We had a nice Father’s Day this year with our Daddy. We picked up BBQ from a local place and took it over to mom and dad’s to celebrate the day and let him know how much we love him. We all enjoy BBQ and it was a good meal to share together. He’s such a good Daddy and we always want to take the time to celebrate him. He will be turning 90 next month and we have to figure out a time for all of us (including Lauren) to celebrate his birthday, since July is shaping up to be a really busy month for the whole family.
He’s doing pretty well for an almost-90 year old and we went out to the garden for a little stroll too. I’ll share that in a minute.
On Tuesday, we had a very scary situation with Dad. He was in the kitchen getting his coffee when he started getting dizzy. Mom saw it happen and asked him if he was dizzy and the next thing she knew he was falling to the floor in the kitchen and he hit the back of his head very hard on the tile floor. She had tried to hold him up but she wasn’t strong enough, thank goodness she wasn’t hurt too. She called 911 and he was taken to the hospital immediately. We all 3 headed to the ER to be with him and find out what was going on. They did a scan and found that he did have some bleeding on the brain, so he was admitted for an overnight stay where he was monitored for over 24 hours and then released to go home the next day. He does not do well in a hospital environment, to say the least and was more than ready to go home. We all had to keep telling him that he could not go home with the brain bleed situation and it was very much a relief to all of us when they released him to go home. Mom stayed at the hospital with him overnight and neither of them got much sleep, so it was a relief for all of us to send them home to rest.
All of this started with antibiotics that dad was prescribed for cough/cold symptoms a couple of weeks ago. I know that antibiotics are necessary in many situations, but they can also be very harmful to the body too. In this case, one of the main the side effects was diarrhea (which mom read after the fact) and several days after he was finished with his dosage, that kicked in, leaving him weak and dehydrated. We think this is the cause of the dizziness which then caused the fall. He was about to visit his primary care doctor that day to address that situation. It’s such a shame that meds that are supposed to help someone can also do more harm than good. A lesson in looking out for loved ones when it comes to prescription medications. As I said, antibiotics are a necessary treatment sometimes, but from what I hear it’s best to stay away from them if you possibly can avoid them.
We are so thankful it wasn’t a worse fall for him and he should recover completely. He had a couple of stitches and now is home resting and getting better. He’s a tough guy and it takes a lot to get him down. I know you all think the world of our Daddy, so I wanted to share this with y’all too.
EDITED: Several of you asked in the comments about sending him birthday cards for his 90th birthday next month. I would love to have y’all do that, so please email me ([email protected]) and I’ll give you my address to send the cards and I will pass them on. I think it will make his YEAR! Thanks so much for caring about my parents!
Now, back to Father’s Day…..
After lunch we had this delicious Pistachio Coconut cake that mom made, which I shared before. It’s a winner and really light and yummy!
Dad and I went out to the garden to see how things are progressing this year. He’s always excited to talk about his garden, so it’s fun for me to see how much it’s grown.
Muscadine vines are all looking great and I’m sure will be loaded again this year.
Here’s a glimpse of the whole garden from an angle. It’s a pretty big back yard garden for one man to take care of.
The back row has peas and beans growing.
Two long rows of Silver King corn.
He’s disappointed in how his tomatoes have done this year, but we hope they will make it and grow lots more tomatoes. He planted Parks Whoppers and they have always done well for him, but this year he had some that wilted and died. That wilt is a strange thing that happens sometimes from year to year and it’s really a mystery, but seems to grow in the soil and mess up new plantings.
He’s about to start picking some soon though, so we are hoping for the best. They don’t look like they will be as big as they normally are though.
Squash in this back corner has been doing well, as well as zucchini. He usually has a bumper crop of those.
Looking back towards the house, you can see this isn’t a tiny little garden, it’s pretty big and spread out here in their back yard. Since he only planted the garden here this year and not in the mountains, he’s got plenty to keep him busy enough. We’re glad he is slowing down and only doing one garden!
I got out my camera and did a little video with him, so enjoy hearing him talk about his garden! It truly is his passion and we are happy he has it to keep him going every day.
Sandy Anderson says
Thank goodness your Dad is OK…how scary for him, and so glad he is doing better! And your mom too…not easy for her to experience either. Warmest regards for them both…they are just so darling! Antibiotics can be so harsh on the body. Good news to hear he is well. And his garden…wow! Amazing as usual! Your daddy is quite the impressive, hard working man. God’s Blessings to all your family…
Rhoda says
Thank you, Sandy, you are right, it’s hard on mom too. She takes good care of him and he has memory issues now, so she is his caretaker in so many ways. Thank goodness for her too!
Judy Clark says
Rhoda,
I did not know about your Dad falling! Praying that he will continue to stay healthy. I know first hand how antibiotics can wreck your system. They are necessary some times, but not always!! Such a precious video of his garden. Reminds me of my Daddy and Mamma. They were the happiest when they could plant and “put up” stuff for the winter. Those tomatoes look so good. Nothing like a fresh “mater” sandwich in the Summer. Hugs and Love to your family.
Rhoda says
Hey, Judy, I know I’m dying for that first mater sandwich. I think he’s going to be fine after the fall. They were both exhausted after one night in the hospital.
Linda says
Enjoy your sweet Mom and Dad….we never know when the Lord will take us home. Both mine are gone, sad but we nerve were a close family. Your Dad s garden is so pretty
VintageBeachgirl says
So glad you’re sweet Daddy is ok, that ertainly was a scary event for y’all!!
His garden looks wonderful as usual and I so enjoyed watching the garden video, thanks for sharing him with us Rhoda!!
Arlene@Nanaland says
So glad all is well Rhoda. As an old nurse, I realizee the hazards of antibiotics and I always advise my family members to take a probiotic with them or eat some yogurt. But when you are elderly, symptoms are often magnified as in your dad’s case. What a garden…it is amazing that a 90 year old man can plant and maintain that spread. I would love to send your dad a birthday card to celebrate his 90th birthday and I am sure some other readers would like that also. Is there a way we could do it without disrupting privacy? You know we all love your daddy and Mama.
Rhoda says
HI, Arlene, that is so sweet of you! I’m sure he would love getting cards for his birthday. Please email me and I’ll give you my address and you can send them to me and anyone else who wants to send him a card. [email protected]
Rita C at Panoply says
So sorry to hear of your Dad’s fall and bleed. I know you realize how fragile health matters are the older we get. I was happy to read your Dad’s outcome was so good. His garden looks wonderful, as usual. Wondering if he’s even missing the mountaintop garden? I bet the rest of you, especially your mom, are not!
Jan says
Glad your Dad is ok and back home where he wants to be. I notice he’s planted two rows of corn. My mom always planted four rows of corn since it’s wind-polinated. Does he have a good yield with just two rows–all the kernels filled out on the ears?
Rhoda says
Hi, Jan, I think he makes as much corn as he wants to with those 2 rows. You know more than I do about wind pollination, so I have no idea how that works. He usually plants his corn in the NC mountains, but these will have to do for now.
Betsy Smith says
OH thank you so much for fil,omg your Dad’s garden…those lovely Georgia accents…..music to my ears….his frightful incident and fall was all too famiiar…so happy to hear is is ok and home. I thorougly enjoy your blog. What an amazing garden he has created….warm hugs from Texas.
Tara Dillard says
Thank you for sharing about your DAD ! Always.
Especially, the fall. How else to know to pray for his quick recovery?
Another fabulous garden he’s planted.
Prayers for your MOM. Caretaking is hard work, especially in a hospital.
Garden & Be Well, XOT
Sofia says
Hi Rhoda-I know this is mainly a decor blog, but I love it when you share about your family. So glad your dad is doing well after that scary fall-poor guy-that must have hurt!
Does he miss the mountain garden or is he releived to have that work load off of him? Or maybe a bit of both?
God bless your dear family.
Rhoda says
HI, Sofia, thank you I’m glad you all love to hear about my parents. I think he probably is a bit relieved not doing all that work in the mountains this year. He won’t admit it, but I think he probably is. I know my mom is! They are still going up there and staying for a few days at a time, they still love that and have friends up there. It’s for sale, but it may take awhile to sell and we are doing one more family trip up there in August with Lauren and her girls.
Patry says
Your dad is such a gem and I’m glad you know it! My dad would have been 90 in August but passed away 3 years ago!! Enjoy every second that you get to spend with your precious parents!! Every day is a gift!!❤️
Lynda says
Thank God your Dad is doing ok and he didn’t break anything or your mom get hurt. Prayers for his healing. His garden is fantastic! I know it keeps him going. Does your mom can and freeze the veggies?
Rhoda says
Hi, Lynda, yes they have been canning tomatoes and freezing corn and putting up beans for years. It’s slowing down a bit now, but I think she has so much put away that they can’t possibly eat it all and we even help them eat it too. Her canned tomatoes are my fave!
Lauren@SimplyLKJ says
So thankful he was okay! And agree, prescription medications are sometimes necessary but it is best to avoid when you can. I’ve learned over the past several years that there are a lot of good natural alternatives that work just as well and are safer.
So enjoyed your video of your sweet dad. Just loved it when he said, “down yonder.”
kathy olson says
I’m so glad your dad is okay!
Donna says
I’m so glad your daddy is going to be ok. It looks like you all had a wonderful Father’s Day! Family is so important! I just have to say how impressed I am with your dad’s garden. I enjoyed the video! I’m about 40 years his junior, and I’m having trouble keeping up with my little raised beds! I raise my glass to you, sir!
Rhoda says
Thank you, Donna, he really is pretty amazing, doing all that he still does for almost 90 years old.
Julia says
Rhoda, I’m so glad your Dad is better! My thoughts and prayers are with him and your lovely mother. I loved the video and, as always, am amazed at his wonderful garden. That’s a big garden for someone of any age and to think that he was maintaining two up until this year is astounding. He is definitely a Gardening Rock Star!!
Pam A. says
I’m so glad your Dad is o.k.! He is just like my Grandaddy was before he passed. Always busy in the garden. I’d love to send him a card also! You are so blessed to have him around!
Shanna says
Glad your Dad is ok. I can barely keep two tomato plants in a pot alive and your father has an enormous garden. Hugs and wishes for good health for both your mom and dad.
Becky says
Precious and inspiring! So glad your daddy is alright.
Carole says
Good morning Rhoda , I’m so thankful for you and your sweet family that your daddy is doing better. We met your dad at your open house and we came away from there realizing what a tower of strength for his family he was. He is quiet a man. And that garden of his. I am amazed that a 90 years old man does all that. Puts all of to shame. Looking at the video I noticed how pretty the okra leaves were ,surely there is a way to preserve them for framing. Those were so pretty. I know it’s a blessing for you to have your parents. I have lost both of mine. My dad would be 100 years old now and to honor him I had a flag flown over the US capital to honor both his 100th birthday and his service in our Navy. It is a grand way to honor those you love.
Rhoda says
Thank you, Carole! I’m still amazed that you and your hubby came all the way from Little Rock for my open house. I think my mouth was hanging open when you told me that. I have the most precious readers and you are at the top of the list! I’m glad you got to meet them in person, they are quite the couple together and yes, our family’s rock and strength. We are blessed to have them!