Happy In The Hospital

“You know, Geoffrey, if it wasn’t for Jerry I probably wouldn’t be alive today.”

Jerry is one of my father’s neighbors at the assisted living facility. It was Jerry who called 911 to get an ambulance. My dad just wanted to go back to his apartment.

“You’re sick, Harold.”

11215868_1061850353826563_5621723490089645460_nMy dad is still in the hospital. He’s comfortable and getting the attention he deserves. He’s happy in the hospital.

“You know, Geoffrey, if it wasn’t for Jerry I probably wouldn’t be alive today.”

Jerry is one of my father’s neighbors at the assisted living facility. It was Jerry who called 911 to get an ambulance. My dad just wanted to go back to his apartment.

“You’re sick, Harold.”

The decision was made for my dad… the right decision.

Thank you, Jerry. You did a mitzvah.

My dad’s upcoming procedure is called TAVR, transcatheter aortic valve replacement. Replacing heart valves isn’t new. Replacing them without cracking open the chest is. At nearly 90 my dad isn’t a candidate for anything truly invasive.

So far he has undergone one major prerequisite test with another to follow. The cardiac team is very conscious of my father’s already compromised kidneys. They’re allowing the dye used in the tests to be fully processed before moving on. We’re hoping the TAVR might take place this coming week.

He’ll also be getting a pacemaker somewhere in this process. Exactly when is unclear. My dad tries very hard but never hears all the words.

Let’s face it, just being 90 is a fulltime job!

I called a little while ago. He sounded great and why not? He has a fresh audience for all his jokes. He is surrounded by young people who call him by name and show him deserved respect. Meals are delivered. He’s got his iPad and WiFi.

Stef, who is with us today, got on the phone. He liked that too.

My dad isn’t in the hospital without great family support. My sister, Trudi, and brother-in-law Jeff have been there every day. They are the ones bearing most of the work. Having a parent in the hospital is a fulltime job too.

What’s going on is very delicate and dangerous work. We all understand the risk, no one more than my dad. And yet we’re all confident this is the right path and the outcome will be just what we wanted.

In the meantime, my dad’s got a captive audience.

18 thoughts on “Happy In The Hospital”

  1. Maybe an edible arrangement to Jerry…is he a vet? I know several sites for special gifts for vets. He might get a kick out of.

  2. He looks great! Will continue to pray for him and your sister. I know well the stress of a parent in the hospital. My mom had triple bypass this year. Just the traveling back and forth from Old Saybrook to Yale was tiring enough. She was in CCU for a week! It’s draining.

  3. Thoughts and prayers coming your way Mr. Fox. Enjoy your jokes and we are big fans of your son Geoff from when he was broadcasting in CT. Wishing you a speedy recovery

  4. Love seeing that famous Harold Fox smile! Your son is a very special guy, and I know you are responsible for a lot of that. He has your sense of humor, although his jokes are usually cleaner than yours. (However yours are better!!) I have confidence that everything will go well for you. Hugs from a lady in Hamden whom you don’t know.

  5. Harold,he who has friends,is never alone. You have a wonderful loving family,that’s always by your side, and a world of friends right at your finger tips. We are all only one click away. Wishing you a speedy recovery.

  6. Love your dads smile. Prayers for a successful procedure ! Hey Geoff when you going to post some of your dads jokes.

  7. Mr. Fox, Enjoy seeing a photo of you smiling. You look like you’re doing very well. Keep entertaining the nurses and doctors with your jokes and wit. Keep smiling.
    Your fan,
    Maureen (from CT)

  8. Bless him, he looks so cheerful! Wishing the best possible outcome and a great recovery. Sending regards to your dad, you and your family, Geoff.

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