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Part 111 – Home Again
Dad is home again. It was so good to see him! I got to sniff him while he sat in his chair, and then later as he snuggled into bed for a nap. I know just getting him home tired him out. Missy, Miko, Mom, and I all nestled around him. It was wonderful. We did the same all night long. I am sure Mom liked having me sleep beside her.
Mom had to work hard to roll up most of the area rugs to ease Dad and his walker. I’m happy to see him using that, so he can push Miko out of his way. She tends to dart in front of Mom which is not good. I don’t want to see Dad fall. He is not as strong as he had been.
Mom told me that Home Health will be here this morning to determine what type of help they need. I’ll try to be as much help as I can, but who knows if “cat therapy” will be part of their plan. Miko will have a long way to go to be a helper cat. Missy does little more than act as a loud door bell and nighttime foot warmer. Later today, Dad has to go out to the car to drive to see the urologist. I really hope they can get rid of that tube and bag. I’m afraid that Miko will try to attack it. I also noticed that Dad seems to find it uncomfortable. I know I wouldn’t like to have something like that!
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Part 112 – Dad’s Progress
I have not been keeping all of you up to date on Dad’s progress. We were all just so happy to have him home. He and I haven’t found a good way for him to pick me up because he needs both hands on his walker. I do like to walk in front of him to help guide him as he walks from one end of our house to the other. He keeps telling me to move. I think that having him talking while he is walking is a good part of his therapy.
They made 2 trips to doctors over the last two days. Dad was really really tired from Monday and wanted to sleep most of yesterday even at the doctor’s office. Yesterday afternoon Mom had to wake Dad up when his Occupational Therapist came to see him. I met her before he did. She seemed really nice, and even took time to pet both Miko and me. I gave Dad lots of kisses to help him wake up. Once he did, the nice lady, Dad, and Mom all collected in the hallway bathroom. I sat on the counter by my food bowl to watch as they had Dad step into the shower, sit on the bench there, and then step back out. Mom seemed happy that they had a plan.
This morning Dad walked to that bathroom where Mom helped him undress and get in to take a shower. He seems really happy and now smells more like my Dad. This is progress. I’ll bet I get to snuggle close when he takes his afternoon nap. I love him so much. I wish I could do more to help him. I told Miko that she needs to also snuggle close to him and purr. She does that so well.
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Part 114 – Progress
Dad is making progress with getting up and walking with his walker. Wednesday, Mom built an expansion for the steps out the back door to the carport that allows Dad to place his walker safely. She actually took him for a car ride on Friday. I know he has doctor appointments this coming Wednesday, and she wanted to make certain he could get to the car easily. Now she is hoping he can get into the doctor’s office without a wheelchair.
Yesterday, I helped Mom finish her annual Christmas letter. She and I discussed the things that we did over the entire year. 2024 had a lot more going on that most years. She lost friends and family and all of us lost dear Sophia. Miko has been a lively addition to the family. Now if she would just stay out of the Christmas tree! With the letter composed, Mom put labels on the envelopes, put the letters into the signed cards and added the stamps. We watched a silly Christmas movie while we did that. Miko tried to help by pushing cards off the table. I knew we were really only there for moral support. Miko needs to work on that. Hopefully, she will do better by next year. I know Mom will feel better after she puts the cards into the mail. With that task done, maybe she will have time to work on her novel. I’m looking forward to her Spring Book Tour!
Alyne Bailey - Author 