Dear All,This is Dad's last attempt on Friday, April 8, trying to mobilize his left hand using a Mirror Box that my brother, Mark constructed. He had been doing really well -- he was able to bend his left knee, wiggle his toes, and even take a few steps on the parallel bars. The wonderful rehab therapists were very enthusiastic about his progress.
Unfortunately, on April 9, Shanti (in the background of the photograph) our aunt and resident angel, found him at 7:20 in the morning, unconscious. He was rushed back to Emergency at the hospital. Following a CAT scan, it was discovered that he suffered a massive stroke to his left hemisphere. He lost all cognitive functions, memory etc.
The doctor informed us that nothing more could be done for Dad and that we contact hospice. We are honoring Dad's wishes not to keep him on life support. So right now he is under the aegis of hospice.
What is hardest to accept is the silence, after Dads witty and emotional conversations with us for the past two months. He was funny, loving and sweeter than usual. Everyone at the nursing care facility enjoyed their conversations with him. And on Friday he soundly beat my mother in a card game of three pairs, and declared that he deserved the good luck!
Presently, Mark and I are here with Mum and Shanti. We want you to know that Dad is comfortable and peaceful. We have all spent quality time with him. We want to thank you for your good wishes, prayers and comments on this blog. He loved reading them and its been a source of comfort for us.
Love
Michelle
Dearest Madge, Mark, Michelle, and Shanti,
ReplyDeleteAcceptance of reality at these times is very hard, but in your hearts each of you knows that you have done your best and above all, been there for Mike.
Mike is a realist and has a good heart, and I'm sure appreciative of the care and comfort he is being given.
With much love, hugs and prayers.
Sincerely,
Genie
You are good kids and have been there for your dad to the bitter end. I'm sure he knows that...
ReplyDeleteLove you, Penny
May God's Infinate Love surround All of you at this time. As life transpires in it's path, surround yourself with Love, Love, Love.
ReplyDelete~Much Love, David & Anil
Dear Madge, Michelle and Mark,
ReplyDeleteLeela & I are so heart-broken to hear this news of our dear friend Mike.
May the Good Lord watch over him and give you dears the strength to bear
this.
With Love
Mathew & leela
Dear Michelle:
ReplyDeleteThank you for keeping us informed about Dad. We attended the Lift Jesus
Higher Rally in Toronto yesterday, where there were 10,000 people from all
over. Most of the speakers were from Ann Arbor - Sr. Ann Shields, Peter, Fr.
Scott C.C. from here and our Arch. Collins, etc. I put all of you in the
petition box and have been praying for all of you daily. We leave him in
God's hands.
Love to Mum,your brother, Shanti and yourself.
Shirley
We are so sorry to hear the news of your dad's current condition. Our thoughts and prayers are with you St this difficult time. Thanks for letting us know.
ReplyDeleteLove, Farah
We are so very sorry and distressed to learn of Dad's condition Madge, Michelle
ReplyDeleteand Mark.
I recall the day you were born Michelle at Mandakini Nursing Home in Bandra.
Grandpa Fred called us with the good news and my Dad, Mom and I drove to the
hospital right away. Dad welcomed us and he introduced us to you i"the most
beautiful girl in the world!" He was so very proud of you! I will never forget
those words.
Dad uplifted everybody's spirit with his great sense of humor. Mom and Dad
visited us many years ago and he kept us rolling with laughter. He could speak
on any subject under the sun. He is just brilliant!
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this very difficult time.
Horace, Rita and Family
hi love,
ReplyDeleteI am praying for your dad so much, how are you mark, mum and shanti coping,
i wish i could be there for some support, but just know i am thinking about all of you.
love you
n
Dear Michelle,
ReplyDeleteLife is so mysterious. I am praying for you, your mum and brother during this time of your father's journey and especially for your father's peace. Its not an easy time and i am glad that you are all with him and have each other to hold and console. Thankyou for all the updates. Love, in Him, Lisa
Hi Michelle, we are very sorry to hear about Dad's most recent stroke. All of us continue to pray for Dad that he does not have much pain and possibly through a miracle will continue to be with all of us and specially all of you. Please convey our LOVE to Dad, Mom and Mark.
ReplyDeleteLove,
John, Patricia, Elyse & Lauren
Michelle and Family, I am so saddened by this latest news. I saw Mike and he seemed to be improving quite a bit. I know this is hard on you, your family, and Mike too. I am so fortunate to have been able to spend so much time with your father on the golf course. We had a special bond and I treasured my time with him. I am better for it. He is always so positive, lively, and passionate. Mike never has a bad word to say about anyone and that is rare. I love Mike and want what is best for him - I pray for a miracle and that he will pull out of this. I leave for Denver tomorrow for work and get back on Thursday night. John G
ReplyDeleteDear Madge, Michelle, Mike and Shanti
ReplyDeleteOur prayers and thoughts are with you at this time. We pray that the Lord give you the strength to accept his plan.
Take Care
Love
Loretta and Gary
Dearest Madge, Michelle, Mark and Shanti,
ReplyDeleteWe continue to keep Mike in our thoughts and prayers and may God grant you the strength and fortitude through this tough time.
With much love,
Tracila, Stan, Charmaine, Kristin, Dylan and Lauren
Hi Michelle,
ReplyDeleteOur love and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time in your life. May God give you all the strength and fortitude on this journey.
With our best wishes and love, Jason, Vivienne and Francis.
Dear Michelle - I am so sorry about your sad news. The picture you have posted of your father shows his goodness -- must be where you get yours.
ReplyDeletePlease know that I am thinking of you and your brother, your aunt, and of course your mother --
I'm glad you have each other. Love to you all
xo Kaye