July 28

Last night was a very difficult night. Daddy and I (jenny) made it up about 4 stairs with great energy, then all of a sudden he couldn't make it up any more stairs. We sat and struggled until, miraculously, Theresa and Bryan stopped by for a visit. Bryan helped me get dad up to the middle of the stairs, it was too much work for the two of us. Our neighbors and Bryan's family are both on vacation, so they were not able to help us. Theresa went down the street to see if Bryan's uncle was home, he was not, but there was a man that was able to help! Bryan, Dave (the stranger) and I were able to carry dad up the second set of stairs. He then helped us a little with his walker get him into bed. We were sooo thankful this guy was able to help!

Theresa and I got him changed and into bed for the night with his medication. He slept very well through the night and wasn't up till about 9:45am! He has lost a lot of control of his bladder and wet through the foam mattress he has above his mattress. This morning he was very alert and excited for breakfast. In the afternoon it seemed he had a little more energy since he didn't have to move around the house.

Since we had such a hard time getting him up the stairs, we decided that we can't have him going up and down even on a chair lift. We have decided and have had it recommended that we get a hospital bed in the house for him. He will be able to get in and out of bed easier and it will also be easier to sit up to eat and watch tv and such. We are going to be getting this tomorrow and dad can be downstairs with the gang and his Bobby.

Today, Theresa and Kathy interviewed several agencies I set up for them to help care for Dad. They made their decision pretty quick and we have a second interview starting tomorrow. I am hoping that a new positive face in the house will help us out with daddy. He really needs some motivating phone calls and visits. His ego is really hurt and he is really upset that he doesn't know what is going on. He is mentally aware of his body not reacting and it's frustrating him a lot. He wants to be able to do everything on his own.

~Jenny