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Thursday, October 8, 2009

Sitting Vigil with Daddy

Update Thursday morning 10/8/09:We are still at the hospital. That is most likely where we will remain. It was a bad night. I am staying with him most of the time. I have some stories to tell... but not now.

I took this picture of a rainbow after the rain last week. Rainbows symbolize promise. Today all I can promise him is love and peace - those two things I know for sure.

Thanks for your prayers. I wanted to keep you up to date. I know the peace globes are spinning. I will be back to tend to them as soon as I can. This year more than ever for me, the word peace has eternal significance.
What does it mean to you?





Update Sunday 10/4/09
Thank you all...
For your prayers, emails, text messages, phone calls, support and love. He has had a difficult week with many ups and downs. My Dad went from Palliative Care to a place that just didn't suit his needs and is now back in the hospital trying to gain some strength. This morning he is feeling better and asking for more bananas. (lol) I'm telling you...the Comeback Kid is amazing. We are bringing him home tomorrow with Advanced Home Health Care, a hospital bed, day/night sitter (hopefully) and whatever he needs.

Now we have to make some difficult decisions, and more importantly, the right ones.

I hope to get back on the blog next week and do more visiting with you and of course, promoting peace globes. I apologize to my meme players last week on The Queen's Meme. I didn't have time to do it myself or even read yours but I promise I will. I have been with him much of the time with the help of my wonderful sister..... spending nights at the hospital, feeding him, driving back and forth, learning a LOT I never wanted to know frankly and just being with him. We are a tag team and I even learned how to face the dreaded needles without screaming (see below).

And you have been here too.
Travis of Trav's Thoughts and newlywed Vinny/Bond of The Big Leather Couch have written posts and sent out a call for peace globes on their blogs. They know this is push time for me with the launch and are keeping the peace spinning while I tend to this. They have asked bloggers to post a short snippet each day for the next 30 days 'til BlogBlast for Peace on November 5th.
I don't know what else they have planned but I trust them completely. Their efforts
really touched my heart. You have no idea what it meant to me when I read what they'd done. I've been worried about losing momentum with peace globes and feeling completely overwhelmed. Please thank them. It just proves once again what an amazingly kind group of people you are and how we are demonstrating a sense of community and unity - a perfect personification of the movement itself.

I hope to get my blog legs back soon. I need a tad bit of sleep you see.
I will see you a little later this week when I can settle in a bit and breathe. You will never know what it means to know you're here. Please continue to pray for wisdom and strength and send those positive vibes. We do feel them.

Love to all of you,
Mimi


And This Is Why I Love My Dad

Monday Mimisms: Monday September 28, 2009
So this weekend on Saturday evening my dad was taken to the hospital. His potassium levels were almost non-existent and ammonia levels too high. He needed some serious assistance.
Back we go to the land of IV drips and finger sticks in the middle of the night. When I arrived it was obvious he'd had a bad night. A very bad night.
He was exhausted. He hadn't eaten hardly anything in several days and as much as you all know who've been reading about him that he is the ultimate Comeback Kid time and time again, this time I wasn't so sure. When you hear phrases like Palliative Care floating around, it's time to look at things maybe a little more realistically whether I want to or not.

My sister and I are polar opposites. She is the nurse. I am the frady-cat. Time for insulin shot? Mimi needs to excuse herself. Time for IV changing? Mimi suddenly needs a Coke from the machine down the hall. I don't make excuses anymore. They just roll their eyes and I leave. But I always come back with something like, "Wow, that really hurt me, Daddy. Do you think you
could stop with all the stuff that's causing me so much grief!! I can't stand all these needles!"
More rolling of the eyes.
But today he vacillated between the land of the lucid and the land of the loony. Both broke my heart.

And made me laugh.

"Daddy, do you know where you are?"

"Home."

"Where?"

"HOME."

Glad to clear that up. Moving right along.

Then it was time for my sister and I to tag team him with the lunch tray.

He needed to eat.



Let me just make this clear: If there are no pinto beans in Heaven, he ain't going. And praise be we had two trays. One with chicken (he won't touch chicken) and one with fish (he likes fish).

Sister Nurse decided to use the shovel-in approach sans the airplane sound - 'cause after all, he's 75 and he could probably still send us to our rooms if he wanted. But today we are in HIS room and he is stuck with us. Like it or not.








"OK, Daddy. Don't you want some pinto beans? They look so good."


To our surprise he said,

"I reckon. Don't run 'em in too fast."


He ate every last bean on two plates with vinegar on top. He usually likes mayonnaise on them but I digress. You don't want to know what he eats on peanut butter. Anyway, then we convinced him to eat the cabbage and we didn't have to water board him or anything. It was a tough assignment but since there were no needles involved I could handle it. And then he asked for jello. I go down to the nurse's station and fetch the precious gelatin. I'm such a wannabe nurse. But before I leave I notice that there is a patty of glorious flounder still left untouched on his plate.


"I really wish you would eat that fish, Daddy. It's good for your brain ya know."

(Am I good or what??)

"My brain don't need no help," he said.

Wise guy.



He slept like a baby the rest of the afternoon and I only had to leave the room once. I stayed while they took his blood pressure. This is progress.


When the nurse returned to wake up him up to see if he was asleep, she noticed the second tray with the uneaten chicken breast.
"Why, Mr. S, won't you eat chicken?"

His eyes got huge and he looked at her like she'd lost her mind.
He raised up in the bed and yelled, "Cause it's foul!!"


Nope. He doesn't need any brain food.
More bananas maybe.
But no brain food.

44 comments:

Cinnamon Girl said...

I sure hope things turn around for your dad soon, Mimi.

Amazing Gracie said...

My heart breaks for you, Mimi. My dad died when I was 21. He was 50. There is not one single solitary day that I do not miss him. It was very sudden (heart attack). There are times when I read about dads like yours and I wonder if I would be willing to give up my time on earth with him if it meant keeping him from suffering. I'm just so sorry for all of you. You are a wonderful daughter....
~~~Blessings~~~

Empress Bee (of the high sea) said...

oh mimi honey, i'll send one up for another comeback, k???

hugs, bee
xoxoxxoxoxoxoxo

Anonymous said...

Foul... yep. His brain is A-OK.
Hugs Mimi... I've been where you are and it's not easy.

Charles Gramlich said...

You brought a smile this morning. I am sorry he is back in the hospital but he sounds as if he's in good hands and his his head going in the right direction. I hope he comes home soon.

Vinny "Bond" Marini said...

gosh darn ...Mimi...so sorry daddy is in the hospital...please keep us updated and you stay in the room the next time the needle comes out - that might shock him back to health

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry your dad's in the hospital. It's good you got him to eat! I wouldn't eat hospital food if you forced me to. That stuff is nasty! I hope he gets to come home soon.

The Gal Herself said...

It's so hard when the roles are reversed and you find yourself babying your parent. But you and your dad are lucky that you can both find humor in the least-funny situation I can think of. That must comfort you both. Hang in there, Your Highness.

Finding Pam said...

I am keeping you and your Dad in my prayers. I am like you not with needles, but with blood.

Just say "I aint scared!"

Akelamalu said...

It's such an awful feeling when your parent is ill, just like when your child is ill. I'm so glad to hear you got your Daddy to eat. He's in my prayers and I'm sending Reiki m'dear.

You look after you too. x

Dawn Drover said...

If he hasn't lost his sense of humor... then he's right. His brain don't need no help :)

Love and prayers to you and yours.

Durward Discussion said...

You have a wonderful dad who can still laugh at life. Even with the trials, you and the sister are fortunate. I hope he improves and can come home once more.

Travis Cody said...

I'm thinking positive thoughts for you and your dad.

And remember...you are in there in the vicinity of the room, even if you're not actually in the room. That counts too.

Mimi Lenox said...

Thanks everyone.
I've needed your support. He went to Palliative Care today but I'm still hoping he can come home soon.
I have to be optimistic with the Comeback Kid.

Thanks for your prayers! And your Reiki! And your positive vibes!
And your hugs. And your care for me. I appreciate it.

Mimi

Mouse said...

Keeping your dad in my thoughts Mimi, and I'll be sending reiki in the evenings. Hugs to you & yours xx

Jean-Luc Picard said...

Hope you dad recovers real soon, Mimi.

katherine. said...

keep writing these all down...they will be great to remember out there in the future.

the decision for Palliative Care isn't an easy path.

sending you and yours a prayer for peace of mind, peace of heart...and nothing foul....smile.

Ferd said...

quality time...
bittersweet...
humorous...
wonderful!

You and your dad are in my thoughts and prayers, Mimi.

Anonymous said...

Mimi, I know how tough it is to walk into a room and see the man that is supposed to be strong helpless. I am going through the same thing right now. My thoughts and prayers are with you, we are all here for you if you need us.

Anonymous said...

Best wishes during such difficult times. "Foul" - classic.

kanishk said...

There is not one single solitary day that I do not miss him. It was very sudden (heart attack). There are times when I read about dads like yours and I wonder if I would be willing to give up my time on earth with him if it meant keeping him from suffering. I'm just so sorry for all of you. You are a wonderful daughter....
Web hosting india

Xmichra said...

aww! it's so sad about your dad... but that foul bit was awesome!

Desert Songbird said...

I'm sorry your father is suffering and, consquently, you are too. I know how difficult it is to see a parent struggle.

You all are in my prayers.

Mimi Lenox said...

Thank you all...

For your prayers, emails, phone calls, support, text messages and love. He has had a difficult week with many ups and downs. He went to a place that just didn't suit his needs and is now back in the hospital trying to gain some strength. This morning he is feeling better and asking for bananas. (lol) I'm telling you...the Comeback Kid is amazing.

Now we have to make some difficult decisions and more importantly, the right ones.

I hope to get back on the blog next week and do more visiting with you and of course, promoting peace globes. I have been with him much of the time with help of my wonderful sister.

Travis and Vinny have sent out a call for peace globes that really touched my heart. They are keeping the peace spinning while I tend to this.

http://www.bigleathercouch.com/2009/10/challenge-sky-and-birthday.html

http://travsthoughts.blogspot.com

I hope to get my blogging mojo back soon. You will never know what it means to know you're here.
Blessings and love.
Mimi

j said...

I am so sorry that your father has been in the hospital! I am sending up prayers for you both.

entsala said...

hey mimi, i've moved and just got the internet hooked up last week, just wanted to let you know why i hadn't been playing the queens mimi. i'm so sorry about your dad. my mother passed away 2 1/2 years ago after dealing with cancer for over a year, and how i wished that i could take away the pain. i can tell that you cherish all your time with him, thats good because you will have no regrets. i'll remember you in my prayers. much love, angelia

Durward Discussion said...

You are making all the right choices. This is intensive family time and we love you for taking it. May your dad be surrounded with comfort and peace.

Jean-Luc Picard said...

That's okay, Mimi. I'm thinking of your father.

BTW, I'm off to London and won't be back until late Wednesday.

Vinny "Bond" Marini said...

YOU take care of daddy and YOURSELF..do not forget to eat and sleep dear..

Travis and I have Peace globes covered!

The Gal Herself said...

You know that you and your daddy are in my thoughts. Take care of yourself. We need our Queen!

LADYHIGHTOWER said...

I'm here. Have been all along...praying...and screaming at my angels to get outta here and go help yours and your dad's. They finally listened and they're on their way. Look in the mirror. You'll see them...

Anonymous said...

will add him to my prayer list

BK said...

Hi Mimi, I got here from Bloggersunite for BlogBlast For Peace and read about the update for your father. Hope we'll hear good updates from you about your father soon. Wishing goodness in all areas of his life.

Mimi Lenox said...

UPDATE Thursday morning: We are still in the hospital. It is abundantly clear he is not coming home. Keep praying for a peaceful passing. Thank you for the emails and love. - Mimi

Anndi said...

You were with me when it was Mom's time, and Dad's time... if you feel a little squeeze of your hand, that's me.

Love you, Mims.

Tarheel Rambler said...

I can relate to everything you're feeling right now. You've seen my blog, and you know what's been going on with me. One of the hardest things in life is when you switch roles with your parents.

Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. My hope is that you, your sister and your father all find peace in whatever form is best.

Mouse said...

(((((Mimi, Dad & Family))))) You are all in my thoughts. Sending reiki love & peace to surround your father.

Much love xx

Patti said...

Sorry to read about your Dad, Mimi. You and your sister must be exhausted,'
I was only 21 when my father died.

I am sending prayers for your family and thinking positive thoughts.

It is so difficult to become the parent. I am going through that with my mother.

Patti said...

I love the photo of the rainbow, Mimi. Rainbows are beautiful symbols and I am glad you saw one.

Julia Phillips Smith said...

My love and prayers to you and to your family and friends who are preparing to say farewell.

Patti said...

Thinking of you today and sending prayers your way.

SjP said...

My prayers are with you and your family.

j said...

Oh Mimi. I just read the above update. Prayers for your family Mimi.

Karen Jo said...

My hopes and prayers are with you, Mimi. It is so hard when we see that the end of a parent's life is coming and we can't do anything about it but try to make it as peaceful as possible. I just went through this with my Mom a couple of weeks ago.

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