A few days ago my father fell, further injuring his back which was operated on 4 years ago for severe pain and has not gotten a lot better. Without the surgery he probably would be confined to a mobility device instead of using a cane, so at least there's that.
He was taken by ambulance to the hospital for MRI's and at the time no breaks were found nor any internal injuries. My sister, mother and I have been taking care of him and until today he seemed to be on the mend. Then his blood sugar went way up (he's diabetic too) and is now back in hospital.
I worry for him, as I have done ever since I first moved back to my home state to help my mom help him recover from the surgery.He's a strong, stubborn, dignified man, and one I should do better to emulate. He never shirked from providing for his family, even when he had to go without, nor does he act in selfish or self-serving ways. Part of his troubles stem from the fact that in retirement he simply does not know what to do with himself, sadly, despite once having hobbies and friends.He mostly reads mysteries and watches tv and visits message boards for his beloved Notre Dame Fighting Irish. We don't always see eye-to-eye on matters of the world, but he is undoubtedly a man worthy of honour and respect.The highest praise I can give him is that he is truly "A Dwarf for all Clans."
There's no good thing to come out of this but it's certainly a cautionary event for my sister and I. Both of us used to be much healthier and in better shape but the weight of time (no pun intended) and, embarrassingly, laziness has fallen on me.
To everyone who still has parents that are worth the title, especially ones who don't take care of themselves as well as they should:Gently try to discuss these matters with them, and try to come to solutions together if it at all possible. Sometimes it's possible to do things like that without them even realizing it's being done.My mom takes better care of her husband than she does of herself, of course, and can be equally unmovable in some circumstances.
My heart goes out to anyone else who's parents are in poor health, I know a few of you are in similar circumstances.