Well, this time it’s been four months since my last entry – unbelievable and yet so much has happened in that time. I’m still down south helping care for my dad but the tide has turned. After months of effort and care, my dad did qualify for the transplant list and finally, finally yesterday morning in the wee hours, the transplant surgery was performed. It was about 8 hours long and successful. He’s in ICU now and likely has another week in the hospital.
The entire process has been an emotional roller coaster but here we are. He has a chance at life. Now we’re required to live in the same city as the transplant center for a couple of months. My brother and I have rented an Airbnb and are prepared to be caretakers for Dad. I’m evaluating taking a FMLA leave from work.
Over the past few months I’ve taken over the administrative aspects of Dad’s life. Now I look forward to transitioning his life back to him. So to add to the list of accomplishments in the previous post:
++ moved Dad’s IRA to Vanguard (and it’s since gained tens of thousands of dollars in value)
++ removed the 30-something rent-free boarder, changed the locks, & installed security cameras
++ organized the bedrooms that had been occupied by the rent-free boarder
++ hired and managed 24/7 caregivers when Dad’s condition reached a level that required constant assistance
This situation has been really hard on my family but I don’t regret my commitment to my Dad. It was life or death – we had to give it all we had. My brother and I were talking about our journey during the surgery and he said something that resonated: “This is what love looks like.”
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January 19th, 2021 at 04:15 pm 1611072959
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January 24th, 2021 at 03:16 pm 1611501416
January 24th, 2021 at 06:36 pm 1611513387
So glad your dad received the transplant and pray that he recovers quickly.
Pat yourself on the back for being a kind, loving, wonderful being!