Waiting for an update

When my father’s text, HI MICHELLE, came across the screen, I immediately responded. “Dad? Did you wake up? Dad?” No response.

Several attempts at communicating with the staff to receive an update remained futile. “We will call you back,” they told me when I phoned repeatedly. I realize that a nursing home facility is busy, but how does one connect? How does one connect with your father when he doesn’t communicate and you cannot visit the building?

My mind goes back to my mom’s communication skills. There was a point when she also stopped communicating. This is different, though, because I was able to see her.

My brother thinks there is no update and calls it zombie sleeping. But what does that mean?

Later in the afternoon, I received word that the next step may be dialysis. I will need to research to better understand. His kidneys are not doing well. I also learned that his speech is sometimes unintelligible.

I also received a Facetime call, but he was asleep during all of it.

While I wait, I will keep looking at pictures- pictures of last year when I was able to be there. Those visits weren’t always glorious or fulfilling, but that was okay. It was all part of the journey, a journey worth traveling, a journey I will always remember.