Flying by the Seat of my pants

I've been down in southern FL for almost a week now, caring for Mom and Dad. It's good to be here, in many ways, and not on the other side of the country "wishing I was here" (soft smile)

The photos here are old, as I haven't quite learned the knack to download my current ones.

I cannot recall the last time I posted any updates - but here's the rundown:  Mom finally (after a year now) obtained an accurate diagnosis, and it was discovered that she has "Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus" (water on the brain). In layman's terms, this means mostly that excess cerebral fluid built up around the brain, causing pressure and a myriad of nasty symptoms. The pic of Mom is from about 2 years ago.

They did brain surgery, and placed a shunt in to regulate the fluid levels, and she has made such a remarkable comeback, its astonishing! She can walk again (for the first time in 8 months) and is regaining her strength... She's in intensive rehab in the hospital for another ten days or so. We are so delighted and proud of her! 

Meanwhile, back t home, on the Western WA front, my computer died. totally dead. no resuscitation possible. And thus I have been without - until I got down here, and found that my Dad had gifted me with an amazing Mac notebook !!! wow! It practically flies! It's a refurbished 2009, with all the latest bells and whistles. and one day, it will decide that it wants to alow me to figure out how to use it, (and then maybe we'll have new photos!)

 In the meantime, I'm here with dad, cooking, cleaning and driving him around. It was going great until this morning when he got smashed physically with some nasty huge infection (we are suspecting kidney infection but will wait for test results on monday) It's quite alarming to watch "superman" (aka my Dad) be flattened by illness. He's like the energizer bunny who never quits. So please add his name (Donald) to the lists of prayers, and hopefully he will be up and around again soon. Thanks so much (again the photo is from two years ago)

 

I am currently knitting three different cotton tops - perfect Florida knitting. Here's the link :

Athena Tank, Sizzling Summer Top and Open Vest   *think easy, lots of garter or stockinette stitch!

The three tops I'm working on are from June 2011 Knit 'n Style .  And hopefully I can upload photos soon. I'm not sure how long I'll be here in FL this time.. but at least til the 18th of July.

I'm feeling pretty scattered across the US these days, and time will tell what kind of care my parents will need soon. Until we know, the family is staying flexible. It's good to be here. 

 

Comments

[Manise]

Beautiful photos of your parents. I am so relieved that they finally found out what was wrong with your mom. The diagnosis wording actually cracks me up because clearly the intracranial pressure was up. lol It's amazing the difference a shunt can make. Speedy recovery to her and also to your dad. Hang in there. I'm sure they love having you home holding down the fort. Hugs.

[Carole]

Such great news about your mom! And your new computer, too. Hannah has a Mac and she loves it. I hope your dad is better really soon.

[Chris]

Well, pooey - your mom's doing tons better and then your dad gets sick! Here's hoping he's better very, very soon.

[Wanda J]

How's your dad? Hope they get the infection under control/cleared up. Wonderful news that your mother's true diagnosis and surgery has produced a positive turn-around. Here's to a speedy recovery and return to home.

Will be praying you have clarity as to your future and where you need to be!

[jessie]

Chiming in late here but I'm glad to hear they've been able to help your mother. I hope your dad's situation resolved. I know a kidney infection in older men can really throw their whole system for a loop and look like many other things, so hopefully that's been dealt with.

You do have your hands full.

Congrats on the new computer, though!

[Christine (AKA Cheekyredhead)]

You and I don't touch base often enough! Sending prayers your way