Life’s Hiccups – Part 1

Lot’s of interesting twists happen when you least expect them. Got your attention?? Here’s what I mean…

Andy & I were settled into a pretty comfortable groove and enjoying our daily life when there was a hiccup at the end of July. We have been in touch regularly with the kids and with friends/other family. We found out that Brady, Andy’s step-mom had been hospitalized after healing from her eye surgery. Apparently she developed water in her lungs – congestive heart failure. After dealing with that, she developed sepsis and was again hospitalized.

We called her to check in and see how she was doing. She felt deflated/defeated and was “done”. Living on her own, with no one to share the day-to-day stuff, and limited social capability (Covid didn’t help alleviate that), she felt like giving up. Andy asked if she wanted him to come to help her, and she replied “yes”. When asked when “now” was the answer.

Ironically, it was also close to Christopher’s birthday so Andy arranged to fly in to celebrate with him and then fly up to help/deal with what Brady needed. He left on the 8th and spent two days with Christopher before flying on to Sacramento and Brady.

After settling in, working with a caregiver that Suzi arranged for Brady, and meeting with a gentleman that helped with the next steps for seniors; he discussed with Brady her options. Option one: stay where she was with a caregiver before having to eventually go to assisted care. Option two: move into a senior living facility where she might eventually be moved to assisted living. Option three: move to Cuenca to be closer to us; living either in her own place with an aide (near us), or in a senior center (there is a new one that is great called Rioquinto). Until that time she would stay with us until a decision could be firmly made.

So a mad rush to (1) expedite her passport (which was expired); (2) get the necessary documents for a VISA; (3) put her home up for sale; (4) disperse, donate, and sell her belongings (think of what you need to do when down-sizing or dealing with getting rid of lots items); (5) so much more. Andy was a whirlwind, and as usual very productive and efficient.

They arrived in Ecuador on the 4th and spent the night in Guayaquil to rest before their next flight to Cuenca on the 5th. I met them at the airport and we made our way to the condo.

Brady 9-2022

I’d arranged a visit with Doctora Dupreeuw to go over Brady’s medications, recent and past treatments/hospitalizations, and get an overall look at working to help her feel better. We also met with a cardiologist and ENT – the cardiologist will be working closely with Dra. Dupreeuw. The ENT sent her to have her hearing checked and lo and behold, hearing aides recommended. So lots happening, medications adjusted, monitoring, and lab work done. She is making improvements but is still weak.

We will be visiting Rioquinto, a new facility that has daycare, short stays, “vacation” stays, and long-term stays to see if they can help Brady get her strength and energy up. Physical and rehabilitative care is available there and we discussed having her check it out with us. We, and Dra. Dupreeuw, feel it would be a good idea to have her stay with them on a long term basis as they have care 24/7 and are close enough for us to visit her regularly.

Andy is currently in Quito awaiting the arrival of Christopher. More to come.