Monday, July 18, 2011

Grandpa is coming home.. Hospice is coming in

Hey everyone.

Thanks for bearing through this with me. I am so sorry for the lack of posts. I will have a few reviews and giveaways up for you as soon as I can. Things have been so hectic over here that I haven't even had time to check any emails.

I just wanted to let you all know that grandpa is supposed to come home tonight. Their supposed to do a procedure on his right lung tomorrow to get the rest of the fluids out.(They did the left lung 2 days ago, and they removed over a quart of liquid) so as long as todays procedure goes well, he should be home tonight.


I went up last night to see grandpa, and I had one of the most surreal moments. The chair that I normally sit in was taken (my aunt drove down to see him) and so I got to sit on the nurses stool, right beside my grandpa's bed. He put his hand out, and I got to hold his hand for about 10 minutes. IT's 10 minutes that I will never ever forget. That brief time was just so precious to me.

I have to admit, I was a little skeptical about Hospice coming in, but you have all assured me that Hospice is amazing, and I'm really excited to meet them. Today they'll be coming by around noon to bring in a hospital bed, and everything else he needs. Grandpa is a little skeptical, but I assured him they'll be great.

Thanks for all your support and prayers.

Amanda

17 comments:

  1. My love to you and your family.

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  2. I have never had to deal with hospice personally, but I have friends who have and they said they were so good to them and really helped the whole family! Still praying for you all! Hugs!

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  3. Hospice did a wonderful job through my brother in law's life transition a few years ago. He so wanted to be at home and he left with peace and pain free. His hospice nurse was so caring and helped the family just as much as they did Bob. It was an amazing experience and I would, WILL do the same when it is my time if I have notice. My daughter was offered a job at a Hospice Center last year but opted to wait for a few years. She wants to work there when she is more emotionally ready to help people, she is too young right now.
    So glad you got a treasure moment with your Grandpa, Amanda. He will take that with him just as you will forever. Take more time to take more time...it really is precious.

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  4. I am glad your grandpa can come home to spend time there. My thoughts are with you and yours. God Bless.

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  5. Still keeping your family in my prayers. Hope your grandpa was well enough to go home. He will probably be more comfortable there than in a hospital.

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  6. "I went up last night to see grandpa, and I had one of the most surreal moments. The chair that I normally sit in was taken (my aunt drove down to see him) and so I got to sit on the nurses stool, right beside my grandpa's bed. He put his hand out, and I got to hold his hand for about 10 minutes. IT's 10 minutes that I will never ever forget. That brief time was just so precious to me."

    When my grandmother was in the hospital in April, I too, had the opportunity to stand beside her bed and she grabbed my hand and we stayed that way for about 20 minutes. Cherish the moments you have and you and your family are in my thoughts.

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  7. Just as you have through this whole experience, keep your mind open... it isnt anything you have gone through before, it is time to take the small moments when you can. Those moments will be like small treasures you can remember and cherish when you might be sad or feel bad.
    I have known many people who have chosen to go into Hospice as thier profession- they are a breed apart. They invest their emotions in each and every person they encounter, they make sure (as much as they can) to coordinate services so any time is quality time spent as comfortable as possible.
    Sometimes comfort means more sleep, sometimes it means more meds, but it is something that will be discussed when they arrive.
    They will help you if you allow it - be open, try talking, they have seen tears, denial, crying, they have seen it all and will help.
    Take those little pieces- take your Grandpas hand- I am so glad he is home where it will be easier for everyone to relax. Home is almost always better.

    My thoughts are with you.... and your family.

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  8. I am glad that your grandpa is hopefully coming home,i believe hospice will be helpful to all of you. Hugs x's 10

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  9. Hospice came in for my mom and my husbands mom and they are the best. Will keep you all in my prayers.

    Just a thought...I took a bunch of photos. They're a great comfort to me now.

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  10. My dad and I were extremely close. After he fell and broke his hip just before Christmas, he rapidly went downhill. He fought hard to recover, but ultimately he made the decision that he would no longer be admitted to the hospital for intravenous antibiotics... he wouldn't go on the ventilator again... he would spend time with his loved ones, share memories, and live his remaining days with as much peace and quality as was possible. The days I spent with him were precious to me, and I will never regret the opportunity that hospice provided to allow him to die in comfort and with dignity. I was blessed to be able to be with him through his last days and at the moment of his death.

    I still miss him - I always will - but hospice was and is something I would highly recommend. They supported him and me through a difficult time.

    May God grant your grandfather a peaceful and comfortable death, and may he give you strength and comfort in the days to come.

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  11. I hope everything is going well with your grandpa...hugs

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  12. Thinking and praying for you and your family.
    ~ Mona
    Mona’s Milestones

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  13. Hoping all is going as well as it can go... I read the post on the Wobble over.. sometimes pain management makes people less hungry and they do sleep more. It depends on what your Grandparents have decided (regarding IVs) what type he will accept or not accept.
    Thinking of you!

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  14. I also have heard great things about in home hospice care. Thinking of you & your family. Don't worry about your blog or anything else that is unnecessary "work". Real life is more important.

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  15. Miss seeing you -you're in my thoughts!

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  16. I know this is an old post but as a nurse I'm a hospice advocate and love seeing heartfelt posts explaining feelings of caretakers and hospice. Not an easy decision.

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