Storm Clouds
Aug 23 2012 in Blogs, Caring for Parents and Kids, Jo's Blog by Jo
Folks in our neck of the woods are keeping an eye on Hurricane Isaac, not because we live in Florida but because we don’t know where it might go next. It wouldn’t be the first storm to take a right hook and make a backdoor visit on the east coast. Even if it isn’t at hurricane strength if it hits us, it could drop a lot of rain and potentially cause major damage. So we make plans, check preparations, listen to the experts and wait.
Today the nursing home called and said my Dad has stopped eating again. I’ve noticed that his weight has dropped since the last episode a couple of weeks ago and his already low energy level is even lower. The next act in this play unfolds. Tomorrow we’re back in the Dr’s office and I have an additional appointment with the Neurologist set up for Monday.
When I got home from work, I found my daughter unconscious and sprawled at the bottom of a flight of stairs. Her body was twisted. I feared the worse. With effort I managed to get her awake. She could not move or feel her legs. I called 9-11. At the ER all of the tests came back negative and the feeling returned to her legs. We went home. Tomorrow we’ll be in our Primary Care Dr’s office. I’m sure they’ll be specialist appointments set up for next week.
My son had his first soccer practice of the season this evening, there was supposed to be a parent’s meeting afterwards. I didn’t make it to either the practice or the meeting this evening. My son understood, sadly he’s used to crisis. I don’t care if the coach understands or not but tomorrow I’ll need to contact him and there are several practices next week.
Tomorrow is going to be a full day and next week is filling up fast. There could be pain, potentially major damage. I need to make plans, check preparations, listen to the experts and wait.
Karen said on August 24, 2012
Oh Jo,
A double whammy has hit you. So scary to find your daughter like that…on top of worry about your father. It is so, so very hard to try to maintain a normal life in the midst of crises. And then to have to prepare for the possibility of a hurricane. All while trying to be there for your son.
I know that, as a caregiver, as a parent and a father, you just step up and do what needs to be done and take things one day at a time..and sometimes one minute at a time. But I know from my experience that it can sometimes seem to be a crushing weight.
I hope that you have some answers soon about your daughter’s health. . .and a reprieve on your father’s health. . . and a pass on the storm. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
By the way, kudos to your son for being so understanding.
Denise said on August 24, 2012
Oh, Jo, I’m so sorry! I can’t even imagine the storm waging on your heart. I offer you the same hopes that Karen does.
Thanks so much for keeping us in the loop, Jo. You are such a special person–we gain so much from your presence. As do your loved ones.
ejourneys said on August 24, 2012
Jo, I am hoping and praying that you and yours can get some respite. That your father’s appointments go as well as they can. That answers are found for your daughter. That Isaac steers clear. That your son’s coach understands and appreciates what an extraordinary human being your son is, and what an extraordinary human being you are. In the midst of so much, I wish you moments of peace and rejuvenation.
Sharon said on August 25, 2012
Jo, I am so sorry for all that is going on with you and your family right now. I hope you will be given the strength to walk through all the storms of your life right now. My prayers and thoughts are with you.