Dad update

It has been quite amazing and humbling the outpouring of love, support, and concern we have received since Friday’s post. Dad’s immediate family feels your love and every bit of it is helping Dad, and us, to live fully these awe-inspiring and precious moments. Know that, through us, and from all those sentiments you have sent us, we feel your spirit among us which is another way of saying your presence is felt here. And we are grateful for that and for you.

Dad had a calm and restful sleep last night—with deep and heavy breathing interrupted by, what he would say if he could, his annoying and obnoxious snoring and sleep apnea (trust me, I know; I was “sleeping” in the bed adjacent to the chair he is reclined in). We are making sure family is a constant presence in Dad’s space.

More of Dad’s immediate family joined us today—Connor, Cassidy, Chris, and then Kendra joined Clary and Trevor. It is intentional we are keeping the vigil small so as to feed our own souls and spirits without things getting overwhelming. As we take care of Dad, we are also mindful of taking care of each other.

We continue to keep a loving vigil as we escort Dad further along his Journey Home.

Dad hasn’t, oops! “HADN’T taken food or water since Wednesday evening but we are keeping his lips and mouth moist.

NEWSFLASH ALERT! We interrupt this regularly scheduled program update to bring you late breaking news!

Dad had a little bit of a rally late this afternoon. As I write this update at 3:10 Saturday, about two hours ago, as family continued to be present and engaged with Dad, Dad began a bit of a rally! Now, we know enough about how these can go sometimes—we know we are already on a bit of an emotional roller coaster with all the ups and downs—so this current “up” might be only temporary since the house has a different and positive energy vibe about it.

But he himself is engaged, cracking some jokes, chuckling out loud, and cognizant of everyone in the room as well as knowing our names. And we know something’s up inside that dementia-brain of his given we are getting some pretty serious requests for ICE CREAM! At first, I thought he was joking or dreaming. But, nope. These are SERIOUS requests for ICE CREAM! Dad doesn’t joke about his ICE CREAM—silly me for forgetting one of life’s Truths. Apparently, ICE CREAM was all it took to entice him back to us…if only for a few wonderfully joyful and memorable moments.

So, along with some of the sips of ice water he’s now taking from a straw, we’re gonna have some ICE CREAM later tonight. Why don’t you all join us in solidarity! We go all vegan Oatmilk vanilla “ice cream” here. And don’t you DARE tell him it’s not the real thing. They way this is playing out, he’d order me to the store to get him the real deal. He’s already asked to insure the store isn’t far away.

Okay, back to regularly scheduled programming, already in progress (with, apparently, the need for a bit of revising now!).

---

Dad is clean, and dry, and warm, and comfortable. THAT is now one of our top priories (well, it always was but… you get it.). We continue to hold his hands, as he holds mom’s much loved, and used, Rosary. And we continue our “We love you’s.”

Dad does come in and out of an awareness of his environment (even with this remarkable rally); and there are times when it is very apparent he knows who is in the room, who is sitting next to him, and who is holding his hands. More evident now at 3:15pm on Saturday than it has been since Wednesday afternoon. He surprised us by being remarkably engaged and conversant this afternoon—but he would fade and close his eyes often. [Boy I GUESS he’s surprised us. But still, we are realists and remain careful and mindful as we try not to buy too pricey a ticket on this particular roller coaster]. His pulse remains strong. He continues to say thank you when we wipe his chin or moisten his lips or forehead. Did you read that? He CONTINUES to say thanks you. And he’ll return our “I love you’s.”

Even in these precious moments, Dad remains our exemplar of embodied kindness.

We continue our service to Dad and our love and apprecaition for you. Because of your truly heart-warming love and sentiments, I’ll send out a daily update at about 4pm until something much different arises, without worry that these posted updates might be “too much for you.” It’s been deeply touching you have remained as engaged as you have been since you’ve joined this thread; if you continue to stay with us, we will remain grateful.

Your love and support is important to us and we feel it in our hearts.

Dad knows he is loved.

Thank you. Love continues its service here.

Always love.

🙏🏼

Kert

PS: And dang it, don’t you dare forget about the ICE CREAM!