I am not ready for this. I knew this day would come. Dad's health would eventually deteriorate but getting his call 10pm Saturday was overwhelming. He had called 911 for an ambulance for chest (pains my description) pressure. I was doubly shocked. One that he was having heart problems, and too he actually called an ambulance instead of waiting until it was too late. He had an Aortic stint put in in November 09. He chain smokes two pack a day(his admission.) He lied to the doctor and said he only had two drinks each day(very big two).
R. and I raced down and met him at the hospital. It took forever to get in and see him. That scared me a lot because there was no update on his status. When we got in he looked terrible. The PA had given him two Nitros, one pill and one nasal. That had helped with the pressure. Blood work came back negative but they kept him over night. He will have to follow up with a stress test and a Angiogram.
I drove down Saturday night as R. had drunk a Long Island Ice tea. I was having a hard time keeping it together. That was until I remember "The Switch". The long unused switch to turn off emotions useful during those stressful police calls. I flipped it and made it through the rest of the night okay. It has consequences for doing so though. It's like slow motion. Eventually every speeds back up and catches up with you. Sunday going to pick him up from the hospital it did as I was driving again.
I knew these days were coming. It just sucks. I don't want him to die. I don't want to suffer a slow agonizing death like Mom. Unfortunately I won't get a choice in it. He won't change his lifestyle until its too late.
Here is a shout out to the Villard Fire Department first responders for the fast response. Thank you.
peace
dumbdavid
