Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Dear Friends....

Dear Friends.

I was going to leave a comment on my last post to all of you, but decided I would write a proper response instead.

Things here are still very hectic. Dad is not doing well and has lost 19.7 pounds in the last 3 1/2 weeks. Of course most of the weight loss is because he is feeling so rough. I have had him back to the Doctor several times and today, she put in the hospital as an out patient to run tests, do lab work and give him fluids intravenously. We were there from 9:30 am til 6:30pm. I think it helped him some, but we don't have any results yet.

I have nagged, begged and threatened him, but can only get him to eat small amounts and he drinks a little juice. I keep trying though. Hopefully in the next few days we will find out if it is still the shingles and the staph or if it's something else.

I read each one of your comments and they brought smiles to my face. Your genuine concern and well wishes are so welcome. Your encouragement and understanding are just what I need during this difficult time. Thank you!
I am hoping to get back to posting and reading your blogs soon. After all, Spring is coming and we will have so much to talk about!

37 comments:

tina said...

Best wishes to your dad. I do hope he gets well soon.

Meems said...

Don't you worry about us, Rose. You have your hands full doing the best thing for your dad right now. My prayers are with you and him. What a blessing he has you to care for him. I sure hope he gets well soon.

Don't forget to take care of yourself, too.
Meems @ Hoe and Shovel

flydragon said...

My, what a time you've been having. Hope you're not stressing too much because that's not good for you either. Easy for me to say, right?
Anyhow, don't worry about posting, we're not going anywhere:)

Jan said...

Hi Beckie, I hope your dad will be feeling better soon and that you are remembering to take care of yourself, too;) That's so important when our bodies and minds are stressed. When you're able to write, I always look forward to reading your posts:) Best wishes!

Rose said...

Beckie, I do hope your Dad feels better soon. I know this has put an extra burden of stress on you--as everyone says, try to take care of yourself, too.

Glad to see your internet is back up and working.

Susie said...

I've been wondering how he's doing Beckie! I'll be praying for him and you. You take care of yourself too! Don't worry about us!

garden girl said...

Hi Beckie, I hope your dad is feeling better soon.

beckie said...

Tina, you are so kind, I really appreciate you!

Meems, thanks! It is a busy stressful time. I haven't even had time to start any seeds yet. :)

beckie said...

Flydragon, thank you! I know I'm being selfish, but I miss reading everyone's posts. They are so good for the soul. LOL

Jan, such a sweetie. I so appreciated your last comment! You are right about stress. I've got a cold-the first one I've had in 2 years. But things will settle soon.

beckie said...

Rose, I have internet part time, but the repair man is coming today!! Having our Dad's sick is no fun is it? We NEED to see some growing flowers. :)

Susie, you are so kind and thank you. I wondered if you got any of that freak snow last week. Or do you have flowers coming up everywhere?

beckie said...

Thanks, Garden Girl. This community of friends is such a joy to me.

Roses and Lilacs said...

Oh, Beckie, what a rough time you're going thru. I've heard many people talk about how awful shingles are. It's terrible your dad is suffering. I hope he feels better soon. Take care of him and of yourself. (Tell your mom to get the vaccine, you too.)
Marnie

beckie said...

Marnie, I never knew shingles could be so awful. And at his age-84, he's really been knocked for a loop. My Mom has been gone many years-that's one reason I get the job of taking care of him. But speaking of vaccines, I plan on getting one very soon. As should anyone who had chicken pox. I think there is a 'after a certain age' but know I more than meet that criteria! :)

Anonymous said...

Oh I do hope your dad will soon get well again. Best wishes.

Robin's Nesting Place said...

My m-i-l has Alzheimer's disease and she went through a time two years ago where she couldn't eat. She lost down to 86 pounds and they called in hospice. I had them puree her foods and we went and fed her meals to her. She was just to weak to chew or feed herself. She began to put weight back on and is one of the few to ever be removed from hospice care. She is doing well still today.

Hopefully you'll soon find out what is wrong. It is a most troubling and heart wrenching experience to see them waste away. You are in my thoughts and prayers, Beckie.

Laura said...

Beckie-
I haven't checked blogs in a long time; sorry to hear that your Dad is ill. I hope he feels better soon!

Cheryl said...

Hi Beckie......so sorry to hear that Dad is still poorly.....I know what it is like when the elderly won't eat ....unfortunately as we age illness effects us in every area. We have drinks here especially made for the elderly who cannot eat. They are fortified with vits and mins.....and help them a great deal. Perhaps he might be able to drink those.......

Take care of yourself Beckie....thinking of you and your Dad.....

Mr. McGregor's Daughter said...

That's so discouraging! I'm sorry he's doing so poorly.

Cosmo said...

Beckie--I'll bet your coddling has its effect soon! Here's wishing your dad's appetite and good health return very soon--he has all of blogland thinking our very positive thoughts.

Anonymous said...

I wish all the best for your Dad's speedy recovery. Take care & don't worry about us. We'll be here when you get back. :)

Wendy said...

I'm sending lots and lots of hugs and good thoughts to you and your Dad.

I am sure with your love and care, your Dad will heal soon. Take your time. We'll miss you, but we do understand. Family comes first.

Holding him and your family in my heart.

joey said...

Take care of yourself, dear Beckie. Caretaking is hard on the caretaker! Heartfelt thoughts and prayers you and your family.

Mountain Mama said...

God bless you. It's so miserable to have our loved ones sick. I pray he is better soon.
My mother used to say that the 'B' vitamins increase appetite. It may be worth a try.
Take care of yourself too dear.

beckie said...

Blossom, thank you. It's so good to hear from you.

Robin, what a good idea you had. So glad it worked. Dad is finally doing a little better eating-at least the last couple of days.

beckie said...

Laura, how great to hear from you! We've missed you. Thanks for your concern.

Cheryl, I finally found some of those drinks he likes. It's a powder you mix with milk and taste like a chocolate milkshake.

I am doing okay-really. Just a very hectic. At least the weather has cooperated the last few days warm and sunny!

beckie said...

MMD, thanks so much for your concern. Sorry we are going to miss your seminar at the flower show. :{

Cosmos, that's one of the great things about blogging. You find such a community of people who are truly caring.

beckie said...

Racquel, thank you! I appreciate your caring.

Wendy the hugs and good thoughts are so welcome. :} He does like being spoiled by me. I can usually get him to do what needs to be done.

beckie said...

Joey, it is trying, but we wouldn't have it any other way would we. :}

Bev, I've been wondering about you-hadn't heard anything from you in a while. I know vitamin B is good for a lot of things. Take care.

Gail said...

Beckie, My heart is with you....Take care of yourself and your family. We will be here! gail

Monica the Garden Faerie said...

Beckie, wow what an ordeal for your dad, and for you. I'm sending positive thoughts for him to get well, but also for you in this stressful time. Hugs!

Susie said...

Beckie I sure hope those storms don't have any affect on you and your family. Hope you are safe!

Mary said...

Aww, Beckie. I know how hard it is... Take care of him and YOU, too. We'll all be here when things settle down.

I wish him well. Stop by my blog today (3-8-09) if you need to laugh.

Mary

beckie said...

Gail, thank you! I am doing better because Dad is doing a little better.

Monica, things here are a little better-must be all the good vibes I am getting from Blogland. Thanks for your concern.

beckie said...

Susie, no bad storms thank goodness. Just rain and temps that don't know where they want to stay. :}

Mary, I did read your post and it brought a giggle or two. What a hoot! Thanks.

marmee said...

rose,
i really hope your dad is doing better. it can be so hard on the caregiver, you. i will pray for strength for you and that your dad will eat.

Naturegirl said...

Beckie I am sorry to hear that your father is not well.(((Shingles))) don't mention that word..I had a bad case of it last year and today I still have post shingles pain!!! I had it on my front and back between hip and bust..wishing your dad good health and a seedy recovery from his discomfort! hugs NG xo

Morning Glories in Round Rock said...

Dear Beckie, I am so sorry that I am late in reading your post. I do hope that your dad is doing better by now. Take care of yourself too. I hope it helps to know so many people have you and your dad in their thoughts and prayers.