Pop's Blood

Pop's bloodwork wasn't so good today. His hemoglobin is way low again. Just a couple weeks ago his oncologist remarked about how good it was. So, tomorrow he goes for another blood transfusion, and has an appt. with the oncologist. Mom's sad,,Dad doesn't say he is, but I know he's getting really tired of this cancer gig. Mom is concerned that he's going to end up in the hospital again (last time was for a month), and I think I'm making it my mission to be the one to stand up and say "no" if they want to hospitalize him. They got his meds so messed up last time he was there, that it was just pathetic. Gave him an appetite stimulant AFTER meals, and morphine BEFORE meals, then couldn't figure out why he wouldn't/couldn't eat. No,,,I think unless they give a specific reason for admitting him, and unless it's an emergency thing,,,it's not gonna happen. Pop's been doing really well at home. Gets tired of being tired, but eats, speaks coherently (hasn't needed pain meds for the last 3 days!), and is doing well in general.

My mother,,is a rock. Her care-giving skills are phenominal, and she does it without any anger (even though Pop's been stubborn as a mule with things like taking pills and bath time), and with love and tenderness. He sometimes seems like he's done with the whole routine, and she gives him a few minutes to stew,,then gently reminds him that he's not giving up on her watch. Then they flirt with each other (I haven't seen that in years), and he's back on track. Mom and Dad have 50 years together, and in the last year, I've seen more love pass between them than ever before. They're like newlyweds.

My favorite family story, is the one of when they met. Mom said she came home on the first day of kindergarten, and told HER mom that someday she was going to marry Bud ___. Gives the term "meant for each other" some real substance, huh? They dated on and off all through high school (back when dating was JUST dating), but everyone knew they were gonna be together when the smoke cleared. Dad told me one time that Mom has been his best friend since kindergarten. They've certainly had some rough spots in their time together, but when it comes down to the wire,, there's no doubt with either of them that they're soulmates. I can't even imagine that kind of bond.