Dad news (not bad news)

Categories: uncategorized

Date: 25 May 2008 16:38:50

Thanks for the supportive comments, prayers etc on both my blog and Tina's following dad's heart attack. When I went into work on Monday morning and told my team what had happened, they were really lovely and suggested I ask for some time off so I could go and see mum and dad sooner rather than waiting til the weekend. So I did, and the boss said yes, and I worked extra hard to get as much done as I could so I could take Thursday and Friday off.

Dad came out of hospital on Wednesday afternoon, and by the time I got to my parents' on Thursday, some friends had helped pack up their caravan and towed it home for them. However, much of the caravan's contents needed putting away in its proper place, or taking into the house or the garage, and this was largely my job, with supervision from dad (i.e. he gave me instructions and then moaned a bit when I got it wrong. No, actually, that's a bit unfair; while dad's a bit of a perfectionist and likes to have things done his way, he wasn't too bad, and was clearly grateful that someone was around to do the things he shouldn't be doing).

On Friday we went shopping, and as the doctor's orders are for dad to lower his cholesterol, mum was taking a long time studying all the packets for fat content, saturates, sugars and the like. At one point mum and I were comparing the figures on two different types of dessert, and it struck me that it was like a rather surreal version of Top Trumps ("Saturated fats?" "44.6 grams." "Ha - 37.8 grams! I win! Hand over your trifle!"). Then I got to lug the shopping around, and before heading back on Saturday I helped to move some bits and pieces around the house and generally tidy up a bit.

I'm pleased to say dad's doing very well, although his wanting-it-done-his-way attitude means that, even though he's following his instructions and resting, he still wants to be involved in all the work (on Saturday morning their neighbour came round to mow the back garden for them, and dad stood out there chatting to him throughout, which also allowed him to keep an eye on the quality of the mowing, of course). But mainly he's doing well, and having some physical and (particularly for mum) emotional support has been invaluable. He'll have surgery in about 4-6 weeks' time, which should help sort things out further, and mum's asked if I can go back and help out again then, so I'll keep you posted.

And then there's the adventure when I got back from church today... but I'll save that for another time... :)