I don't know about you but I'm exhausted. We've had non-stop partying since Dec. 21. Dad turned 82 on the 21st and we had a little family celebration. Then, we joined the Wiggins for a lovely end of Hanukkah/Christmas eve dinner at their house complete with the most delicious brisket ever and latkes. The New Jersey Teitelmans arrived on Christmas day and a dozen of us went out for a Jewish Christmas - CHINESE food, of course. It was yummy, too. If you're in the area, I highly recommend C & T Wok in Morrisville. It's small but if you're not going with 12 people you'll be okay. The New Jersey crowd gave it two thumbs up and that's no small thing when you're accustomed to Chinatown food on Christmas day. The Florida Teitelmans arrived on Boxing Day. On the 27th, Jay and Jack picked up a bushel of the best looking oysters I've ever seen and they did it up big time. Oysters on the half shell, steamed oysters, oysters in martinis. By early evening everyone was about passed out. Only to start again on Sunday for Dad's birthday brunch. (See what I mean? Are you exhausted reading this?) Dad's longtime friends, Mike and Sharon Matras, drove in from South Florida to attend Dad's celebration, along with Steven and Aaron from Pinehurst, the Grosmans and Gritzes locally and all the family. I gave Dad his scrapbook that many of you contributed to and it literally brought tears to his eyes. A big thank you to the magnificent Tracey Gritz for putting it together. He loved it and will cherish it and the memories it holds. It was a lovely day for everyone all around. Again, we were all zombies by 4 p.m. Brett went with me to Dad's doctor appointment on Monday and, sadly, Dad had a fever so they put him on antibiotics and cancelled chemo this week. His weight was holding steady at 144 pounds so that made the doctor happy. He said anytime someone with pancreatic cancer gains weight that's good news. Next up is New Years and then back to routines. School, work, etc. Thank goodness! |
2 Comments
Please return to the previous entry that is titled holiday wishes from our home to yours and click on the title link. It will take you to a cute family video. I think many of you are missing it. I can't say how far it's going to go but Dad is losing his hair. He's been wearing a fishermans cap I knitted a couple of years ago but once his hair is gone he's going to need to keep that head covered more than ever. Not because he can't rock a bald head but because he's so flippin cold all the time. So if you have some old hats lying around that you have no use for, send them to Herbie.
It's not like I'm trying to get my dad involved in the Jewish religion, of which he is a member of the tribe. It's just that this is part of our lives and we are doing our best to include him if and when he wants to be included. So far he seems to enjoy it. The rabbi came and visited him last week while he was getting his chemotherapy treatment. He talks his head off with her. He likes telling her the story of his mother when she was hospitalized in a Catholic hospital and though the image of Jesus behind her bed was what was keeping her alive while others in the hospital died. Not sure what the rabbi thought of the story but I heard her say we could get him a picture, too, if he wanted one but I don't think it will be of Jesus. Last night we took Dad to our temple's annual board member Hanukkah party. Because it was Saturday night, we celebrated Havdalah, saying goodbye to the Sabbath. It's a lovely service and, as you can sort of see from the blurry photo, Dad was right there in the middle of it. I don't know about him but it gives me comfort to see him participating like this. As my Aunt Carolyn said, it's a wonderful social outlet for him, too. Speaking of chemo, Dad had another round and came through with flying colors. Seriously, he was not fazed. Let's hope it continues. No, I'm not talking about our dog, Reuben, who happens to be great company for Dad. Reuben is young. And smart. And knows quite a few tricks. I'm talking about Herb. Yeah, I set him up on gmail and, oy vey, is there a huge learning curve. Getting old, having mild dementia and technology are a frightening mix.
So, please be patient while Dad learns to email you from his new account. I saw he sent a couple of you about 40 messages because he didn't think it was sending. I'm sorry. Blame me. In the meantime, Dad had his second treatment yesterday and seems to be doing very well. The first time it was the second day post treatment when the fatigue hit him so we will be on the lookout tomorrow. Ron and Joe visited this week. What nice guys. It looks like having good friends runs in the family. They brought lunch (thank you, thank you), and candy (I'm trying not to eat it) and had a lovely visit. I only wish I had thought to take a photo, darn it. Next time!!! Thank you to everyone who has sent things my way. You know who you are and what I am talking about, It's going to really be wonderful. |
|