Anniversary and Birthday

Today was my dad's birthday and my parent's anniversary. He has been talking about his birthday since the beginning of the year. I asked one of our longtime family friends to make my dad an apple pie. THis lady is famous for her homemade apple pies. Daddy was delighted to receive it. Mom made him an Italian Cream Cake. He enjoyed that also. I told him that he had eaten his quota of sweets for the year. He agreed. But he will be looking for sweet stuff again tomorrow. Later on Dad could not remember who made the apple pie. No one else makes him an apple pie.
I am so thankful that Daddy enjoyed the day. I do not expect that he will know anything about his birthday next year unless our Lord performs a miracle. I am thankful that I could be here for this special day.

Relaxed

I'm relaxed. We've returned home from a 10 day vacation and I can actually say that I feel relaxed. That doesn't always happen on vacation. My husband and I are usually extremely tired and stressed out before we go on vacation and it often takes us several days to unwind. By that time the vacation is over. However, this year neither of us have stressful jobs. Yes-dealing with my dad is sometimes tiring and stressful, but not like my former work. I am thankful that I was able to be away. I needed it. I look forward to being with my dad this next week. We will have a lot to catch up on at the business.

His Big Appetite

My dad never seems to get full. We will eat a meal and he will be looking for something else to eat in 30 minutes or less. If he hasn't had something sweet to eat after the meal, then he will want something later on. When my dad was younger he always ate fast. He said that when you go through the service, you learn to eat fast because of the demands. THis carried over into civilian life when as the owner of an independent pharmacy, he did not have the luxury of a lunch hour. He continued his habit of fast eating out of necessity. Now, he is usually the last one to finish his meal. His fine motor skills are not as sharp. So sometimes he has difficulty maneuvering his fork and knife. He also has difficulty keeping his napkin on his lap. I am glad that he can still eat without making a big mess and embarrassing himself or Mom. They enjoy eating out and this is good for Dad in the area of socialization.
Dad is not overweight, but he thinks that he needs to lose about 10 pounds. He comments on this regularly. I have told him that he is at a great weight for his height and his age. When we went to see the neurologist, I told him about Daddy's concern about his weight. The neurologist told my dad that he was at the perfect weight. He explained that if Dad was 30 he might suggest losing 5 pounds, but he told Dad that at his age perfectly normal illnesses could kill him, such as the flu or a bad case of a stomach virus. I realize that there may come a time when Daddy forgets to eat and loses weight-but for now, bring on the desserts. Wish I could do that!!!

Pictures of My Dad

Tonight I was picking out pictures to take to a scrapbooking class tomorrow. I saw some pictures made of my father during the past 10 years. He looks different now. Not so much older, but the light in his eye is missing. He looks tired. It makes me sad.

Taking Care of Myself

I am not at work today and I am not with my dad today. I was sick during the night. Very tired this morning-almost like I'm coming down with a cold. My mom asked if I was doing too much-I probably am. But she is too. It is hard when a loved one needs help; it is a struggle to balance their needs, the needs of other important people, and your own needs. I know that I have to take care of myself so that I can help with my Dad. So-I am at home today in the chair with the dog and the computer doing nothing. Sometimes I think that the Lord allows illness just to make us stop.

Very Quiet

Today my dad was very quiet. Why? He is like that some days. I am like that some days. Is he confused? Is he tired? Maybe he just doesn't have anything to say. My mom and husband commented about it also. Sometimes I wish that I could get into his head and see what he is thinking.

Update on Dad's Fall

It has a week since Daddy fell. He has healed up nicely. THat's because I made him go to a dr. and get his abrasions cleaned and dressed by a professional. So far it has been a very uneventful week. THanks be to God.