Today was a good day in fact, a very good day!
As some of you already know sometime in October my Dad had the first of three strokes and overnight our lives changed radically. Overwhelmed was clearly an understatement to what we felt when my Dad was diagnosed and the full extent of his condition realised. We’ve adapted and adjusted accordingly in some of the most unexpected ways. Lots of things we learned the hard way but always with humour even when I accidentally locked him in the house alone with a packet of sausage rolls, bunch of bananas and bar of chocolate for lunch. Returning from work several hours later to a ravenous father, who owing to his paralysis was unable to open any of the items I had left for him.
I am a pragmatist, which I suppose is my coping mechanism and always feel better when facing a situation head on so I didn’t waste any time in contacting the wonderful society that is the Stroke Association who swiftly put in touch with the appropriate organisations. We met some amazing people along our journey and some not so much but for the generous souls who willingly gave their time and help, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. The outstanding ones will always shine in a drab arena of bureaucracy and jobsworths; and for those that wouldn’t or couldn’t find it in themselves for one kind word or gesture which could have made a world of difference during this dark time, you’ve made us appreciate the ones that have all the more. We are not the first family to be shattered by this news and will no doubt, not be the last but I hope in some small way this gives encouragement to those facing the same arduous battle.
So this morning when he was able to balance a knife in his hand for the first time in months I had to choke back a tear or two. I appreciate that this is only a baby step but in our world its HUGE and I did say that this year I intended to celebrate the small successes. I remain humbled and inspired that my Dad has maintained his good nature throughout the ordeal and never faltered once, however, I’m ashamed to say that I’ve had a few wobbles but frankly, I reckon that if he can stand it then that’s the very least that I can do for him.
The Old Fella
Sending your dad wishes for continued healing and full return to the activities he loves. :-).
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Thank you & I’ll be sure to tell him
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In some ways, Dallas, it’s harder for you watching his struggle and coping with it than it is for him. He sounds a great Dad, and he knows we’re all in his corner. What else can he do than carry on and do his best? Much love to you all. 🙂
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The most difficult bit Jo, has been broaching the subject of giving up the car etc as he’s still paying car insurance
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Ahh! Yes, that’s a hard one. At 86 my Dad is still driving but I wish he wasn’t.
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Your articles are great. I just wanted to say I am a fan and will continue to visit.
I would love for you to keep up on my material as well. I tend to be controversial
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Bless you James, I’ve already been over for a nosy although I don’t get as much time for reading at the mo as I would like but I remain optimistic and tomorrow is another day
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He’s so handsome!!!!!!
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Sue, you’ve made his day; he’ll be wearing extra aftershave tomorrow
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That’s some guy you got there Tink. Today a knife, tomorrow a tweak of ol’ mum’s boob! Can we hear a hell yeah? 😉 In all seriousness now…I too have a Superman in my life…my Dad to whom they gave 6 to 9 months 2 years ago. He’s still kicking (and screaming) and I attribute it all to his indomitable sense of humor and over all jois de vivre. Love to your Pop from me…and I want to hear the details of Mum’s reaction when he gets to tweakin’! xo
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oh my Lord! My mother won’t be standing for any PDAs I’m afraid! And you’re right, Rhonda my Dad’s sense of humour has remained resolute throughout. Aren’t you and I lucky to have such fab Dads
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We are absolutely lucky. Not just to have them, but to be able to learn from them. xo
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Your old fella is one handsome gent! What wonderful news, being able to balance a knife in his hand. We’re jumping up and down in Nashville! And seeing our loved ones is a hard circumstance, so don’t be too hard on yourself, my friend. XOXO
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Thank you Megan, think we may be both be our Dad’s daughters, don’t you?
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I couldn’t agree more!
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Wonderful news Dallas. I know the feeling and applaud your Dad’s cheerful perseverance. I was constantly amazed by Mum’s courage and determination in the face of those unresponsive muscles.
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It must be so frustrating wanting to do something and not being able to and I take my hat off to him as he’s borne it with incredibly good grace. Hope life is being kind to you too!
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Lets hope we handle such setbacks so well! 🙂
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Ah there he is! Quite the handsome gent indeed!
We have been there as well, and know it’s tough. My wife’s mother suffered a stroke some years ago, and my own mom is currently in an assisted living facility for Alzheimer’s patients. Not easy.
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Phil, I completely understand as Alzheimer’s is not called the “Long Goodbye” for nothing. And its tough when suddenly you have to become the parent. Dad wants you to know that he still loves your pics (as do we all at Dyson Abbey) but can just about manage the cursor so isn’t able to type a comment at the mo but it doesn’t mean he doesn’t appreciate them.
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Finally, I get a glimpse at my fave British fan!! Handsome angel! I remain humbled and inspired that my Dad has maintained his good nature throughout the ordeal and never faltered once” I would expect nothing less from him, from all the wonderful description, and your faltering must be at least giving Da a few chuckles. I hope it continues to go well, and he finds his balance and abilities to enjoy once again. What did you decide to do with the allotment?
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No decision made yet but will PM you when we do as I think you can understand more than most how hard it is to give up several years hard work as his Dahlia’s were his pride & joy and the talk of the village
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Dallas, it’s so great to hear that your dad is slowly, but surely getting better and that he’s managed to maintain good spirits through this very challenging time. *Hugs* to all of you…and I’ll keep your family in my prayers. 🙂
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Bless you, Kitt; hope all your family is faring well too and enjoying the success of having a published author in the family
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Well, they’re proud to know I’m chasing my dreams, to be sure. Thanks for all your continued support. 🙂
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Sending every good thought and best wishes for a continuing recovery!
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Thank you, Gunta and will need a catch up with you soon!
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They say the first year after a stroke is the most important one! And never forget that a lot of small babysteps make one big leap! Yay for your dad and I hope many more will follow!
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The local activity centre based in a local quarry were offering a discount on Zipwire sessions but he wasn’t keen so I’ll have to think of another surprise for Fathers Day instead
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I do hope your Dad will dance again and holding the knife is a step in the right direction. All credit to you all to still be
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I’m holding onto that Nat King Cole CD for just such an occasion
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Smiling. Lots of celebrations to come I hope.
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Me too, Suzanne!
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Tell your Dad that we are all wishing him well, won’t you?
((((HUGS))))
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Thank you Marianne, he enjoys reading all your comments
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I’m so happy to hear that he is on the road to recovery. He may have a long road ahead of him but he has the love and support of his family and good thoughts coming his way from all over the blogosphere. Give him my best.
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Thank you and loved your Vlogs btw
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Hope your dad has a speedy recovery and is back down the allotment by Summer, okay this year may not end up yielding much of a harvest for him but I should imagine just sitting there watching the world go by will do him more good than anything else xxx
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I so pray you are right, Paula. His flowers have been a lifetime’s work for him and he misses his buddies
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This is great news, Dallas. Your dad looks so dashing in the photo. Best wishes to him for continued recovery. It sounds as though he’s doing just fine. Hugs to you all. 🙂 xx
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Sylvia, you’ve cheered him up no end. He said if he knew the comments would have been this kind, he would have put on a new shirt to read them! Move over Justin Bieber
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Aaw……..bless his cotton socks. 🙂 Justin Bieber has nothing on your dad in the looks department. 😎
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Every step, no matter how small is worth a celebration Dallas. So glad he is making progress and your family has found support along the way. Sending bright and twinkling lights your way in the hope they will shine along the path.
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Think those bright & twinkling lights might have reached us. The only good thing to come out of this is he has had to cease production of his hideous homebrew
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So great to hear your dad is doing well Dallas. I hope he continues to have success with his health and sticks around for a great many years to come. I hope he knows your online fans are rooting for him! We want more stories about the allotment so tell him he better not think of going anywhere anytime soon.
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He keeps sneaking out but I’m not sure if he’s finding it more upsetting seeing his garden full of weeds but I’m keeping all my fingers crossed for next year
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So pleased to hear that your Dad is progressing well. You do need the support of everyone when something like this happens. Doesn’t surprise me at all that he’s kept his good nature throughout – that’s what’s kept him going!
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You usually find that those with the most to complain about are usually the ones that don’t – loving all the posts about the Greek rescues and had the odd tear but still wouldn’t miss them
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I haven’t had time to keep up with my reading so I didn’t know about your Dad. So sorry. Such a big change for him and everyone who loves him. He is fortunate to have you close by.
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Your Dad seems like an amazing person, and every time you write about him, I can tell how important he is to you! ❤
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He’s a true gent; don’t think I would be so upbeat if I’d lost the use of my right arm overnight
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Your ability to articulate the delicate balance between hope and darkness gives courage to us all. Aging is a journey that all of us must take – and when we have people that lighten the load, it reminds us that we must actively look for ways to give cheer to others. I think it comes down to being present and engaged. Tell your dad that I think he is brilliant!!
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Dallas, This is fantastic news! Congratulations to your Dad – I know you are thrilled. Your patience, kindness and compassion shine through. All the best, Terri
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Dallas, what a fantastic post and so touching – so happy of that there is changes to your dad – I think it’s so important to inform about the stroke and how to detect it in time. We don’t have to become elderly to get a stroke.
My mom got one about 12 years ago .. and she noticed it herself and phone for an ambulance .. and she recovered to 100%.
My thoughts are with you and your parents. Give dad a hug from his girlfriend in Sweden. *smile
Wonderful photo of him.
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So happy for you all Dallas. I know from personal experience how much of the damage can be reversed. Have no doubt this baby step will lead to greater, and lasting successes. Love and hugs to you both 🙂
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Baby steps, but each one an important milestone nevertheless. Your Dad’s sense of humour and love of life will help him overcome this setback, along with all the love and support from his family. What father would not want to be around to see what his madcap daughter will get up to next?
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