And so…many changes since I last posted. I am doing less caregiving, per se, as Mom has gone on continuous care with hospice for the 2nd time – pain crisis. That has evolved into a terminal restlessness diagnosis – which as I found researching with my dad, is about 2-4 weeks out from death, or per hospice, “if that.” Mom was up all night last night – trying to get out of bed every 10 minutes..literally. I got 3 hours of sleep last night and 4 the night before. I am a wee tuckered out!
This discussion came upon arriving home from the hospital where my dad had surgery to repair his broken hip received when falling at the nursing home on his birthday. This has been a concern for all of us for quite some time because of his terminal restlessness. He is up, down, up, down; he won’t sit still in his chair at meal times, etc. Finally, it happened and he fell. He made it through the surgery a little worse for the wear – I cannot believe that my dad, who has been on the decline for years and on hospice for 15-18 months now, is going to outlive my mother.
In the midst of all of this the electricity goes out at my house and it was like 104 outside. I was at the hospital waiting (at this point waiting on hour 11) to talk with the orthopedic surgeon about options for my Dad. So – we worked through scenarios for a contingency transfer and admission of Mom to a hospital, and luckily the power came back on fairly soon thereafter…but it was stressful there for a little while. On top of that I had my cats to worry about as well. As the hospice nurse said today…I have NO room for anything else.
I’m hanging in there right now, glad to have my sister here. I know that my being off work at this time (involuntarily) was no accident and is as I had suspected, because I’ll be losing at least one and possibly both of my parents over the next month.
I’m not sure where the coping comes from – but believe it to be from above. I can’t believe things are closing in so quickly.
Time for me to rest for a little bit now – I need my energy.
Blessings,
-Derek
You are a disruptor. The delivery of health care starts with you, continues because of you, and ends with you. Let's disrupt together to make the world better for family caregivers. 
kay balsley
I read your E-mail and my heart went out to you . You have alot on your plate right now I will keep you in my thoughts and will be praying that God gives you strength
Sharon
Derek, I am so sorry for what you are going through right now. I believe you are indeed getting grace from above. Get as much sleep as you can. You are in my prayers.
Denise
We’re thinking of you and offering much support and comfort! Hope sleep came for you last night. Let us know how you’re all doing when you can.