11.22.2008

Mom does not have assignments in Salt Lake this evening, she has spent the day preparing for food for Thanksgiving. Dad's gout is making him quite miserable; he is unable to rest peacefully at night and his legs are very swollen and tight. Mom has placed a phone call to the doctor in hopes of getting more medicine and possibly a change in prescriptions.

Dad has been given additional medication for his gout and upon reading the prescriptions accompanying literature mom read that chemo is known for causing gout; are you kidding me???? We are going to aggressively battle this nasty set back and assure dad that we will not allow his pain to get out of control.

We had invited mom and dad over for dinner and the big game, mom called late this afternoon and stated that dad fallen asleep while she was out working in the yard. I encouraged her to allow him to rest and to just come over if he felt like it once he woke up. We were happy to see mom and dad slowly walking up our driveway a few short hours later. Dad kept reminding me that he didn't want too much to eat yet he had a hearty bowl of chicken chili and chopped green salad for dinner.

My heart is full this evening; having mom and dad back in our home following dad's 19 days of hospitalization (yes, he counted) for good food, good company, endless laughter, and memories to last a lifetime give me reason to celebrate the abundance of gratitude I feel.