This morning was super busy with calls from 4 different hospice people, the bath aid, the chaplain, the supervisor of nurses, and the head clerk regarding Erin’s Medicare coverage. Clark went down to Sutter Hospital to see his oldest son Jim who had been hospitalized for diverticulitis and fever.
I made some lentil soup for lunch, and then in midafternoon Clark and I went to an 80th birthday party for my friend Sue who had gone to Oaxaca with my sister Patricia and me 9 years ago and whom I have know since I first came to Sacramento 54+ years ago. Sue’s sister and 3 nieces put on a lovely party. Cousin John and Erin went to Trader Joe’s while we were gone.
We had just arrived home, and I was fixing dinner, when Clark got a call that his son, Jim, age 56, had had a stroke while in the hospital. It struck the speech center of the brain … the same place as Erin’s tumor. Jim is not paralyzed, but cannot talk. He had been complaining of heart problems and he and his wife Debbie had not really believed that his problems were associated with the colon. The neurologist said that he has endocarditis and a piece of dead tissue from the heart broke off and caused the stroke. He is having more tests tomorrow.
Thank goodness that John was here to stay with Erin so that I could drive Clark to see Jim in the hospital.
Jan 28, 2012 @ 07:13:20
At first when I saw the title of this posting I was going to make some fond, snarky crack about thanking goodness for my (at-one-time-mean, now-total-sweetheart) older brother, but then I read it and felt like a heel.
So sorry to hear about Clark’s son Jim! I hope he makes a quick and thorough recovery.
Oh, and thank goodness for John.
I guess.
(kidding!)
Love, Tom Z
Jan 28, 2012 @ 08:04:21
So sorry to hear about Clark’s son. Wow! What a shame! I am glad John is there to help. Tommy’s great outfit has a way of cheering things up.I hope Clark’s son will make a good recovery.
Jan 28, 2012 @ 13:05:47
If one has to be in the hospital, it is fortunate for Jim that he was there when the stroke occurred. I hope the tests show what caused it and it is something that can be treated with antibiotics, not heart surgery. Looking on the internet, I read that one of the causes can be dental work. I guess that can introduce infection. I hope he makes a quick recovery of his speech ability.
Jan 28, 2012 @ 13:40:00
Mike and I are sorry to hear about Clark’s son. We hope that Jim has a fast and full recovery.
It is always heartwarming to know that there is a member of “the clan” at hand for help and moral support.
Love and hugs for all.
Judy