Bear with me. This is long. Very.
Yesterday we (Don and I) went to meet my folks at the airport. I'd spoken to mum the day before (Sunday) and her and dad were so excited to be coming over. She mentioned dad had felt a bit 'funny' but absolutely nothing to cause concern....
Had the usual butterflies in tummy feelings waiting in arrivals for them....mum having COPD and an enlarged heart we always know she'll take her time coming through....so my concern has always been focused on mum and seeing how she is.
Except this time my attention immediately went to dad. He looked awful!
After the usual hugs and kisses I asked dad what was wrong (thinking, hey, he's 81, tired, early flight....) but he actually said Al, I don't feel too well. Mum and Don went ahead, and I walked with dad. He told me he just felt 'unwell' but would probably be ok later. We get to the apartment, which is just beautiful with stunning views, and normally dad is bouncing around like a big eejit.....but he went straight to lie on the bed.
Ok I think. Tiredness.
Anyway...I'm at work 6 - 9 and text twice to ask after dad. He's still sleeping mum says and assures me her and dad will be breakfasting the next morning on the terrace as dad is just dad and not a moaner.
I posted on VV around 7.30 this morning.....20 minutes later I got a call from mum saying she thinks dad needs to see a doctor.
Just around midnight he started being sick...a dark red sick. Mum got a bucket and he used that. But he was not well and continued to be so. I ring my work colleague (I have two high level morning classes) and Karen immediately assures me she'll sort things out. Breathe.
I then ring mum to say I'll be over pronto.
Get over and take one look at dad and ring urgencias. The bucket was filled with at least a litre and a half of blood. (I think)
Paramedics came and were absolutely wonderful with dad. Did what was necessary then said they were taking him to Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria. Only one person was allowed in the ambulance with him so it was quickly decided it had to be me as I obviously speak Spanish.
Do you know what?? The paramedics rang a taxi for mum and explained the situation. Bloody fab they were. By the time we'd got dad down and into the ambulance the taxi came and followed us to the hospital.
Dad was seen straight away. Tests were carried out. The hospital were absolutely ###### brilliant!!!
In normal situations it would have been the patient and one other person. They so, so kindly let mum be there and me too for me to be able to translate to her and dad and keep them informed.
After not too long dad was on a ward. He was very sleepy and we let him be.
I took mum back to the apartment where she (and me) had a good bloomin cry.
I went to work (sounds harsh but mum hadn't slept since her arrival) and insisted I do what I do normally do. I think she just wanted to 'be'.
All the time this was going on Don was whatsapping Jacob and Conor.
I was at work tonight and the boys messaged me to tell me that they'd gone to visit their beloved grandpa.
Didn't ask them to. They got together and just went. Love those boys.
Don, mum and I are going to see dad tomorrow at 1pm.
Posting this at 11.30. Tired and emotional.
Long post.....can I ask for special vibes for my lovely, lovely wonderful dad.
Al xxxxxxxxxx
