Still Funny

As the final days of dad's life play out here at home, I've been thinking about my dad.  Abbie and I sat here reading all of the posts from the blog we started nearly 10 months ago.  One of the reasons dad wanted a blog was so that people knew that even in the face of death, he was funny.  I thought I'd share a few of the funny moments we've had with dad the last few days.

Dad at Zoo Lights with the grandsons
a few weeks ago.

Last Friday, on dad's birthday, one of the last truly coherent days we've had, Mel, Abbie and I were sitting in the bedroom with dad.  That morning we had reminded him that it was his birthday.  He was excited and was looking forward to the family coming to visit that night.  Abbie was just getting over a bad cold and still had some left over drainage.  She had blown her nose a few times during the morning, but during one particularly productive blow, dad opened his eyes rolled his head over towards her and said "Be careful, you won't have any brains left if you keep blowing like that."  Don't worry dad, Abbie has plenty of brains.  :)

A few weeks ago, I was sitting in dad's bedroom talking on the phone with my mom.  She was complaining about her boss and a situation at work.  I complained back about my boss and a similar situation.  When I got off the phone, dad turned to me and said, "Why are all men idiots?"  I laughed a little bit and reassured him that not all men are idiots.  Yesterday morning, dad was unusually alert.  Though he can't talk and wasn't opening his eyes, it was evident that he was aware of what we were talking about in the bedroom.  At one point during the conversation, I repeated that all men are idiots.  And Abbie, who was sitting on his bed, retorted, "Not all men are idiots." To which dad, raised his eyebrows and rolled his eyes.  He even gave us a half grin.  Apparently, dad believes all men are idiots.

Dad hasn't been eating or drinking for a few days.  He is neither hungry, nor thirsty, and has a difficult time swallowing.  Yesterday he seemed uncomfortable and asked for water.  Using the small mouth swabs we have, we swabbed the inside of his mouth with water a few times  This didn't seem to provide the relief he was looking for.  And then I had an idea.  I went into the kitchen and got a small cup of Diet Coke.  I brought it into the bedroom and dipped the swab.  "Want some Diet Coke?" I asked.  He raised his eyebrows and whispered yes.  After a few swabs of soda I said "This is the best idea I've ever had." To which dad raised his eyebrows and shook his head yes. 

After surgery dad told us that St. Peter hands out Reece's Peanut Butter Cups at the gates.  I hope he has a can of Diet Coke as well.

Thank you to everyone who continues to support us through this journey.  Your thoughts, prayers, emails, texts and phone calls help to sustain us.  We love you.

Amy