Dad is in the hospital

I got a text from my mom Tuesday just after noon. Whenever I get a text from her it's either because something doesn't work, or something has happened to someone.

Apparently my dad had been getting weaker and weaker, and had a bad cough. She took him to the doctor Monday and they ran some tests. They called Tuesday morning and said she should take him to the hospital.

I guess he has pneumonia - along with the dementia and being a general pain-in-the-neck 87-year old man. I've been wondering when he might get pneumonia - since he is so inactive.

It's always hard to get a clear picture of what is really going on from my mom. She would still prefer to present their picket-fence persona of fifty years ago. I was actually glad he was finally sent to the hospital though. Part of me hopes they don't let him return home, but instead make this a transition to a care facility. However, I probably don't have the best grasp of things either, so...

Fortunately my mom did actually leave him alone at the hospital during the night. She needs a break. She also needs help understanding this is out of her hands now too. She simply can't continue to take care of him by herself. Perhaps this will be good for that. I'm sure it's a tough time for her.

Of course, my boss is on vacation the next two weeks, so other than weekends and Christmas Day there is almost no way I could get away from work right now. I honestly cannot even speak to my sister. You'd think... she has no job, no family where she lives, she makes more money on disability than Jane and I make together... yet she apparently can't bring herself to go help out. Hell, for all I know she may not even be aware of the situation! Not that it would matter... Grrrh.

So, anyway... who knows... My dad is in the hospital with pneumonia.