“Yeah. Will has been getting me to go out more often. He wants me to enjoy my senior year. I worry about him, though. He needs a break too.”
“He does. Which actually brings me to my next topic.” She hands over a brochure. “This was brought in last week. It’s a new assistance program for those who don’t meet the qualifications for free in-home health care for whatever reason. It’s not full-time, but they can offer two days a week of respite for you. They stay in the home and care for him while you take a break. It can be running errands, taking a nap, doing some pampering. Whatever you need. It’s free of charge.”
My eyes widen. “Wow. I was just talking with my boyfriend about the lack of options for people like us. I had no idea a program like this existed.”
She smiles. “It didn’t. One of the foundations saw a gap in the system and filled it. It happens a lot. We are blessed they decided to roll it out here first. Usually they pick bigger cities like Boston, but with our extensive research department, I think they saw a greater need here. Anyway, all you have to do is go to that website and fill in the information. They will reach out to us for a copy of his chart, so we will need a release of information for them. Then they will get you set up.”
“That is so amazing. Thank you, Rachelle.”
“No problem. I’ll go get that form and let the doctor know we are ready for him.”
As she leaves, I look over at Dad with tears in my eyes. It’s not that I don’t love him. I do, so much. However, this program will give both Will and me a much-needed break. Sure, we have eachother, but I feel like this will help alleviate some of the pressures we put on ourselves.
Like, I know even when Will goes out with his friends, he is thinking about home. He rushes to get back for me. I do the same for him. I never fully relax, wondering if he needs me.
Knowing a medical professional is there with him will help with some of that.
I look back down at the pamphlet. I don’t know what foundation decided to do this, but they are a blessing.
“Hey there. I hear everything is going okay today?” Dr. Patterson asks as he steps into the room.
“As good as he can be.”
The doctor nods before turning to my dad. “Jerry. Good to see you again. How’s that old ticker of yours?”
Dad laughs, tapping his chest. “Still going. Although that pretty nurse of yours has it beating a bit faster.”
The doctor laughs. “You flirt. You leave my nurses alone. They have work to do.”
Dad waves his hand at him. “Ah fine, but if she agrees to a date, I’ll be going.”
“Oh, I’m sure. I wouldn’t want you to miss that. How about you let me listen to your heart to be safe?”
Dad agrees, letting him listen with his stethoscope. Then he checks his breathing.
“Everything is good. If he isn’t having any issues, I don’t think we need to adjust any medications. I would like to get blood on him, but I know that is sometimes an issue with him, so I will send the request to the lab, and you take him whenever you can. We can go ahead and get you set up with another appointment in six months.”
I stand, shaking his hand. “Awesome. Thank you.”
“Jerry, stay out of trouble.”
Dad nudges me. “Agatha is the one you should worry about. After all, we are here because she is sick again.”
“Don’t worry. I will get her feeling better.” Dr. Patterson winks at me.
I’m so grateful for him. For the entire staff, actually. They are so good with Dad. On a bad day, they know how to work around him to get what they need. On days like today, they keep him going without being suspicious of what they are actually looking for. On good days, they talk to him like he is an adult fully capable of taking care of himself. It’s amazing to see how they accommodate him.
After checking out and filling out the forms Rachelle needs from me, I get Dad situated in the car. “How about an ice cream?”
He looks over at me with that goofy smile on his face.
It doesn’t matter what version of my dad I get. I love every one of them.
My love
Can you come over?
As if I would ever say no to that. I’m freshly showered, pulling on clothes within ten minutes.
