Even though it's 17 degrees fondly Fahrenheit in Minneapolis

[carbonel]

I'd rather not be flying to Fort Lauderdale, FL, tomorrow. But that's where I'm going.

My father, who is almost 82 years old, has been declining for the past several years. Honestly, it's a testament to medical science (in a good way) that he's even alive. He survived lung cancer, a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurism, and a heart murmur that required valve replacement twice. Plus a pacemaker and atrial ablation surgery. But it looks as if this is the end. My parents are spending the winter in Boca Raton (yes, it's a cliché), so that's where I'll be.

My mother has contacted hospice services and is meeting with them today. I hope he'll be able to stay at the apartment until the end.

I'm not sure what my plans will be. I have a one-way ticket to Florida, and the next leg will probably be a flight to Chicago for the funeral. Funny how it's so much easier to worry about logistics than emotional issues.

Oh, and I went to China. I'll be posting about that at some point, most likely.

Comments

[swan-tower.livejournal.com]

Oh, I'm so sorry to hear it. Strength to you and all your family.

[gerisullivan.livejournal.com]

Your observation about logistics and emotional issues matches my own experience and supports the advice Dean and Laura gave me back when I was heading to PA after Jack's father died -- there's often an emotional crash a few days after a funeral, once the logistics and structure that goes with one are done.

I'm glad your mother has contacted hospice services and hope that turns out as helpful as it was with the few times I've experienced hospice care as a loved one/family member.

Know my friendship is with you as you go through the hours and days ahead. You're welcome to call if you need to talk, vent, or be distracted by someone far away, especially late at night. You probably have both my phone numbers, but I'll put them in email to you so they're handy.

Wow. Making it through a ruptured AAA is a testament to medical science and to your father's luck and/or overall shape. Before this, Walt Willis was the only person I knew who survived such a rupture. Surviving both lung cancer and a ruptured AAA suggests to me that your father has a track record of beating the odds even before you get into all the heart stuff.

Remember to treat yourself extra gently as you go through the realities ahead.

[kalmn.livejournal.com]

I would love to hear about china, for obvious reasons. Geri is right about the post logistics crash. Hang in there, give yourself space.

[sartorias.livejournal.com]

I am so sorry--wishing you all strength.

[moonlightmead.livejournal.com]

I am sorry to hear this, but whatever the outcome (and it sounds like he can surprise people, so...), I hope that your father is free from pain and in the location he wants to be in. All the best for what sounds like a tough time.

[pameladean]

I'm so sorry; it seems too young. But what a lot he's been through. I'm so glad you got that just-right birthday card last year.

I hope there is as little extraneous-to-the-actual-situation difficulty as possible.

P.

[fgherman.livejournal.com]

All my heart is with you.

[dreamshark.livejournal.com]

I am sorry to hear this. My best to you and your family.

[snippy]

May you have or get what you need during this trying time.

[catalenamara.livejournal.com]

{{{{hugs}}}}

All the best to you

[lsanderson.livejournal.com]

And everyone.

[msmoat.livejournal.com]

All my best to you and your family. Focusing on logistics is often how we get through these things, isn't it? The important part is that you're going to be with him and your mother.

[papersky.livejournal.com]

*hug*

It's so hard.

[cakmpls.livejournal.com]

I wish you and all your family the most ease and peace possible in this situation.

[biblio-tech.livejournal.com]

Definitely a pain being an adult. You're a good daughter and a fine human. My sympathy and good wishes for smooth travel and comforting time with family.

[barondave.livejournal.com]

Sorry to hear about your father. Sympathies.

Sometimes, the rote work of logistics and just moving from A to B (physically or emotionally) can be comforting rituals.

I look forward to hearing about your trip to China. No rush.

[lynnal.livejournal.com]

My sympathy on the situation with your father. I know from experience how hard it is to watch someone you care about go through hospice care.

I hope you can enjoy the good parts of time with your family. A person can get a lot of knitting done while keeping someone company in a hospice room. I found that to be a great comfort.