Thursday, December 11, 2008

Timing is everything...


Things happen for a reason. Be they good, bad or indifferent, if you keep an open mind, I believe you will see a reason behind everything.

While I hadn’t really planned on quitting my job the way that I did, the timing really couldn’t have been any better.

I had just mailed my resignation letter, when dad got sick with pneumonia.

I spent two nights with him at the nursing home and he just wasn’t getting any better, so my brother and I decided to break the living will and have him admitted to the local hospital for more aggressive treatment.

The doctor and nurses pumped him full of fluids and antibiotics and gave him breathing treatments every few hours. They could not have been nicer to him or to me. In fact they doted on me as if I were a patient most of the time.

They tried, gently, to let me know that he might not make it, but me being me and all, didn’t want to consider that possibility. I carried on as if he were wide awake, talking to him and telling him how much better he was getting. Mike came in before and after work and the cousins came to see him as often as possible as well.

It was a tough fight, the first couple of days he didn’t respond very well to treatment. He wouldn’t eat anything and barely woke up most of the time. I napped by his bedside, holding his hand and telling him I loved him. I have to say there were times when I was afraid to close my eyes for fear he would pass away while I slept…

Along about day four, dad started to rally. He was hungry, a very good sign!

It was decided that he had aspiration pneumonia, which is caused by the inability to swallow properly. The food goes down into the lungs and causes pneumonia. A very wonderful speech pathologist came in and worked with dad on his swallowing. Food was ground and liquids were thickened. Dad was soon eating like his old self!

Soon daddy was back in his wheelchair, paddling around the hospital, grinning at the nurses, and then it was time to return to the nursing home. The nurses were sad (but happy, If you know what I mean) to see him leave, but the nursing home patients and staff were ecstatic!

Things happen for a reason. If I hadn’t quit my job when I did, I would not have been able to spend all those days and nights with dad. I am not saying that I think he wouldn’t have made it without me, because I know how strong he is and how much he enjoys life, I’m just saying that I would have felt awful if I had not been able to be there for him.

The timing of my job resignation could not have been better for another reason too. The day after I officially decided not to return, I read a help wanted ad in the local paper. Applications were due at 4:30 , Friday (the next day), so I updated my resume’ and filled out the forms. I made it to the HR office with 20 minutes to spare.

On Monday they called to set up an interview. The following Monday I interviewed for the position and they called me at 8 am the next morning to offer me the job. Of course I took it! The pay is good and the benefits are outstanding! The biggest “perk” is being about 2 minutes from dad. I eat lunch with him every day and go see him when I get off of work at 5.

It doesn’t get much better than that, does it?

19 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm glad everything worked out so well for you and your Dad. Sometimes things do all come together, don't they?

threecollie said...

Good for you! What a time you have been through. Take care of yourself....

Anvilcloud said...

I'm glad this has worked out well for you.

Squirl said...

Sounds like you did everything right. People don't always realize how things present themselves for a reason. I'm glad it all fell in place for you.

Lynne at Hasty Brook said...

It seems that was a path you were supped to take and I am so very happy it worked for you. Time spent with your Dad will be good for you both.

Ponita in Real Life said...

The winds of fate were blowing in your direction.... fabulous that everything has worked out! Your dad, the job.... congratulations.

LittlePea said...

That's great! Everything just fell into place. How wonderful Laurie.

Mary said...

Wow, Laurie. They say everything happens for a reason. You are blessed!

Mary

WithinWithout said...

It's karma...or somethin'. It's life, reason or no reason. But I get what you're saying.

After the year or more that you've had, some negatives have turned into beautiful positives.

Which is what you deserve.

Ur-spo said...

It sounds like some Angels intervened here.

Merrily Down the Stream said...

WOW! It seems there are NO coincidences.
Congrats and glad your dad is better.

Unknown said...

In the grand scheme of things in this journey there are no accidents there are no coincidenecs. Things happen the way they are suppose to happen. It is wonderful when you notice the results and get to experience the life that you are planned to live. Thank for sharing such a beautiful episode in your life. Blessings to you, your son and your DAD.

Anonymous said...

No, it certainly does not get better than that. It is an angels story indeed.

F. Mag

Tossing Pebbles in the Stream said...

It is nice to know things have worked out well for you.

Q said...

All things do happen for a reason!
So glad your Dad is okay and you can spend time with him every day.
Wonderful gift for both of you.
Have a Happy Christmas,
Sherry

Anvilcloud said...

I'm making the rounds to wish all of my blog friends a Merry Christmas!

Gina said...

Sounds lovely!

And Merry Christmas to you and your family, Laurie!

Squirl said...

Merry Christmas, Laurie. Hope all is well for you. Hugs!

Ponita in Real Life said...

Merry Christmas, Laurie! Hope all is well and you are happy.