Good news is the family will be coming by. Candy from the Midwest crew and Mary, Kate and Erik from the west coast. Fred might also be making a trip out soon. Dad needs these visits. It helps both him and us on the scene know and recognize the support of the family.
I'll be posting more updates soon, along with some new pics to share.
Meanwhile dad's doing just fine. Getting better adjusted everyday to his place.
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Monday, August 28, 2006
Dad's doing well
He's adjusting to his new place great. We took him out for dinner yesterday at Kerby Lane. He ate well and enjoyed our company. John, Rob, Caitlin and I were all in attendance.
I can tell he must be benefiting from this transition as he's been going to both physical and cognitive therapy weekly. In fact, he's back to using his reading glasses again. This is a good sign.
That's all for now.
I can tell he must be benefiting from this transition as he's been going to both physical and cognitive therapy weekly. In fact, he's back to using his reading glasses again. This is a good sign.
That's all for now.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Dad's 74th bday!
Dad at the local hamburger & ice cream joint
Fred enjoying a delicious 74th bday ice cream from Amy's Ice Cream
Peter & Dad
The Gang
Dad reading his bday card from Caitlin.
Friday, July 21, 2006
A quiet visit
Saw dad today. He was feeling okay. He didn't want to chat much and kept on getting up while we ate to go back to his room.
i asked him what was so great in his room, and he said he didn't know. This is typical behavior though. It's like he can't get comfortable in a social situation, but in his room he can sleep and chill out. Since he's in his room all the time, my goal is to get him up and eating and chatting with me in the kitchen, then outside for a brief walk.
While I was there, one of the residents family members had a child near by. You could hear Fred talking to the baby and laughing. It was quite cute and enjoyable to hear his tone and laughter.
Before leaving we went for a walk outside and I gave dad a compliment, telling him how much I appreciated his patience while settling in at his new place. He response was like this, 'take note from me, I've been through a lot.' And my response was short and sweet with a big smile and a 'indeed'.
i asked him what was so great in his room, and he said he didn't know. This is typical behavior though. It's like he can't get comfortable in a social situation, but in his room he can sleep and chill out. Since he's in his room all the time, my goal is to get him up and eating and chatting with me in the kitchen, then outside for a brief walk.
While I was there, one of the residents family members had a child near by. You could hear Fred talking to the baby and laughing. It was quite cute and enjoyable to hear his tone and laughter.
Before leaving we went for a walk outside and I gave dad a compliment, telling him how much I appreciated his patience while settling in at his new place. He response was like this, 'take note from me, I've been through a lot.' And my response was short and sweet with a big smile and a 'indeed'.
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Father's day
Okay, I'm a little late posting this, but here are some pictures from fathers day. We got dad a card and took him out to eat. He seemed quite happy to be around John and I.
Visit with Dad
Dad seemed to be doing well. We had a good time chatting today. I visited him shortly after he went out for lunch with John.
It was interesting talking to him. When he wakes up sometimes he's confused, and his only response to questions will be a 'yes' or a nod. I asked him how his lunch was and he said 'yes'. After a few minutes he told me that they ate a Ruby's for lunch and that the food was good, as always.
Before leaving I chatted with John, my dad's roommate. This time John was riding on his stationary bike, happy as could be, telling me all about his past and how many different bicycles he had growing up.
I gave dad a hug and left to go back to work. As usual, returning to work was like a time warp to what I would call 'the land of the able'.
Until next time.
It was interesting talking to him. When he wakes up sometimes he's confused, and his only response to questions will be a 'yes' or a nod. I asked him how his lunch was and he said 'yes'. After a few minutes he told me that they ate a Ruby's for lunch and that the food was good, as always.
Before leaving I chatted with John, my dad's roommate. This time John was riding on his stationary bike, happy as could be, telling me all about his past and how many different bicycles he had growing up.
I gave dad a hug and left to go back to work. As usual, returning to work was like a time warp to what I would call 'the land of the able'.
Until next time.
Monday, July 17, 2006
Olive Garden!
It's been a while since I posted anything, but rest assured John, Rob and I have all been making the rounds to see dad.
We went to the Olive Garden last night for dinner. John had a great idea about a month ago of getting the whole gang together each Sunday to visit dad. So, dinner last night was I think our 4th Sunday in a row to do this.
Dad seemed like he enjoyed seeing everybody. He had a beer with his dinner and looked quite content.
He doing well. It seems like he can't ever wait to get out, but once he's out and about, he'll get tired and wants to get back to his place to rest.
During dinner last night, it proved to me that having more hands to help is better. While we ate dad had to go to the bathroom (which is a pretty frequent event), so John, Rob and I all alternated each time he had to go - just to point in the right direction of the bathroom. We all went twice, just to give you a sense of how many times he needs to go. I think his urgency has a lot to do with anxiety too, because it doesn't seem like he has to go to the bathroom this much ALL this time.
Well, he's doing well! I'm glad to say. I plan on seeing him tomorrow for lunch and will report back.
Until next time...
We went to the Olive Garden last night for dinner. John had a great idea about a month ago of getting the whole gang together each Sunday to visit dad. So, dinner last night was I think our 4th Sunday in a row to do this.
Dad seemed like he enjoyed seeing everybody. He had a beer with his dinner and looked quite content.
He doing well. It seems like he can't ever wait to get out, but once he's out and about, he'll get tired and wants to get back to his place to rest.
During dinner last night, it proved to me that having more hands to help is better. While we ate dad had to go to the bathroom (which is a pretty frequent event), so John, Rob and I all alternated each time he had to go - just to point in the right direction of the bathroom. We all went twice, just to give you a sense of how many times he needs to go. I think his urgency has a lot to do with anxiety too, because it doesn't seem like he has to go to the bathroom this much ALL this time.
Well, he's doing well! I'm glad to say. I plan on seeing him tomorrow for lunch and will report back.
Until next time...
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Good
Dad was feeling good today. I visited him during lunch and we chatted a bit about my marathon.
John came by later with dad so he could see the dogs. He chatted a bit, but mostly just sat there and watched TV with Caitlin and I.
I need to schedule another haircut for him. He seems to feel good when he gets a haircut... I guess everyone usually does.
John came by later with dad so he could see the dogs. He chatted a bit, but mostly just sat there and watched TV with Caitlin and I.
I need to schedule another haircut for him. He seems to feel good when he gets a haircut... I guess everyone usually does.
Monday, May 22, 2006
Yesterday's visit
Dad seemed pretty quite on Sunday afternoon. We came by the house and he watched a movie with Caitlin and said little more than few words. Either he was really relaxed or just a bit out of it, we had a good time.
In fact anytime he's not anxious is a good time for us to hang out.
In fact anytime he's not anxious is a good time for us to hang out.
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Lunch time.
Dad was doing great today. Che chatted a lot about my upcoming trip to California.
Before leaving we had enough time to go for a quick walk outside. The weather has been great the past few days.
He is still having some memory lapses, but not as frequent. I think John and I have a good system down now. With each of us visiting daily, I can tell that dad feels the support and appreciates it.
Before leaving we had enough time to go for a quick walk outside. The weather has been great the past few days.
He is still having some memory lapses, but not as frequent. I think John and I have a good system down now. With each of us visiting daily, I can tell that dad feels the support and appreciates it.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Lunch with dad - yesterday
Dad was feeling good. He smiled and asked me how I was. I recapped my party again - telling him about the highlights.
He asked if I could take him out for a drive, but I couldn't as I had to eat and head straight back to work. Which is typical of our lunches. Every once in a while we have the chance to head out for lunch. The other day we went shopping and dad got a new pair of shoes, a watch, and a good belt. He needed the shoes and belt pretty badly. Since loosing a bit of weight he needs all the help he can get keeping those pants on. (no pun intended)
Glad to see him doing well. I hadn't been over to visit since Friday, as I was recovering from my run all weekend and enjoying a nice Austin weekend.
He asked if I could take him out for a drive, but I couldn't as I had to eat and head straight back to work. Which is typical of our lunches. Every once in a while we have the chance to head out for lunch. The other day we went shopping and dad got a new pair of shoes, a watch, and a good belt. He needed the shoes and belt pretty badly. Since loosing a bit of weight he needs all the help he can get keeping those pants on. (no pun intended)
Glad to see him doing well. I hadn't been over to visit since Friday, as I was recovering from my run all weekend and enjoying a nice Austin weekend.
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Interesting visit
Dad seemed to be feeling interesting today. He got 2 teeth pulled at the dentist. He didn't really seem like he was in the mood for company. In fact, after telling him about my team in training party I was getting together he calmly replied, 'whoooteeedooo...'.
Needless to say, I didn't take offense to any of this. Hell, he got 2 teeth pulled that morning. I would be much grumpier (sp?!) than he was.
He also wanted to go shopping to get a wrist watch and electric shaver. For other dads it was a tie, or aftershave - for Fred it's always been about electric shavers... and I guess watches too. Like John and myself, we buy cheap gaudy sunglasses, dad always has bought cheap watches.
Sometimes I have to inquire more about his shopping motives, so I asked him if there was anything else he wanted to check out. To this he replied - let's also check out some hi-fi stuff. Enough said, I don't think
I could have answered the question better myself.
That's all for now. Until tomorrow.
Needless to say, I didn't take offense to any of this. Hell, he got 2 teeth pulled that morning. I would be much grumpier (sp?!) than he was.
He also wanted to go shopping to get a wrist watch and electric shaver. For other dads it was a tie, or aftershave - for Fred it's always been about electric shavers... and I guess watches too. Like John and myself, we buy cheap gaudy sunglasses, dad always has bought cheap watches.
Sometimes I have to inquire more about his shopping motives, so I asked him if there was anything else he wanted to check out. To this he replied - let's also check out some hi-fi stuff. Enough said, I don't think
I could have answered the question better myself.
That's all for now. Until tomorrow.
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Feeling good
Saw dad yesterday for lunch. He seemed to be doing well.
He asked if I could take him out to the park or to see the dogs - I told him I couldn't during lunch, but that I would try to come by tomorrow after work. After work today I went to an impromptu happy hour and wasn't able to go see dad. I'll be coming by for lunch tomorrow to see him though.
I still need to get his computer set-up... I'm hoping to do that soon. I need to talk to John about what we'll do with his TV and dresser that we'll have to move out.
Until tomorrow...
He asked if I could take him out to the park or to see the dogs - I told him I couldn't during lunch, but that I would try to come by tomorrow after work. After work today I went to an impromptu happy hour and wasn't able to go see dad. I'll be coming by for lunch tomorrow to see him though.
I still need to get his computer set-up... I'm hoping to do that soon. I need to talk to John about what we'll do with his TV and dresser that we'll have to move out.
Until tomorrow...
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Dentist update / first time at the pool
Good lunch today. Dad was smiling a lot. He asked about the dentist visit - It looks like he'll have to get another tooth pulled.
Before leaving I asked one of the aids to bring him down to the pool.... He looked confused as to why I wasn't going with him - I told him I had to go back to work, and I left. Glad to know he was able to hit the pool today. He had been looking forward to being able to swim for a while. If he gets back into it, I may take him down to Barton Springs for a Saturday / Sunday swim.
Oh... Here are some pics from Mary and Fred's recent visit.
Monday, April 10, 2006
Happy Fred!
Dad enjoyed his visit from Fred and Mary. He said it was like a dream.
Glad to see him so happy.
Hope to have some pics from their visit soon.
Glad to see him so happy.
Hope to have some pics from their visit soon.
Thursday, April 06, 2006
memory lapse
Dad had a difficult day today during lunch. He felt like he just woke up and his whole life was upside down. Sometimes this happens. I try to explain two things to him...
People have good days and bad days, and even if you're having a bad day it doesn't mean your whole life is bad.
Second, I remind dad that he needs to be patient with his body and mind. I explain to him that he's gone through a lot of change in the past few months, and sometimes when he gets anxious he just needs to sit relax and remember that he's not late for anything or forgetting anything.
Before leaving I chatted with Vera, one the aids in the SCU. She mentioned to me that she didn't give dad one of his anxiety meds earlier (it's PRN anyways) because she wanted him to be awake and ready to go for a swim, as today was the opening day for the pool at the ashwood (yes, John came though with a few pairs of trunks).
Before I left, I gave dad a big hug and told him to relax for the afternoon.
Sometimes days are good sometimes they're not... That's life.
People have good days and bad days, and even if you're having a bad day it doesn't mean your whole life is bad.
Second, I remind dad that he needs to be patient with his body and mind. I explain to him that he's gone through a lot of change in the past few months, and sometimes when he gets anxious he just needs to sit relax and remember that he's not late for anything or forgetting anything.
Before leaving I chatted with Vera, one the aids in the SCU. She mentioned to me that she didn't give dad one of his anxiety meds earlier (it's PRN anyways) because she wanted him to be awake and ready to go for a swim, as today was the opening day for the pool at the ashwood (yes, John came though with a few pairs of trunks).
Before I left, I gave dad a big hug and told him to relax for the afternoon.
Sometimes days are good sometimes they're not... That's life.
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
good lunch
I came to see dad today at lunch with two pieces of good news...
#1 - Mary and Fred would be visiting in 2 days for the weekend. - He's been very excited about seeing them, and as he would say, getting out for a bit (like a mini vacation from the Ashwood - or at least that's the way I think of it).
#2 - The pool is opening tomorrow. I talked to John about buying Dad a few new pairs of swimming trunks. He said he should be able to go by this afternoon to buy them, then visit dad.
So, dad was very happy today. Exited about the big visit for the weekend, and eager to hop in the pool for a good swim tomorrow.
After having a good visit like this, I always feel a bit more relaxed for the day, and feel fortunate for what I have and what make me happy - my life, wife, friends, and of course my family.
#1 - Mary and Fred would be visiting in 2 days for the weekend. - He's been very excited about seeing them, and as he would say, getting out for a bit (like a mini vacation from the Ashwood - or at least that's the way I think of it).
#2 - The pool is opening tomorrow. I talked to John about buying Dad a few new pairs of swimming trunks. He said he should be able to go by this afternoon to buy them, then visit dad.
So, dad was very happy today. Exited about the big visit for the weekend, and eager to hop in the pool for a good swim tomorrow.
After having a good visit like this, I always feel a bit more relaxed for the day, and feel fortunate for what I have and what make me happy - my life, wife, friends, and of course my family.
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
It's Tuesday!
Couldn't see dad on Monday, due to a dental appt, so I came by today for lunch. On my way over, I got a speeding ticket... Which is classic, since I speed to his place and back leaving us with usually only about 20-30 minutes to chat, so I'm not late back for work.
Dad seemed to be doing well. His beard looked a little grown out. I asked him about it and he replied with the question, 'do I look seedy, or what?' with a slight grin on his face. Dad, like myself seems to have an infatuation with one day growing out a big beard. I know he's done it before, but I've never seen it.
He wanted to go for a shake or ice cream too, but I told him, as I usually do, that I didn't have enough time to take him out.
We also talked about moving his TV and dresser (tv stand) out of his room to move in his computer and desk. I'm going to make this a priority to take care of this by this weekend, assuming his computer is in working order. - Got to talk to John about that.
Over and out. Till my next lunch.
Dad seemed to be doing well. His beard looked a little grown out. I asked him about it and he replied with the question, 'do I look seedy, or what?' with a slight grin on his face. Dad, like myself seems to have an infatuation with one day growing out a big beard. I know he's done it before, but I've never seen it.
He wanted to go for a shake or ice cream too, but I told him, as I usually do, that I didn't have enough time to take him out.
We also talked about moving his TV and dresser (tv stand) out of his room to move in his computer and desk. I'm going to make this a priority to take care of this by this weekend, assuming his computer is in working order. - Got to talk to John about that.
Over and out. Till my next lunch.
Sunday, April 02, 2006
Saturday visit
I picked dad up around noon. He had just ate, so I offered to take him out to Fuddruckers to see some of my recent work for Kolar, and have a milkshake.
Upon arriving at the house, dad was welcomed with licks from Dolly and Tosca.
We sat in the backyard and chatted about how he was feeling. After talking about how the Ashwood was going, and how he was emotionally and mentally feeling, we started to chat about my idea of creating a blog for him.
I told him my idea of creating a blog called 'Lunches with Fred'. - Something where I could keep a daily journal of my visits with him, to talk about his past, present, future, and keep notes on his medical needs.
I encourage all of you to contribute any of your thoughts and comments at any time on the blog.
So, here it goes. Lunches with Fred.
Upon arriving at the house, dad was welcomed with licks from Dolly and Tosca.
We sat in the backyard and chatted about how he was feeling. After talking about how the Ashwood was going, and how he was emotionally and mentally feeling, we started to chat about my idea of creating a blog for him.
I told him my idea of creating a blog called 'Lunches with Fred'. - Something where I could keep a daily journal of my visits with him, to talk about his past, present, future, and keep notes on his medical needs.
I encourage all of you to contribute any of your thoughts and comments at any time on the blog.
So, here it goes. Lunches with Fred.
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