Hello Spring! My last post was about winter...and now we are in spring. Where have I been? (Thanks to the readers who checked in with me during my absence!)
Here's a short rundown of my March so far:
81-year old father falls.
Fractures ribs.
Trip to the ER.
Passes out at home.
911.
Ambulance to the hospital.
"Well, there is fluid by the lungs...Let's figure that out."
Blood cell count very low.
Blood transfusion.
"Turns out that fluid is blood. Let's stick a massive needle in and drain it." (For future reference: You should never watch this like I did. Just saying.)
Three nights in Kaiser with my mom and dad. Great doctors and nurses, not so great cafeteria.
So many more trips to doctors (internist, lung specialist, neurologist, physical medicine).
Dad gets a Parkinson's diagnosis and new medications.
Stay in my old room at my parent's house helping out.
Hire a home health aide to help my mom.
Fill out FMLA paperwork at the office.
My friends, family, parent's neighbors were awesome! We've received food, care packages, cards, visits and my friend brought be best give ever to the hospital: Tall Decaf Soy No Foam Latte.
And... I've talked, texted and saw my brother more than I've ever seen him in my life!
Whew. That's the basic family stuff.
The other reason I've been off the blog? My cousin is doing some home improvements and we had to empty areas of the house for painting and wood floor refinishing. No kitchen = No baking.
But I'm starting to move some items back into the kitchen (when I'm here and not at my parent's house) so I have a little something to post. Coming up next - total comfort food. Sour Cream Bisquick Biscuits.
To those who follow me on Instagram and Twitter and followed my dad's tale, thank you for the support! My parent's don't get that strangers were sending them prayers and love when I read them the messages. But it worked! :)
Hope to come back to the blog soon! Thanks, Mary the Food Librarian
Left: My parents after they got home from the hospital.
Right: My dad's appetite isn't great, but he can sure eat cake! :)
P.S. Go UCLA Bruins! Sweet Sixteen! That's the much better March Madness.
I have read your blog for a couple years, love it and your recipes. I just wanted you to know that I've gone through the same thing with my parents several years ago, and I am so sorry to that your dad is having difficulties. I know it is emotionally and physically exhausting to take care of aging parents, and I will keep you and your family in my prayers. The pictures of your parents are darling and so precious! Take care and know prayers are being sent up for you!
ReplyDeleteI've missed your posts and have been wondering where you were...so sorry to hear about your father, and hope he is improving. I look forward to new blog entries when things settle down. Take care!
ReplyDeleteSo happy to hear that things are on the up and up. I was following your instagram. Can't wait for the Sour Cream Bisquick Biscuit post. I hope your dad has been having a good recovery and that your mom ends up with some excellent help.
ReplyDeleteSending good thoughts.
ReplyDelete(Your parents are really cute!)
Best wishes and prayers to you and your parents.
ReplyDeleteSending positive thoughts your way. Your father's hospital stay and falling sounds like my 84 year old grandfather. He still has a low appetite but he can eat the crap out of some ice cream :)
ReplyDeleteYour dad is adorable! Hope things get better!
ReplyDeleteMary, your parents are tough cookies, alright. So glad to hear that your Dad's on the mend, and that you've been getting lots of support (the home health aide, especially). Best wishes!
ReplyDeleteHope he is better now. My father collapsed when he was 64 since he has low blood pressure.
ReplyDeleteNow @85, he has prostate cancer. Sigh. Life in the end, isn't always better. Comfort healthy food is always a good thing any time.