Month From Hell

A few weeks ago we had a hailstorm that damaged our roof to the extent it needs replacing. Dealing with insurance adjusters and roofing companies is enough to make me tear out what little hair I have left.

Last Saturday my father suffered a stroke. As strokes go it was pretty mild - some weakness and loss of fine motor skills on his right side, and difficulty in speaking/swallowing. He's out of the hospital now and in a rehab facility for a few weeks. It's particularly frustrating for him because he's one of those people that loves to talk, and now not only can he not speak, he can't use his right hand to communicate by writing. But we're hopeful the physical therapy will help.

And finally, to top it all off, my mother died this afternoon. It's been a long time coming, and may be a blessing. She's had an advanced case of Alzheimer's for the past 2 or 3 years and has been in decline for a while. She was under hospice care for the past few months. About a week ago she become non-responsive and was about as close to being in a coma as you can get without actually being comatose.

If you've ever had a loved one die of what's basically old age, you know the process of a body shutting down gradually is a long, drawn-out, and painful affair.

I don't know how much Dad's recent absence contributed to her final decline. They were married 60+ years, and he's been incredibly devoted to her. During the last few months while the Alzheimer's has progressed he's visited her every day, spending hours talking to her, brushing her hair, feeding her, etc. So maybe that constant presence was helping her hang on.

The other worry is how this will affect Dad. Without her around, he may not have as much motivation to improve.

The words are trite, but the sentiment is heartfelt.

Rest In Peace.