Sunday, May 6, 2012

The New Year

At the end of 2011 my mom had a heart attack and was taken to Mercy hospital in Muskegon. While she was there she had a stroke, and was paralyzed down the left side of her body. After being held there for several weeks she was finally released to a nursing facility here in Grand Haven.

She has made some encouraging progress since then. She has recovered most of her mobility, but she is still unable to speak or use her right arm very well. She gets very aggravated because she can't articulate to us what she wants to say. Last week while I was there with my niece Sarah my mom sat up and was trying to tell us something. We waited. Finally, as tears welled in her eyes, she managed to say, "I have no home anymore."
My niece has taken over the house my folks lived in and she is handling the rent and bills and keeping an eye on my dad, who isn't doing very well himself. My brother drank himself into a stupor and Sarah had to call the ambulance to take him to the hospital. After being there for several days they told her that he would never recover and so they sent him to a rehab facility in Fremont. So now it's just me and Sarah trying to keep what little family we have left together, for the time being at least.
Last week they allowed my mom to leave the nursing home and come back to the house for a short visit. She was able to sit outside with Sarah and my dad and enjoy the quiet of her yard once more. She can continue to come home or go for drives as long as she is doing well. She makes progress everyday, because my mom is very stubborn and refuses to give up. Her beloved computer is now gone. I had my own drama happen at the beginning of 2012 and I'm now staying in the basement of a friend's house. I gave the computer to my friend's son, and his wife is using the computer desk. I have the monitor.
We certainly had a traumatic new year here at the Cloud residence and while things can never really go back to what they were, we can only hope and pray that what we do have will improve.

- Doug Cloud

12 comments:

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

I am so sorry for both of your parents Doug. Margaret always commented on all my blogs over a number of years and have missed her. Give her my love and best wishes. You have done them both proud that's all a son/daughter can so.
God Bless your family
Yvonne.

Lorie Shewbridge said...

Doug,
So sorry about your parents and everything that has happened to your family.
Your mother has always been so sweet and visited my blog often. She always spoke so sweetly of you and how much you helped her with everything, especially her computer. I have wondered how she and your father were doing.
Please give her my love and wishes for health and happiness.
Thank you for letting us know how you are all doing.

Becky said...

Doug. I have been checking on your Mom's blog for a long time now, and was afraid something had happened. I am so sorry for all your troubles. I loved reading all your Mom's posts. She had so many interesting ones. Please know I'll send prayers for all the family, and please tell Mom I am thinking about her so much. Take care and bless you all.Keep us posted if you can.

Gigi Ann said...

Doug,

I am one of your mothers blogging buddies, and wondered why we hadn't heard from her for so long. I am so sorry for all your family has gone through these last few months. I hope she gets a measure of her health back, and you are a wonderful son to look after your parents. I'm sure they are both proud of you, and appreciate all you have done and are doing for them. Your mother visited my blogs often and commented each time she visited, she is missed. Tell her we miss her, and think of her often.

DeniseinVA said...

Hi Doug, I have missed your Mom and so have been checking back now and again. I was so sad to read your update. Please tell your Mom that she is in my prayers and always my thoughts. I pray that from here on in you all get the health and happiness that you so richly deserve.

DeniseinVA said...

Hello again, just checking in today to see how Margaret is doing. Please give her my love and tell her I think of her often. Wishing her good health and you all good times ahead. Denise xox

Kay said...

Oh Doug... I'm so sorry. I was a regular reader of your mom's blog, but haven't checked for a while because our lives went a little crazy busy over here. Your mom is such a beautiful lady. We could tell what a sweet heart she has. Please send her our love and wishes for a strong and quick recovery. She'll be in all our thoughts and prayers.

Linda said...

Dear Doug,
I had checked here for months wondering what happened to your dear, sweet, Mom, and today out of the blue, I decided to stop by and I read your message from May.

I'm so very, very sorry and sad to learn this news. <3 I loved her blog so much and admired her for keeping it up and being so computer literate at her elder age, and she reminded me in many ways of my own dear parents who are actually much older than her, but still - I knew that they would love her writing as much as I did.

Please tell her that Linda in Illinois sends her love and prayers. I hope and pray that she regains her full health and that you and your family are strengthened during this time and receive the comfort you need.

Kindest thoughts and well wishes,
Linda

DeniseinVA said...

Still checking in everyonce in a while to see if there is any news of Margaret. Thinking of you always dear friend.

Becky said...

Coming back every now and again to check on you. Miss you Margaret. I pray for you and your family.

Anonymous said...

We miss you Margaret!

http://www.essayhelp24.com/ said...

You're really a brave man, Doug. My granny has some health issues too now, before Christmas and New Year. I'm afraid, really. I know how it feels. I'm lucky to find your post and to be encouraged to stay strong and with hope in my heart.
Thanks, Judith

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