Story of the trip home
Saturday 15 March
No doubt the longest Saturday of my life and one where I had so little sleep that I'm probably lucky I got back home in one piece. Had the emergency exit for the first flight, but didn't help at all. This time I was physically sick on the flight to London.
Sunday 16 March
Got a good night sleep and after breakfast , I drove down to Tescos to get some money and lunch. Picked up a pasta and shaving things. Got mum to try some pasta with meatballs.
Arranged to pick up one sister, Pauline on the way to the hospital and to have dinner at my other sister's, Janice.
Dad looked in good shape to say what he had been through and was more worried about mum than himself. Gave Aunty Buster a call too. I must be tried, got emotional over a skating competition !
Monday 17 March
More shopping, this time Argos and Lidels (which appears identical to Aldi). Bought a kettle to replace the one that was virtually falling apart.
Went to see Dad with Janice & she directed me to the hospital. He had moved this time into the ward, but in a private room. He look frail to me, but everyone seems to be happy with his progress.
Tuesday 18 March
Had another trip to Argos, this time for the radio that Dad wanted. Pauline came along on this trip and I truly hate the carpark at the hospital. Haven't worked out how to use the disabled sticker to get free parking. I managed to drop Dad's new radio, but at least it still works.
Wednesday 19 March
Went to Morrisons to do some shopping for the old man. Been thinking about meeting up with some guys, possibly Steve & guys from London.
Dad's moved to the normal part of the ward and was complaining how cold it was.
Been very sleepy in the evening, have dificultly keeping my eyes open.
Thursday 20 March
Fairly busy day. Mum pulled out of going shopping, which wasn't a complete surprise. Spent a couple of hours with Pauline and bought a couple of things. Got back for lunch, then drove up to Janice's so mum could get the pension, but the technology let her down.
Picked Pauline up on the way to the hospital. There isn't that much to say when we get there.
Its clear that Mum's already decided she doesn't want to come out for dinner on Saturday. Might see my friend Graham on Monday.
Friday 21 March (Good Friday)
Went for a drive in the morning to Castle Marina Retail Park and the neighbouring streets. Then came back via Victoria Park Retail Park. Both where busy with holiday shoppers.
Just Mum & myself went to see Dad this evening. We did get to park in the disabled spaces, but that meant going in through the main entrance.
Met Steve in the evening and had a great time chatting over dinner. Would like to see him again, if time & circumstances allowed.
March 22 Saturday
Went into town, which was surprisingly quiet for a Saturday. I bought 2 more jumpers and some underwear. Sent a message to Steve, asking if he'd like to catch up again before I go (no answer!). Just two of us went to see Dad, who was looking tied for the first time. Nurse spoke to Mum & me about Dad coming home. In the evening I went out with Janice, Pauline and their husbands.
March 23 Sunday
Got reply from Steve to my earlier question and he doesn't think that he will be free. Not the response I was hoping for, but at least it's a response.
Took Janice, Pauline & Mum to the hospital and we had a talk to the nurse, while mum sat with dad. The hospital could refer dad's case to social services, but that could delay Dad's release. So instead, the family will get things ready for his release. Terry found a commode, whilst I'll get stuff from Argos tomorrow morning.
Watched TV with mum in the evening, not too bad, but could think of more enjoyable was to pass the time.
Monday 24 March
Went shopping in the morning, got a few devices for Dad's return. Then waited in for Graham to turn up, which he did close to midday.
Drove down & looks like road works near the M25 junction on the M1 might cause me problems on Thursday.
Got safely back to Graham's place and finally got to go on the proper internet.
Called home to discover Dad was coming out of hospital that day.
Had a grest dinner with the lads, always interesting conversations had.
Watch some TV and played on the internet, after the dinner guests had been dealt with.
Tuesday 25 March
Saw Graham off to work & then made my own way into the centre of London. Wandered around Oxford Street, but didn't buy anything.
Got to the new St Pancras and had a pleasant trip up in first class.
Got home to find mum distressed and trying to throw up. Thankfully Janice was home with her as Dad didn't appear concerned. The upset stomach lasted all night for mum, but Dad ate well.
I went to bed early, not much on TV.
Wednesday 26 March
Final day at home, was hoping to see Steve again but he had more pressing worries with his mate going in for heart surgery.
I went shopping in the morning and went for a short run in the car. Came back and spent the day at home. Sisters came round individually to see parents and to say goodbye.
No doubt the longest Saturday of my life and one where I had so little sleep that I'm probably lucky I got back home in one piece. Had the emergency exit for the first flight, but didn't help at all. This time I was physically sick on the flight to London.
Sunday 16 March
Got a good night sleep and after breakfast , I drove down to Tescos to get some money and lunch. Picked up a pasta and shaving things. Got mum to try some pasta with meatballs.
Arranged to pick up one sister, Pauline on the way to the hospital and to have dinner at my other sister's, Janice.
Dad looked in good shape to say what he had been through and was more worried about mum than himself. Gave Aunty Buster a call too. I must be tried, got emotional over a skating competition !
Monday 17 March
More shopping, this time Argos and Lidels (which appears identical to Aldi). Bought a kettle to replace the one that was virtually falling apart.
Went to see Dad with Janice & she directed me to the hospital. He had moved this time into the ward, but in a private room. He look frail to me, but everyone seems to be happy with his progress.
Tuesday 18 March
Had another trip to Argos, this time for the radio that Dad wanted. Pauline came along on this trip and I truly hate the carpark at the hospital. Haven't worked out how to use the disabled sticker to get free parking. I managed to drop Dad's new radio, but at least it still works.
Wednesday 19 March
Went to Morrisons to do some shopping for the old man. Been thinking about meeting up with some guys, possibly Steve & guys from London.
Dad's moved to the normal part of the ward and was complaining how cold it was.
Been very sleepy in the evening, have dificultly keeping my eyes open.
Thursday 20 March
Fairly busy day. Mum pulled out of going shopping, which wasn't a complete surprise. Spent a couple of hours with Pauline and bought a couple of things. Got back for lunch, then drove up to Janice's so mum could get the pension, but the technology let her down.
Picked Pauline up on the way to the hospital. There isn't that much to say when we get there.
Its clear that Mum's already decided she doesn't want to come out for dinner on Saturday. Might see my friend Graham on Monday.
Friday 21 March (Good Friday)
Went for a drive in the morning to Castle Marina Retail Park and the neighbouring streets. Then came back via Victoria Park Retail Park. Both where busy with holiday shoppers.
Just Mum & myself went to see Dad this evening. We did get to park in the disabled spaces, but that meant going in through the main entrance.
Met Steve in the evening and had a great time chatting over dinner. Would like to see him again, if time & circumstances allowed.
March 22 Saturday
Went into town, which was surprisingly quiet for a Saturday. I bought 2 more jumpers and some underwear. Sent a message to Steve, asking if he'd like to catch up again before I go (no answer!). Just two of us went to see Dad, who was looking tied for the first time. Nurse spoke to Mum & me about Dad coming home. In the evening I went out with Janice, Pauline and their husbands.
March 23 Sunday
Got reply from Steve to my earlier question and he doesn't think that he will be free. Not the response I was hoping for, but at least it's a response.
Took Janice, Pauline & Mum to the hospital and we had a talk to the nurse, while mum sat with dad. The hospital could refer dad's case to social services, but that could delay Dad's release. So instead, the family will get things ready for his release. Terry found a commode, whilst I'll get stuff from Argos tomorrow morning.
Watched TV with mum in the evening, not too bad, but could think of more enjoyable was to pass the time.
Monday 24 March
Went shopping in the morning, got a few devices for Dad's return. Then waited in for Graham to turn up, which he did close to midday.
Drove down & looks like road works near the M25 junction on the M1 might cause me problems on Thursday.
Got safely back to Graham's place and finally got to go on the proper internet.
Called home to discover Dad was coming out of hospital that day.
Had a grest dinner with the lads, always interesting conversations had.
Watch some TV and played on the internet, after the dinner guests had been dealt with.
Tuesday 25 March
Saw Graham off to work & then made my own way into the centre of London. Wandered around Oxford Street, but didn't buy anything.
Got to the new St Pancras and had a pleasant trip up in first class.
Got home to find mum distressed and trying to throw up. Thankfully Janice was home with her as Dad didn't appear concerned. The upset stomach lasted all night for mum, but Dad ate well.
I went to bed early, not much on TV.
Wednesday 26 March
Final day at home, was hoping to see Steve again but he had more pressing worries with his mate going in for heart surgery.
I went shopping in the morning and went for a short run in the car. Came back and spent the day at home. Sisters came round individually to see parents and to say goodbye.