Don & Heidi Don has been a dad for exactly 35 years. Today is Heidi's 35th birthday. I know it makes him sad that he can't just hop a plane and celebrate with her. But that wouldn't be happening anyway. Unfortunately, we're used to long distance birthdays. Yesterday, Don's voice was finally strong enough to talk on the phone. (That darn sore throat from the breathing tube) He called Heidi last night to wish her an early Happy Birthday. I heard Heidi say, "You sound great Dad! I'm proud of you." It wasn't his usual voice. I'm sure she could tell. But her positive voice was the perfect medicine for her dad Don and Scott We live across country from both our kids and spouses. That's sad for birthdays, but it's also sad in times when we need to support from each other. Those Covid days... or cancer... or coronary bypass surgery days. Heidi was able to come home for my surgery 5 years ago. Scott insisted he come this time, to help with his dad. It was so much easier when these kids were small and living at home. Wait a minute. It wasn't so much easier. But I still miss those times. Airport Pick up Yesterday, I left Don at 5:30, to pick up Scott. Don was having some issues and I was torn about abandoning him. Chills and shaky... heart palpitations.. The nurse assured me, but it felt wrong to leave. Usually I hate the hour drive to Bush. But the skies were calming and it felt good to know I would see Scott. His first time back in Texas in over 3 years! We hugged with masks and drove with masks. What the heck is the protocol with visiting a loved one in the hospital, when you've flown and there's a pandemic???? First Stop Actually the first stop, was to pick up Torchy's Tacos. Scott's comfort food. Then we picked up rapid Covid tests. No one has told us how to handle this visit safely. We've all been vaccinated, but there's no perfect way to be safe, when you've traveled on a plane. In 15 minutes, we cheered. We knew the negative test was not 100%. And we knew it was too early to feel cleared from the plane travel. But Scott had another test to do in a couple days. Sharing Duties This morning, I panicked a little when Don texted that he was on an IV again. I rushed over before Scott was up, but Don was fine. We got him out walking the hall again. We watched some TV and enjoyed the weather through the window. All was fine, so I dashed home to pick up Scott. Purple Chairs Suddenly Scott and I were able to take turns with Don-time. I also knew there might be issues with how the 1 visitor rule worked. I suggested we not ask too many questions, or we might find out we weren't allowed to be in the building at the same time. We worked it out with the purple chairs outside Don's hallway. Our changing of the guard chairs. I wish I'd been able to see Don's face when Scott walked in. I know it was a relief to see his boy. I relaxed on the purple chairs until Scott came out. That was usually when Don needed something that Nurse Beth was better qualified for. Helping him get in and out of bed or into adjusting all his pillows. It's all trickier than it sounds. But how wonderful to have our boy home for a week, to add a lift to our world. Literally. Scott's going to move some things around at home for us!
It's so much easier to heal when you have love and support from near and far. Don's not a Sad Dad right now.
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Not-So-Happy List
Cancer, Covid & Coronary... I started this complaining list/blog, in May 2016. I posted 200 gripes about my breast CANCER and then I was done. On March 13, 2020, I started venting all over again, when another disease (starting with a C) interfered with my life. This time it was the invasion of COVID and it affected every person. I ranted for a year, until I got my COVID vaccine in March 2021. CORONARY Artery Disease was the reason I restarted this blog on September 26, 2021. This time it was my hubby Don, who was dealing with a worry that started with the letter "C". Coronavirus and Cancer, Coronary Artery Disease! All are evil, but none can totally get me down... if I vent! I usually end up feeling a little more positive at the end of each post! Navigating This Mess! The most recent post is at the top, from coronary posts in 2022, back to cancer posts in 2016. To find past posts, look below the "Archives" section, to find "Categories". Archives
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