I would like to say thank you to all for giving me another opportunity to spend a week with my parents. A special thanks also to two of my sisters who have become full time care partners for my parents. Dad has been diagnose with lupus and mom with dementia.
I did let my parents know that I would be spending the week with them. The last Sabbatical I had did a surprise attack! When I arrived Dad greeted me with a big smile and mom had forgotten.
After I arrived, I looked over their daily routine schedule my sisters had prepared for guidance. This consist of taking vitals (twice/day), administering medication (3-5 time/day), meal preparation (I only have a kitchen because it came with the house), exercising (walking), activities (puzzles, cards, etc.), laundry, cleaning, showering and last a nap (daily, but did not include me because this was my catch up time for laundry and cleaning). I knew then this would be a challenging week!
The week actually started Saturday (6/15) before my Sabbatical due to our Sibling Reunion. There were 8 of the 10 of us siblings for a total of 24 people in attendance. There was food, fellowship, games and storytelling. This was follow by Church on Sunday as a family. A typical day for my parents is breakfast @ 8:30, exercise, TV watching, lunch @ 12:00. nap time, activity, dinner @ 5:00, family time @ 6:30 and showering @ 8:00 followed by bedtime. This interrupted their routine. All went home leaving me with two exhausted parents.
Monday started @ 4:30 a.m. Mom is a day sleeper and a night owl. She gives sleeping with one eye open a new meaning for me. The constant challenge was trying to keep her awake during the day. The average sleep time for dad and I was 5 1/2 to 6 hours per day. She average 8 to 10 hours per day. It was very difficult watching her being commander in chief one moment and then being helpless as a babe the next moment. The highlight of the days were sitting outside talking about her children and enjoying nature and the fresh air in the morning while watching the traffic on Hwy 83.
Although this disease is taking a toll on mom and the family, I still see the fight to push forward by my dad and the majority of my siblings. Dad is determined to care for mom. The majority of my siblings are going the extra mile.
I left Saturday afternoon in tears, but knowing this week had been a blessing. Please take every opportunity to thank God for the blessings of your love ones. Life is short and tomorrow is not promised.