Dear So and So

[NbyNW]

Beth -- I will keep you in my thoughts this weekend, I hope Herald isn't suffering too much.

[PamNY]

Beth, I will be thinking of you and Herald.

[channlluv]

((((Beth and Herald))))

[Cataboo]

(((( Beth & Harold ))))

She sounds like she feels that holidays are for acquiring "fun" stuff, not "useful" stuff. And since she doesn't understand that useful bike stuff means fun for you...she doesn't want to get it. Maybe? I'm trying to see her side!

I certainly enjoy shopping for my sister more than anyone else, since she's easy to get fun stuff for. And we don't do wishlists.

I do put fun stuff on there! Cute bike baskets or cute grips or things that I don't really need, I'd like... but I haven't managed to put it in the budget as something I really need. Colored tires. So they're more "luxuries" vs things I actually need.

We started doing wishlists a few years back when it was becoming obvious that everyone wanted to buy each other gifts, but that we weren't spending enough time together or didn't have a sense of each other's hobbies enough to really figure out nice gifts. There were more and more gift cards and random cool things that we didn't have use for.

I'm not entirely certain my sister has hobbies, she's got ugg boots and perfumes on her wishlist. My youngest brother likes video games, computer parts, and bluray movies. My older brother has taken up hunting and likes high end cooking stuff. I'm usually happy with bike, kayak, ski, or book stuff... My niece makes one of all the toys she wants, and my brother in law makes one. My mother is always a problem. So we just keep amazon wishlists to make it simple and theoretically that means each of us can just log in, spend about 5 or 10 mins and order things in one big lot. If you have enough things on your wishlist, it's always a surprise what you get or don't and it's all stuff you'd like. I try to figure out some small item for each person that's not on their wishlist, but is more thoughful.

We've done the gift card thing before - but it is kind of nice having something actually to open christmas morning.

[snapdragen]

Dear ice cold doctor. yes, my father is probably dying, and I know he will need to be moved to a SNF then probably hospice. But you cannot tell us all this, and expect us to make a decision that very same day. Can we at least have a day or two to process what is happening? What is it, do you have kind of discharge stats you need to keep up?

[bmccasland]

Dear ice cold doctor. yes, my father is probably dying, and I know he will need to be moved to a SNF then probably hospice. But you cannot tell us all this, and expect us to make a decision that very same day. Can we at least have a day or two to process what is happening? What is it, do you have kind of discharge stats you need to keep up?

(((((Snapdragen & family)))))))
Probably pressure from insurance to move him out of the hospital. Where's the hospital social worker, who usually helps to set these things up? Like any of this is going to happen on a weekend?

[jelee1311]

{{{Beth & Herald}}}

Snapdragen I'm sorry about your father.

[snapdragen]

After I ranted and raved on the phone with the case manager, a different Doctor called me back. She explained the Medicare appeal process, and I'm going forward with that. He can stay at the hospital until at least Monday.

[kmehrzad]

Snapdragen, I'm glad you and your family now have time to consider the options. Sometimes it takes one to "make some noise" to get action.

I don't think drs. are taught much bedside manner these days. Case in point ... two yrs. ago my brother's dr. called him on his cell phone to say that he had Stage IV brain cancer. No office visit, no "are you sitting down," none of that. In fact, my brother was out running errands that day and got the news that hit him cold.

[Cataboo]

I've found that nurses are often much better at dealing with families and telling them the truth.

[OakLeaf]

Snap, I'm so sorry about your father. I hope his remaining time is as comfortable and stress-free as possible, for all of you. Hugs and prayers.

[PamNY]

Snapdragen, I'm sorry to read the sad news. I hope proper plans can be made without too much stress. +1 on social workers and nurses being really helpful in such difficult times.

[NbyNW]

Snap,

Thinking of you and your family.

[Dogmama]

Snap,
Sending prayers to you & your family. ++1 on social workers.

[Owlie]

Dear family--
ARGH!

That is all.