Thursday, January 28, 2010

Life Slipping Away...

What do you say to a patient of an incurable disease, whose condition you know will only get worse as time goes by?

Last night MIL sent an SMS, saying that FIL could be taken home from the local clinic. He was taken to Rovaniemi hospital on Monday and yesterday he was taken back to the local clinic after some tests. He had a long sleep apparently and couldn't be woken up for some reason. Yesterday MIL was dropped by our place by a neighbour who had to run some errands in town and the three of us went to the clinic. A few minutes after we arrived, R2's elder brother and girlfriend arrived - they were the ones who took MIL and FIL back to their house in the countryside (about 25 min. drive away from here).

I wanted to cry when I saw FIL. He seemed to be in and out of the conscious world, as though life is slipping in and out of him. Sometimes it looked as if he understood most things, sometimes it looked like he was confused and he didn't know where he was or what kind of clothes he had on. He couldn't even put on his clothes on his own anymore. I don't know how fast the disease will worsen his condition, but it seems to me that it's going rather fast these days compared to, say, a year ago.

It's going to be really tough on MIL as time goes by. They live in a countryside with such a huge lawn and they use firewood in the living room fireplace, so every day or every other day the firewood has to be carried from the barn to the living room and as you know, wood is rather heavy (just a few pieces of firewood isn't enough for one day, mind you). I don't even know what to pray anymore, except for MIL to be given the strength, energy, patience, joy, and peace of mind.


glitter-graphics.com

Additional note: FIL can still walk on his own, so it's a good thing.

9 comments:

  1. I'm so so sorry to hear this. I find Alzheimer's disease one of the worst there are, because it leaves everyone feel so powerful. I hope you all stay strong, and that there will be as many of those moments when he does understand what's going on as possible. Sending big hugs to you and your family!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I am also so very sorry to see your FIL in such a state. It's very hard on his family especially on your MIL who is caring for him. Maybe the children can take turns to stay with them on some days to help out?

    ReplyDelete
  3. Bitter Chocolate: THANKS for your support!!!

    Blur Ting: Well, as a full-time caregiver, MIL does get official government holidays just like an office worker - that means that she can take some time off while FIL is being taken care of in an institution for the elderly. Once a week FIL is also taken there, so MIL can have a break. I dare not offer help 'coz I can't drive and their place is far away from here (25 min. away by car). I was just thinking that some days when we visit them I should be the one to cook so that MIL doesn't have to cook that day. Need to think of the menu first!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hey Amel,

    I am so sorry about this :(.
    The family must stay strong and I will pray for you, girl!

    Like you, I don't know what else to say but this!

    Know that I am with you!

    Cheers

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi Amel,
    I am so sorry to hear about your FIL's diease. I am sure the morale he gets from his beloved people will keep him stronger.
    My prays will be with you and your family my dear friend!

    Hugs

    ReplyDelete
  6. Amel,

    I'm sorry to hear about your FIL. Alzheimer's is a horrible disease and affects everyone involved. Prayers for you, your FIL and family as y'all cope with everything happening.

    d.

    ReplyDelete
  7. THANKS SO MUCH people for your concern, sympathy, and prayers!

    ReplyDelete
  8. So sorry for you all. Love and prayers for your MIL and FIL.

    ReplyDelete
  9. So so so so sorry about your FIL! We'll keep him in our prayers. It must be hard on your MIL and the entire family, but I know the Lord of joy and comfort will be there with all of you.

    ReplyDelete