Since the last report Walt had a setback, and a little
recovery. Another stroke finished off his left side; he and Mark are
considering the next move when he is discharged. The old two story house is all stairs, steps
and upstairs bathrooms.
Fortunately for those who care about him, Walt won’t be
discharged for a while. He’s on his way to a long term rehabilitation facility.
Transport was scheduled for Wednesday, and Mark was to meet them at the new
facility. Mark arrived, transport didn't. Things are iffy in the world of hospital
transport.
Our phone rang last night, Mark reporting in. He was
standing outside Walt’s old hospital room; his dad wasn't there. Yes, he’d been transported to the rehab facility.
“What did he want with a dozen yellow roses?” Mark asked
Jan, who laughed out loud. "He told me to bring a dozen yellow roses."
“You know your dad,” she said. “He surely wanted them for his nurse, the nurses.”
“You know your dad,” she said. “He surely wanted them for his nurse, the nurses.”
“Well I’m standing in the hallway holding a dozen yellow
roses! Now what do I do?”
“Give them to a nurse and go on home.”
From one of our mother's many vacations with all her grandchildren and a couple borrowed. Mark is the little fellow in the red shirt. He grew up to be much happier looking.
I would love to have a bouquet of yellow roses, myself!
ReplyDeleteWhat a thoughtful old curmudgeon to think of his nurses in the midst of his own calamity.
ReplyDeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteOh yeah....I've nursed a few 'cornmudgins' in my time. They all fell short of roses though! I don't envy your family the decision process that must surely follow this episode. Continuing to send healing wishes. YAM xx
I am sorry to hear Walt has had a setback. He sounds to be a terrific person from your post a while back, and it seems he is still thinking of others when asking for the roses. I hope he gets along well in his rehab and a way can be found to bring him back home before too long.
ReplyDelete"He grew up to be much happier looking." So great that you added that line. We all have our bad days. I wish him well.
ReplyDeleteI'm guessing my oldest daughter, the tallest one, organized that picture and handed the camera off to her younger sister for the shot. There would have been bickering between the two oldest boys, one of whom looks quite smug, one is hiding his face. Three year old Mark is just standing where he was pushed.
DeleteStrokes are so difficult. My mother had one that took away her capacity to speak, and then a year later she had a second one that she didn't survive from. My heart goes out to you. That is a lovely photo.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear Walt took a turn for the worse but at least he's getting into rehab quickly. That sounds rough that the bathrooms are upstairs but maybe they can install a new bathroom on the first floor.
ReplyDeleteAge alone is not the hard part; it's these ailments and conditions and diseases we come by on the way.
If he's thinking about his nurses in such a kind way, it sounds like he's got a lot of life left ... I hope it's quality time.
ReplyDeleteHow sweet of your brother to think about the roses for the nurse(s). I'm not sure I would have thought of such a kind act. I liked the picture of the grand kids; that is some house in the background.
ReplyDeleteI hope Walt recovers to the best of his ability in his rehab stay and can figure out a way to still live somewhat independently.
betty
Thank you. I am sending a world of good wishes to him - and to his whole family. And I love the yellow roses - he sounds like a wonderful, wonderful cornmudgeon.
ReplyDeleteI hope Walt gets better. Seems like he has a heck of a sense of humor or romance. haha. Wishing him the best.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about Mark's setback. I hope he will do well in rehab. It is difficult for men who are used to being independent (women too). I've had uncles like this. Hugs xx
ReplyDeleteYellow roses are beautiful, and I think they're supposed to signify friendship.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Mark sounds like a good guy. Walt's lucky to have him.
ReplyDeleteSending wishes for a speedy recovery - or at least ambulation - to Walt.
Hope Walt will gain and re-gain mobility. And Mark is a gem. It is often hard to reconcile the picture of little guy (in a red shirt) with a grown caring man.
ReplyDeleteWould like to hear how Walt is faring.
I hope the rehab can restore your brother's function. It's a hard road.
ReplyDeleteDear Joan,
ReplyDeletemy best wishes for your brother! That he thought of the roses for the nurses is a very good sign.
You'd think they could co-ordinate a move a little better so that Mark could have been there to see his dad was comfortable at least.
ReplyDeleteNice thought with the roses.
Old age brings us all down eventually. My dad had a stroke that totally humbled him and took many years for him to recover from because he wouldn't seek help. It changed his personality for the better in the long run. May sound harsh but he was pretty much an unbearable know-it-all before who pontificated instead of having a conversation. He always said he didn't want to be debilitated and would rather go out quick. He got his wish with a second massive stroke. My mother on the other hand, lingered for many years while her brain slowly died one little piece at a time with TIAs. I think my dad had it right. So I hope for Walt the best possible outcome, whatever that may be.
ReplyDelete