  He is so good with Dad.

Dave took Jon to the airport and did errands and grocery shopping on the way home.  I brought my ironing over and made a good dent in it while Dad watched TV.  He was sleepy, but I kept trying to talk to him, as did Dave, to keep him awake.  I really hope he sleeps through the night tonight, or at least with fewer interruptions.  He has had his pain pills, eye drops, and we added an anti-anxiety pill to help stop the nightmares.  He doesn't really talk about them, but he did tell Jon one of them was about pirates.  Hmmm I think this is payback for all the pirate stories he and Uncle Jack used to tell us when we were kids.  I have to say I don't remember them as being scary, though, just very adventurous.  He and Jack were great story tellers, but I'm sure all you Green kids will remember that Grandpa was the best!  All those stories about Brer Rabbit were my favorites.

It was a quiet day today - no outside appointments and no visiting nurses.  Cherisse comes tomorrow, Dad will be glad to know.  We've asked her to come twice a week, though Dad may want to opt for 3 times.  We'll see.

Molly dropped by to say hello.  I had been telling her I can't remember anything unless I write it down, and that I brought a notebook here so I won't forget when I gave Dad his meds, or anything else I need to track.  She brought me an At-A-Glance calendar/notebook, with 2 days per page and lots of writing room.  Their slogan is: Plan, Write, Remember.  Thank you Molly!

I think Dad is trying to sort out his future.  Is it possible for anyone?  This morning he was talking about dying - how he can't believe he didn't die in the last few days.  I said you must still have something to do here on earth.  He said, I guess so.

Dave made a ramp for the wheelchair this afternoon.  There is only one step between the house and the sidewalk, but it is still hard to navigate with a chair.  Dad heard the banging and asked about it.  When I told him about the ramp, he said, I'm not going to need that chair very much longer, I am climbing up the ladder!  I'm very relieved he is feeling much better.

And on that note, I'm going to try to fall asleep early.  I have a feeling I'll be up early early tomorrow.