From Caroline’s Point of View
Posted By Kathleen David on January 5, 2013
Peter Update:
Two steps forward and one step back. We had everything in place to move him to rehab however his white cell count was up and the hospital won’t release him unless they know why it is up.
Peter under went a battery of tests, which took a little long (OK a lot longer) because the computer system was down so most of the day was hurry up and wait.
Over all he was pretty out of it. He did his rehab and the other things that he needed to do but he dozed most of the day between people having to wake him up for the things he needed to do. He was much more alert at night and we watched some videos together.
Today we find out the results of that test and what is next. We are hoping to move him to the rehab on Monday since this gives the hospital two days to get him back to where he needs to be for rehab. Cross your fingers that his bed is still there then.
Now here is Caroline (with me typing) about what has happened
At first when I found out, I didn’t feel very well and I thought this was going to be the worst vacation ever since my Dad was in a hospital bed.
When I saw Dad in the hospital bed I was scared and upset. But Dad made me feel better. He hugged me and talked to me.
He told me that he was going to be going to a different hospital so he could start walking again. He was going to be all right but he may be gone for a month.
Later Mom and Ariel took me to Disney Hollywood Studios, I barely talked to anyone because I was worried about Dad. Ariel tried to hug and comfort me but I just pulled away.
Then we went on Star Tours. I was still really angry and worried about Dad. After the ride I felt much better. I could laugh again. But I realized I was having fun and Daddy wasn’t there. Mom told me that Dad was happy that I was having fun so we went on the ride again. After that in the gift shop I built a droid and Mom built Skippy the Jedi Droid for Dad and put a pirate hat on it for fun (Dad has to wear an eye patch).
On the 2nd Day we went to the hospital in the morning and I spent time with Daddy. I was helping him with his hand exercises. Later Mom took me to Animal Kingdom and we watched the Tigers who were very active. I felt safe with my Mom at Animal Kingdom. I felt a little better about all that had happened.
On the 3rd Day we stayed at the hospital all day and watched “Big Bang Theory” with Daddy. I felt really good that I was near Daddy all day and could see his life in a hospital. I was proud at how hard he was working to get better.
On the 4th Day I found out that he wasn’t going to rehab until Monday, which made me happy and sad. Happy because I got to see my Dad another couple of days but sad because I know he needs to go to rehab to get better and come home.
Overall I feel happy because I realized it wasn’t my fault that Daddy had a stroke but I also feel really sad because Dad had a stroke. I love him very much and I want him to be OK again. I am praying for my Daddy to be my Daddy again.
(Kath back here now. I will be reading her the comment that relate to her from this entry.)
I am grateful that Caroline can talk to us about what she is going through.
Oh Caroline you are the bravest girl I know! Are you sure you’re not a super heroine in disguise? Your Mom and Dad have a lot of friends, and you do, too. We all want to help. We all want to give you hugs. So here are a few right now — OOOOOOOOO!
What a great job of reporting, Caroline! Sometimes, it is very hard to write about what happened when what happened is scary – so people want you to know that we understand AND that we appreciate your sharing your experience with us! I know your mom and dad are very proud of you. Thank you for being so strong when things are frightening! And thank you for telling us!
Caroline, your dad is a great guy and he has a lot of people hoping for his quick recovery.
Caroline, you are one amazing young lady. You and your family are on a new adventure. No one knows how it will all turn out but each day will hold new challenges and surprises for all of you. Your Dad is so lucky to have you. I recommend lots of hugs and laughter.
This is a journey that will be accomplished one step at a time. Be patient, you will be amazed at the wonders that will unfold.
Give your folks a hug for me.
Hi Caroline I hope that your dad will feel much better. And that you make him feel better the most. Also you probably are a cure. You make people feel better when you are near them. So let your family know that he will be much better soon.
Hi Caroline, I am glad that you and your mom (and family) are able to be there with your dad to help him through this. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Give your dad and mom hugs from us.
Hang in there, Caroline! Your Dad is still your Dad, just like always. It’s just a little tougher for him to do some things right now, like play hide and seek, so maybe you should concentrate on beating him at board games for a while. He’s sure lucky to have a girl like you to help him out! Hugs from Marina and Allie, too.
There are a lot of praying for your dad, Caroline. And guess what? We’re praying for you just as much–praying that you’ll have more good days than hard ones, praying that you will be strong when your dad needs you to be strong, and that you will feel comfortable being weak when you need to be. It’s okay to be a little scared, but it sounds like you are surrounded by people who love you. Keep staying positive.
Oh Caroline, I’m sure your daddy is very happy to have you there by his side, and I’m glad that you were able to realize that none of this is your fault. I can’t even begin to imagine what you are feeling and going through, but take strength in the love and support of your family and know that all of us out here are pulling for your daddy to get well as quick as possible. I’ve been lucky enough to meet your father several times at conventions over the years and he’s a truly wonderful man and all my well wishes and prayers are for his healing.
Heather
Tampa, Florida
Caroline, you are a amazing young lady! Your dad will work hard to be home again because of you and your family. Just remember, seeing you smile is the best medicine he can get. He still needs to do the hard work, but your smile makes it worth it.
[…] Caroline (with Kathleen typing) wrote of her experience dealing with her father’s stroke here. It’s a touching reminder of how much children really absorb about the world around them, and […]