Tuesday, May 12, 2009

May 12, 2009

I have just talked with my friend who is at the psychiatric hospital in Concord, NH and is praying he doesn't wake up in the morning. I told he I would pray harder that he does wake up. He has been stripped of everything that he may use as a tool to harm himself, including pencils.

I also spoke with my friends wife and his son who are not dealing very well with the situation. My friend, Mike has become much more despondent than when I talked with him on Saturday and Sunday. His family has not talked with a doctor and really have no idea of why the situation is deteriorating. yuk.

His son Matthew said when he went to visit his father today his father was sitting on the floor leaning against the wall, sobbing. An attendant went to get Mike and was told by him that he wasn't in the shape to see anyone. His son sat for over 20 minutes waiting to no avail.

I met with my father's social worker, head nurse, nutritionist and daughter today. For some reason my father wasn't invited. We all thought keeping him in the Browning unit, which is locked, would be the safest thing for him. Although they did offer to allow him to move upstairs into Tennyson which is assisted living. I was quite surprised.

After my sister and I left the meeting we met with my father and told him what had transpired. He was very upset and insisted he couldn't stand being locked up any longer and wanted to go home. At that point I realized he should have been included in the meeting.

Now, we will re explore the possibility of him moving to a section of the building that is not locked and where he will have the opportunity to come and go at will. I do feel it will be dangerous if he wanders off and gets lost but cannot say it is better to break his heart.

Although my dad is still responsible for his actions he has made no attempt to go home. He certainly has told us that is where he would prefer to be.

Mid afternoon, realizing I wouldn't be able to find time to go back over to Sentry Hill for a second time today I called my oldest son Nathaniel and asked him if he could go over and visit his grandfather. He declined saying that he was just out the door going for a run. He said that he would like to go over though and added that he is uncomfortable seeing his grandfather in such a condition.

I am glad he told me this. He also added that he will go see him but today was untimely.

I called my father later in the day, before super. I told him that my sister and I would make an effort to get him into and area of the building where he would be free to come and go outside. He was pleased and asked me to visit him tonight three times. I told him I had to work late and wouldn't have dinner til after seven at which time I would be very tired and didn't think I would be able to. He asked again and said he hoped to see me.

I have though about him a lot today. He is still so very much alive and still wanting and hoping though more often than not is in despair. Some of his brain is faltering and some is still as much in survival mode as ever. I am a huge admirer of his determination and have told him many so many times.Technorati Tags: , , , ,

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