* First and foremost, I would sincerely like to thank all of YOU for your kind words, never-ending support, and loving prayers. Also, the jokes have been a fabulous distraction.
For those of you who follow me on Facebook, you may already know what I am about to say. But, for those of you who don’t follow me, or for those of you who may have missed this particular ‘Status Update’ – Here’s the scoop.
Friday afternoon, just as I was sitting down for lunch with a girlfriend I received a phone call from my son. He told me that my grandfather, Poppa Sye, had fallen down. And even though my mother was with him, she was scared, so could I please come home. Without any hesitation I raced to my house only to find my mother lying on the kitchen floor next Poppa Sye. He was shaking as though he was having some kind of seizure. My mother looked terrified while stroking his head and saying, “It’s okay. You’re going to be okay.”
I immediately grabbed the phone and dialed 911. I informed them Poppa Sye appeared to be having a stroke and to please hurry. Much to my surprise, they showed up within fifteen minuets. And then every thing happened so quickly as if we were in a movie and someone pressed fast-forward.
Luckily we had a list of my grandfather’s medications along with his ‘Living Will’ conveniently hanging on the refrigerator. Which came in very handy while being questioned by the EMT. They were absolutely wonderful with Poppa Sye. Truly. I could not have asked for a better team. Once they put him in the ambulance, my mother and I followed them to the hospital.
Inside the hospital a million different doctors came into the room asking a million different questions. Poppa Sye answered them to the best of his ability. But, considering half of his face was drooping, most of his words were slurred. They took Poppa Sye in and out of the room for cat-scans and x-rays to make sure none of his bones were broken from the fall. Thankfully, he did NOT break any bones. And taking into account how frail he is – that is nothing short of a miracle.
The doctors cleared out after Poppa Sye was hooked up to all kinds of machines monitoring all kinds of things. And then something happened that I will never forget.
My mother was sitting next to him and he started twitching involuntary, badly. She grabbed his hand and he squeezed it with all of his might. He opened his left eye and I could see it bouncing back and forth, violently. My mother said, “It’s okay, daddy. I’m right here.” And he very slowly replied like he was speaking in cursive, “I don’t know what’s going to happen next. But I am staying HERE with YOU.” I didn’t want my mother to see my cry, so I exited the room to collect myself. When I came back, he was kissing her hand. I never saw my grandfather kiss his daughter like that.
We wrapped him up like a burrito with the blanket I brought from our house. His black and blue hands were ice cold. And then we just sat with him until he fell asleep. By the time my brother made it to the hospital from Pennsylvania Poppa Sye was out cold.
My father entertained us while trying to learn how to send a photo as a text message. And I kid you not it took him at least 45 minutes. But that’s another story entirely. After a few hours of doing absolutely nothing other than listening to blips and beeps on monitors, my parents told my brother and I to go back home.
When I left my parents at the hospital Poppa Sye was still sleeping. They came home a few hours later and told me he was the same as when I had left.
Saturday morning, my parents went back to the hospital. Poppa Sye was semi-responsive to commands (lift your right arm) but he still couldn’t open his eyes, or speak. But when they went back to the hospital Saturday afternoon, he was not so responsive to commands. He wouldn’t squeeze anyone’s hands. He wouldn’t move any body parts. He won’t open his eyes or speak. It’s as if he’s in a very deep sleep. But you can’t wake him up. However the doctors said he’s NOT in a coma. So I don’t know WHAT this is.
Later that evening, my father and I headed back to the hospital. Looking at him laying in the bed so helpless and lifeless, broke my heart into a thousand pieces. We tried to talking to him, but he didn’t answer. He was flailing around like you do when you’re having a bad dream and the cozy blanket slid down off his shoulders. My father went over to cover him back up.
“Sye, are you cold?” My father shouted.
And then, I could literally see Poppa Sye struggling to speak. He turned his head and the words, “A little” floated out of his mouth like a small child singing a song.
I sprung up from my chair and raced over to him. “Poppa Sye, do you know that we love you?” He nodded yes.
My father told him he was in the hospital, that he was safe, and that people were taking good care of him. And then he faded right back into unconsciousness.
As of right now, We don’t know how long he’s going to be in the hospital. We don’t know if he had a stroke or if it was some kind of seizure. They are still running tests. And I don’t know if he will recover because we do not have a prognosis at this time. It’s way too soon to tell.
But, I do know one thing. I know that Poppa Sye is a fighter and one stubborn SOB.
Even at 91 years old he will not simply give up.
*The photo above was taken in the summer of 2009. And no, that’s not Sye’s motorcycle.
I don’t know when I will be available online. And I don’t know when I’ll be able to answer emails, phone calls, or text messages. Everything in my world has come to a screeching halt. All I can do is wait. And I don’t do ‘waiting’ very well. I’ve been pacing around my house [and hospital hallways] cleaning everything in sight. Seriously. I even Windexed our washer and dryer. Inside and out.
For a split second, I expected to see Poppa Sye walking down the hallway with a fist full of mail, huge yellow glasses, suspenders, handkerchief, and metal cane. Until I remembered he’s in the hospital. And suddenly I realized my house feels extremely different without him in it.
So, I am going to ask all of you for a favor. Please keep us in your prayers. And please keep sending funny jokes. Because even if I can’t respond, know that I am reading them.
And laughter is essential right now.
* The photo above was taken at the DeSordi Family BBQ, on August 2007
I will be in the hospital today, tomorrow, and for how ever many days Poppa Sye is there. But I will try my very best to update Facebook as often as I can.
Thanks again, everyone.
I am blessed to have such an amazing circle of friends.
————————————————
UPDATE 12/7/2011
We just received The Phone Call. It’s time to make Poppa Sye ‘As Comfortable As Possible.’ Helping my mother make the arrangements for Hospice to bring him home.
UPDATE 12/9/2011
Hospital Bed Delivered [x] Medical Supplies & Machines Hooked Up [x] Oxygen Tank Warnings on Front Door [x] Hospice People On The Way [x] Poppa Sye arrived home via ambulance [x] Feeling sick to my stomach [x]
UPDATE 12/12/2011
Poppa Sye is still hanging in. Although, now it’s really only a matter of time.
Thank you.
Thanks, Anne.
Last night my father said, “Meleah, for the love of G-d, please stop scrubbing things, and go out for a drink with your mother!”
So, the two of us had a few martinis.
Thank you.
We just got an update from his doctors.
Confirmed massive stroke. He has permanent brain damage and loss of all faculties. He will NOT recover.
They will release him from the hospital sometime this week, because he wants to die at home and that’s what we want to.
Hospice will come to our house to make him as comfortable as possible until he passes.
Thank you, Linda R.
The last thing my mother needs is for ME to get sick, again.
I am trying my best to take care of myself.
You and your family always have my best wishes. Take care of those who need you now; you can get back to us when you have the time. Your first responsibility is to your family in times like this.
Thanks for understanding, Robert.
This. Is. Awful.
You are in my thoughts and prayers!
I love/adore/cherish/etc etc you and if you need ANYTHING, do not hesitate to ask and I will ask Siri to try and deliver. 🙂
I LOVE YOU!!!!
xoxoxox
Thoughts and prayers sent your way.
I am only just reading this – and my head is spinning !
Hugs & Love !
🙂
Thanks, Jaffer.
It’s NOT looking good.
Sorry to hear about all this, Meleah. My thoughts are with you guys. Take care of yourself too.
Damn, Windexing the washer and dryer? Now that is some crazy but geez, I wish you would be over my house doing your crazy because it needs some crazy and some serious WINDEXING! You know I am on Facebook and praying xoxo
Ohhh, sweetie, I’m here for you if you need anything. It’s such a hard long waiting game, your family is in my thoughts.
Oh, my goodness, Meleah! I am so SO sorry! Prayers, good thoughts, you got ’em – may Poppa Sye come back to you through this ordeal, safe and sound. Gosh, do I know what a horrible time this is to live through. Hang in there!
I can’t think of a joke right now, but when I do, I’ll be back!
Thank you. I’m trying.
Thanks, Lucy.
I finally took off the rubber gloves.
And slowly walked away from the Windex, Pledge, Commet, Clorox, Fabulouso, and Swiffer.
The waiting is what’s killing me.
Although, we found this out today:
Confirmed massive stroke.
Went all the way down to brain stem.
He has permanent brain damage and loss of all faculties.
He will NOT recover.
They may release him from the hospital sometime this week, or next week, because he wants to die at home.
Then, Hospice will come to our house to make him as comfortable as possible until he passes.
Thanks, Jay.
xoxo
I am very sad to hear about Poppa Sye. I have come to love him through your blog. I am lighting a candle for him right now and will be praying for him every day. Love you, Poppa Sye. Love you, Meleah xxxxx
Oh sweet thing, you know I’m thinking of you and Poppa Sye and the whole family. Lots of love, prayers, healing vibes, cozy blankies and anything else you need. (((((Hugs))))))
Oh, Selma!
Thank you SO very much, my friend.
xoxo
You’re the best, Nicky.
Hospice is amazing, I am so thankful for them, what those nurses do for families and the people they are taking care of is truly a gift.
I’m so sorry that it has to happen, I’m hugging you really hard right now. Hang in there.
Yeah, we had Hospice when my grandfather Poppa Ernie passed away – several years ago.
They should make a million dollars a day for what they do. Seriously.
Take your time getting back to your obligations. Be with your family. He looks like he has awesome attitude. Strength runs in the family.
Thank you, Sahara.
I am trying to get out the internet a little bit here and there.
Helps to take my mind off this, yanno?
Just stopped by to give you a hug….
(((( You ))))
xoxo
You rock.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen next. But I am staying HERE with YOU.”
Beautiful words. He’s a lover and a fighter. No wonder you’re such a dynamite lady!
You remain in my heart and thoughts!
xoxo
Traci
Oh, I’m so sorry. Hugs across the miles to you and your family.
I’ve been where you are now, and I can understand the pain you feel. I hope everything gets better, though I know it never does completely, even with time.
Feel free to call me Bob, BobG is how you know me as a friend, and right now you need friends. Though we have never met in person, I think of you as a good friend from your writing. Robert is just the name that comes up when I comment here.
Thanks, Traci.
I just hope he’s not in any pain.
Thank you, my friends.
Oh!! Well, that makes sense.
I was wondering who ROBERT was!
HA!
That actually made me laugh.
Thank you, BobG!
You will be in my thoughts!
I hope everything goes well for your family. You, your mom & Popa Sye are in my thoughts.
Poppa Sye is in my prayers! I’m so sorry, Mel. This must be SO hard for you. ((Hug))
Thank you, so very much.
I am so sad, Roshan.
Thank you, Terri.
This was NOT how I wanted to spend the holidays.
I wonder if he will be home for Christmas.
I missed your status update on FB and this is the first I’ve heard of your grandfather. I’m so sorry to hear about what your’e going through. You are all in my prayers. It sounds like you’ve got an amazing family.
Thank you so much, Nora.
If I didn’t have people playing Words With Friends with me these days, I think I would have lost it by now.
Oh my gosh Meleah… I am sitting here crying… I had to stop reading after a while. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU…. STAY TOUGH….prayers prayers prayers!!!
Thank you, my friend.
And, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to YOU!
Meleah, I am SO SO sorry. I’ve been trying to follow you on FB as much as possible (still without a computer-stealing Mom’s for the moment!) but be sure that I’m definitely keeping you guys in my thoughts.
Thank you, Nik.
xoxox
I’m so sorry all of you are going through this. It’s no secret I’ve always lit up when you’ve written about Poppa Sye. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. xoxo
Stephanie, you’re the best.