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Saturday, March 28, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
SOS Call Came Through
Alright, tough weekend; and I am glad that it is over. I pulled a ligament on my right ankle so taking care of pop was very difficult (and very painful). I had to call in my reserves; within an hour of my call, I had Aunt Elsa over cooking up food, then my uncle Jorge came over to bring me some anti-inflammatory medicine. Soaked my foot in warm salt water; and my uncle Alfredo took my dad off to spend the rest of the day with my (103 year-old) grandmother and other extended family members. My aunt Vicky was kind enough to bring him home around six in the afternoon. She even brought home dinner.
It was very kind for all of their help. It is good to know that - in case of an emergency, I have them in my and my father's life.
I still cannot drive, but I can walk well enough to do the basic things. This weekend proved that it can be very, very good to be from a large family.
It was very kind for all of their help. It is good to know that - in case of an emergency, I have them in my and my father's life.
I still cannot drive, but I can walk well enough to do the basic things. This weekend proved that it can be very, very good to be from a large family.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
To CA First Lady Maria Shriver
Letter Sent to California First Lady Maria Shriver
This is actually directed for our First Lady, Ms. Maria Shriver. I know that you have been impacted by Alzheimer's Disease. My mother, passed away in August 2007 of breast cancer. At that time, I gave up my job at Univision Television in Palm Springs, to take care of my dad, who has Alzheimer's. It has been almost 21 months since then. My father, who is a Korean War Vet, does not qualify for Medical since he earns just slightly above the amount to qualify from his federal employee retirement (he worked for 35 years at the Naval Supply Center in San Diego). Anyway, since I am NOT the spouse, but rather the adult child of an Alzheimer's patient, as a full time caregiver I do not qualify for any assistance. I have utilized all of my savings, what is left is scant.
My father and I were featured on a PBS documentary about the cost of Alzheimer's. You can see that and an extended interview with me at YouTube if you enter my name (Ric Gomez) on the YouTube Search machine. In any case, Alzheimer's is reaching epidemic proportions. Since I do not qualify for Medical, I cannot place my dad into daytime day care for seniors. The cost at almost $100.00 per day is prohibitive. Medicare does not cover it, nor does his health insurance. I am running out of options. Moreover, out of money. I keep a blog about my experiences at www.thetroublewithjesus.blogspot.com --- Since you will be speaking to the Alzheimer's Association in the coming future, I do hope that you communicate to your husband the sad realities that we all face in taking care of our parents. We need help, I myself, after 21 months of this, I need a day off.
Thank you, and know that we know that you both are trying your best.
Ric
This is actually directed for our First Lady, Ms. Maria Shriver. I know that you have been impacted by Alzheimer's Disease. My mother, passed away in August 2007 of breast cancer. At that time, I gave up my job at Univision Television in Palm Springs, to take care of my dad, who has Alzheimer's. It has been almost 21 months since then. My father, who is a Korean War Vet, does not qualify for Medical since he earns just slightly above the amount to qualify from his federal employee retirement (he worked for 35 years at the Naval Supply Center in San Diego). Anyway, since I am NOT the spouse, but rather the adult child of an Alzheimer's patient, as a full time caregiver I do not qualify for any assistance. I have utilized all of my savings, what is left is scant.
My father and I were featured on a PBS documentary about the cost of Alzheimer's. You can see that and an extended interview with me at YouTube if you enter my name (Ric Gomez) on the YouTube Search machine. In any case, Alzheimer's is reaching epidemic proportions. Since I do not qualify for Medical, I cannot place my dad into daytime day care for seniors. The cost at almost $100.00 per day is prohibitive. Medicare does not cover it, nor does his health insurance. I am running out of options. Moreover, out of money. I keep a blog about my experiences at www.thetroublewithjesus.blogspot.com --- Since you will be speaking to the Alzheimer's Association in the coming future, I do hope that you communicate to your husband the sad realities that we all face in taking care of our parents. We need help, I myself, after 21 months of this, I need a day off.
Thank you, and know that we know that you both are trying your best.
Ric
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
It Is Progressing
Unfortunately, my father's symptoms of AD are increasing. I now have to assist him in more ways than before. It is more difficult for him to shower, to dress himself, to brush his teeth. I discovered that he was brushing without the toothpaste; so now I have to be there more than not, but I have to balance being there for him without being overbearing. That is a difficult task.
The one thing that still amazes me is how everyone tells me, "Oh your father looks great." "He is just getting older." "You are overreacting."
Sometimes I feel like just crying out: "Why don't you live with him and then tell me what you observe."
Look, I am very fortunate that my father is doing just great physically; he has a great sense of humor and he is a snappy dresser. Nevertheless, he has AD; which can affect his memory, his balance and his overall judgement.
AD is a terrible disease, and most people do not realize the symptoms nor just how seriously it impacts the patient as well as the family.
The one thing that still amazes me is how everyone tells me, "Oh your father looks great." "He is just getting older." "You are overreacting."
Sometimes I feel like just crying out: "Why don't you live with him and then tell me what you observe."
Look, I am very fortunate that my father is doing just great physically; he has a great sense of humor and he is a snappy dresser. Nevertheless, he has AD; which can affect his memory, his balance and his overall judgement.
AD is a terrible disease, and most people do not realize the symptoms nor just how seriously it impacts the patient as well as the family.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Tremendously Crazy Weekend
This weekend consisted of my cousin Mike's birthday party, a graveside funeral for one of my dad's longtime neighbors, visits from no less than ten family members and friends, pizza (lot's of pizza), lemons (lot's of lemons), sleepless nights, confusion, and so much more.
My dad enjoyed being at Mike's party Saturday night, his sisters and respective husbands were present and accounted for; the food was sensational, and Mike's daughter produced an outstanding video/slide show profiling Mike's life as a dad to six kids. We gave Mike a guitar for his day; not that he knows how to play the guitar, but my father does and he thought that it would make a nice gift to remind him of his godfather.
We did not attend Earl's funeral. We loved him dearly, but I do not think it appropriate to take my father to funerals and such. Funerals make him sad and at 81, I believe he has earned the right to mourn from home. Nevertheless, we took a couple of pizzas to his family last night to help explain our absence. They seemed very understanding and cool with the situation.
In regards to the visits, we had nonstop visits from different friends and family members, which always makes my dad laugh and happy inside.
At the end of the day, it makes me happy too. Although a disportunate amount of our acquaintances own lemon trees. Apparently, I deduct that from all the bags of lemons we received this weekend. Lemonade anyone?
Unfortunately, I had very little sleep for the last couple of nights. My dad's nighttime restlessness affects me very directly. Thank GOD for baby monitors; at least I can sleep in my own bedroom.
My dad enjoyed being at Mike's party Saturday night, his sisters and respective husbands were present and accounted for; the food was sensational, and Mike's daughter produced an outstanding video/slide show profiling Mike's life as a dad to six kids. We gave Mike a guitar for his day; not that he knows how to play the guitar, but my father does and he thought that it would make a nice gift to remind him of his godfather.
We did not attend Earl's funeral. We loved him dearly, but I do not think it appropriate to take my father to funerals and such. Funerals make him sad and at 81, I believe he has earned the right to mourn from home. Nevertheless, we took a couple of pizzas to his family last night to help explain our absence. They seemed very understanding and cool with the situation.
In regards to the visits, we had nonstop visits from different friends and family members, which always makes my dad laugh and happy inside.
At the end of the day, it makes me happy too. Although a disportunate amount of our acquaintances own lemon trees. Apparently, I deduct that from all the bags of lemons we received this weekend. Lemonade anyone?
Unfortunately, I had very little sleep for the last couple of nights. My dad's nighttime restlessness affects me very directly. Thank GOD for baby monitors; at least I can sleep in my own bedroom.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Ash Wednesday & Uncle A's Birthday
I took my pop to the eight o'clock mass this morning for Ash Wednesday. He looked very happy, dressed super-sharp and enjoying visiting with some of his friends. After receiving his ashes, we headed out to the Chinese bakery to buy a birthday cake for my uncle Alfredo (my dad's little brother) who turns 71-years-young today. Uncle Alfredo is staying at my grandmother's house; so both of them were happily surprised to receive us as we sang "Happy Birthday" to my uncle. My grandmother is 103 years young and still kicking. She actually sang "Las Mañanitas" (the Mexican birthday song) to her son with a glow of happiness throughout her face.
I left my dad there to spend some quality time with his mom and brother. Some day I will relate the story of when my grandmother and her sisters fed Pancho Villa and his troops on her family's ranch during the height of the Mexican Revolution.
But, today is the start of Lent for Catholics. Lent is a period of individual reflection whereby we are to focus on three steps: 1. Prayer, 2. Fasting, and 3. Charity. Nice steps, if you can carry them out. Yet, I think we got off to a nice and happy start.
Moreover, my grandmother, my father and, my uncle were very elated this morning. And that makes it all worth the effort.
I left my dad there to spend some quality time with his mom and brother. Some day I will relate the story of when my grandmother and her sisters fed Pancho Villa and his troops on her family's ranch during the height of the Mexican Revolution.
But, today is the start of Lent for Catholics. Lent is a period of individual reflection whereby we are to focus on three steps: 1. Prayer, 2. Fasting, and 3. Charity. Nice steps, if you can carry them out. Yet, I think we got off to a nice and happy start.
Moreover, my grandmother, my father and, my uncle were very elated this morning. And that makes it all worth the effort.
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