Weekly Vlog - September 2021 - WK#3

This last week has been a long one as Dad continues his long road to recovery after his stroke. Mr Bentley & I spend a lovely sunny weekend at Mum & Dad's house helping out while Ian is away at Saltburn by the Sea for a Steampunk weekend away!
*********************************************************************
♡ Become one of my Angels and help support my KZbin channel!
www.mikedeakin... ♡
*********************************************************************
Thank you so much for watching! I welcome all polite comments and I'd love to hear from you, however, I do have a zero tolerance policy towards snark and trolls, so if you have nothing nice to say, please don't say anything at all!
More Art Journaling, Mixed Media and Card Making inspiration can be found by following me here:
Website & Blog: www.mikedeakin...
Facebook: / mikedeakinart
Instagram: / mikedeakinart

[@lorrainewilson2067]

So glad to hear your Dad is doing much better. Your Mom will feel relief as well. Health issues in later years affect more than the patient and I am glad they have you nearby. Hope the next week will show further improvement for all. Hugs to you, Ian, Mr.B. and of course Mom and Dad!!!

[@lauradavison4044]

Glad your lovely Dad has responded well to the treatment and your Mum feels less stressed. You and Ian are such smashing sons to them. Take care of yourself your look so much happier. XXX

[@VictoriaAWM]

Mike you are an excellent caregiver for your parents. Good for you for taking walks and taking care of yourself as well.

[@caroljaggers4124]

So happy to hear your dad is doing better. The time with your parents is a gift. My mom is 82 and my siblings and I moved her in with me a few years ago. I understand the role reversal when providing care a support. The circle of life for sure. Your all in my thoughts and prayers.

[@juliejk4603]

💐 🌸 🌺 🌻 some flowers for you, Mike and Ian. You deserve some 💕

[@judyschumacher1645]

So glad Dad is on the mend and feeling better!! UTI’s are wicked for the elderly. Be thankful he was just confused!! Love to you all!!! 💚💜💚

[@gwenwiedner3392]

I think you are such a loving son. Your love and concern really shows. Of course, you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Love to your Mom & Dad. Big hugs to you all!

[@christineromero1599]

glad to hear your father is doing better best wishes and prayers

[@robinsutton4952]

Love and well wishes to your dad and mom. Something similar happened to my husband, they finally figured it out and got him on correct meds. Life! It throws itself at us everyday. Our neighbor’s son has just moved back home with his pittie Bentley. He now waits at the fence for my husband who brings him a biscuit. Gotta love them! May we all find love and peace in this beautiful existence.

[@joycesloman8533]

So glad he is doing so much better a relief for all of you give him my best wishes. MIKE you're a great son and love you for it hugs to Ian and Mr Bentley

[@jennharts1]

So glad your dad is getting better everyday!!! Thank you for keeping us updated as we are all praying for you all!! Love and hugs to all of you!!!

[@josiewebb4897]

You are such a wonderful son in helping your parents and spending time with them. Wishing your parents better health. Praying for much better health for them.

[@kandrews6356]

You’re a lovely son Mike. So nice of you to help Dad and Mum so much. I know in my heart that it has helped them both tremendously and I’m sure they think so too. Thank you so much for your tenderness and for sharing your week with us. Please stay safe and know y’all are in my thoughts and Prayers.

[@appassionata971]

I am happy to hear Dad's health is improving... and consequently you are all more relaxed !!! Take care !

[@lauriethomas1070]

So glad to hear your dad is doing well. I can tell it’s lifted a bit of a load off you. Good to see you smiling!!

[@kandrews6356]

Mike, great news about your Dad; so glad that thing have changed for the better and he’s progressing. Also glad your Mum is more relaxed as well… so so happy for all of you.

[@SharonVandegrift]

Great news about your Dad improving after all he's been thru. Sending prayers and hugs to your Dad, Mom and you. You are such a great son Mike. Ian's trip looked lovely.

[@EvaVilla-pm5mv]

My continued prayers 🙏🏼for your dad's recovery Mike.

[@elisabethhathorn1656]

The news of Dad’s progress is wonderful! It takes so much time to see measurable progress sometimes, but the fact that he can do some of his own care, such as showering, walking about to the greenhouse… that is such great news. I pray for continued progress, and patience for everyone wanting his “old self” to return. It takes time, a lot a practice of mundane exercises, and the repetition of those exercises…. And patience. I remember being frustrated that I couldn’t use a knife properly, couldn’t cut my meat without help, and I had worked for months at it. Little things that I couldn’t do sometimes overshadowed the huge accomplishments I had achieved, such as walking without assistance. I know you are there, mentally, emotionally, and physically, for Dad as well as for Mum, but, please, take care of yourself, too. I’m sure you miss Ian and Mr B. ♥️

[@alicesullivan1790]

I do not know you, Elizabeth Hathorn, but I love you. Thank you for sharing your first hand experience with a stroke, and how it can be frustrating to the person, and to their helpers and loved ones during the recovery process. I've never had a stroke, but I was with my mother some of the times she had transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). Your advice to Mike is wise, sound and compassionate, and I appreciate your caring candor. Mike, Ian, Mom and Dad are all very special people, and I sincerely hope all is well with them (and Mr. Bentley). Thank you for taking care of yourself. Be well. Be safe. Hugs from SC USA.

[@lorrainewilson2067]

So sorry for the loss of your Uncle. I understand how your Mum feels. Just continue to be the good son you always are. Once again your garden is lovely.

[@aliceadler4569]

So glad you included the great photos of your Dad!!! He looks wonderful!!! Sending lots of love & hugs to you, Ian, Mr Bentley, Dad, & Mom from me & Spencer!!! Bless your hearts. Hope your dad had a wonderful visit with his brother & sister!!! Am so glad he is able to do so much stuff on his own now!!! Great news!!! ♥️♥️♥️🍂🍂🍂🍁🐶🍁🐶🍁🍂🍂🍂♥️♥️♥️

[@duckigrrl]

Hugs to all of you. I am happy to hear your dad is doing as well as he is, and I am continuing prayers.

[@daniellekelly3851]

So glad your dad is feeling better. I’ll keep him and your mum in my prayers.

[@sharonvanderwesthuizen4330]

So glad to hear that your Dad is doing so much better, Mike. I think is all the love & support you, Ian & Mr B give them. As that is what family is for. Sending lots of prayers & virtual hugs from Cape Town, South Africa. 😊😉👨‍👩‍👦🤗🤗🤗🤩🤩🤩

[@darlenesmith515]

What wonderful news that your Dad is on the mends! Always love to see your vlogs every week and thanks for sharing, Mike.

[@hildabobonis6597]

So happy to hear and see he is doing so much better. Sending prayers and lot's of love to your Mom and Dad.

[@sandrakinney1969]

you and your family are in my thoughts and prayer, so glad to hear dad is recovering .

[@dawnc8755]

So glad to hear your dad is improving. It's lovely for you to be such an amazing, supportive son. Caregiving is very difficult. Hang in there! And best wishes for continued recovery for Dad. I'm sure that visits from loved ones will restore his spirits, which is such an important part of recovery.

[@elizabethyoung1678]

Great to hear there has been improvement with your dad. Urine infections are a nightmare! Good that he is getting to see his relatives and that Mum is getting a break. Long may it continue.

[@sherrireeves8110]

Sending prayers and well wishes for all from Mississippi. Thank you for all the updates!

[@gloriaeike4973]

Glad to hear your dad is improving and feeling a bit better. Prayers for you all and he continues to improve. It will be nice to have his family visit and you are quite the good son as you care for them.

[@TracyisCrafty]

Lots of love to Mum and Dad, wishes for fast recovery for your Dad. Hugs to you and Ian, love from Tracy in Southport

[@anascrazylife7209]

I am so happy your dad is getting better. Still sending a lot of hugs and prayers for all of you and praying he gets a lot better

[@rachelpatten8889]

Yes, UTIs can cause all kinds of disorientation and confusion. Hope he gets well soon. Best you all.

[@4711Dorothea]

So glad to hear your dads on the mend. Hopefully you all have a better week take care 🌻❤️🌻

[@scrapbagstudios]

I'm so glad Dad is improving and that all our thoughts and well wishes have helped. Being 80 sucks I can tell you - don't ever go there! You are a good son, as is mine - here's to great sons! Thanks Ian for the glimpses of Saltburn. Mr. B looking good. Love and best wishes to Mum and Dad. tfs xoxo

[@scrapbagstudios]

Mind you I wouldn't like to be 20 again, but I wouldn't mind going back to 50! I still had strength and agility then!

[@rebeccaboothe7117]

Aww great news about your dad. You are a big help I'm sure. Oh my the ocean was beautiful and the sound was lovely. Hi to Me. Bentley.

[@LynneWilliams101]

Ever so pleased to hear that your dad is improving and mum is feeling better about everything. Hope that you take care of yourself Mike and let Ian know that his seaside video was wonderful. Caring hugs from Canada!

[@lizjohnstone1654]

So pleased to hear your Dad is feeling better, you are such a good caring son. All the best from NZ.

[@michellelongstaff9413]

Blooming heck, now need Mr Deakin's Greenhouse vlog. Very interesting stuff going on there. Looking forward to you growing from seed. Lovely that your mum feels she can take little breaks now and again. The positive news is great to hear, xx

[@southernbiscuits1275]

I hope your dad continues to improve, Mike. Your helpful attitude towards your parents is so nice to see. I hope you all do well in these tough time. All the best from America!

[@ngaireashdown6783]

Great news about your Dad. Ian's trip to the seaside looked lovely. Love to all xo

[@Phyllis-nk5ji]

I'm happy to hear that Dad is improving. Old age is not for the faint of heart, and I'm speaking from the old age group, being just past my mid 80's. I'm always happy when I wake up feeling fine and am able to take care of myself. I order all that I need for food etc. and have it delivered and am also a good customer of Amazon for other odds and ends and even art supplies. You need to take care of yourself. Being a care giver is a difficult job and you're the main care giver of Mom and Dad. Where did I miss the youtube that tells me why you're down to one car? Glad you were able to help Dad clean up the green house. Keep up your good, unselfish work but try not to neglect your own life and routine.

[@PetraLemié]

💖... how nice to hear that !!! All the best continue💐🙋‍♀️

[@marieduncan8746]

So glad to hear of your Dad's improvement. Sending prayers for you all.

[@hollymoses8197]

So glad he is doing better! Sending positive thoughts and prayers your way from Prince Edward Island, Canada

[@joeyhoney1]

It is so nice to see your dad out supervising you in his greenhouse!! I am so glad to hear that he is beginning to get stronger! Cheers and best wishes from Calgary, Alberta!

[@DebzZi]

Very good news about Dad's recovering so well in the past few days. And hat off to you for being such a wonderful support to them. Trusting and praying that Dad has a speedy and full recovery from hereon out. Healing wishes from Cape Town S.Africa. Take care. Give Mr B a good old squish from me❤

[@sharonhenley2305]

So happy your mom and dad are doing better. Thoughts and prayers being sent your way from the good ol USA!!

[@desireestewart-jordan9630]

So happy to hear your Dad is doing better!! Sending big hugs to you and your family 😊

[@gabitiegs6422]

This are good news about your Dad! Again best wishes to you and your loved ones. Thank you for sharing, hugs and greetings from Germany, Gabi ps: Also many thanks to Ian for the beautiful lovely seaside impressions.

[@craftwithmedawne3021]

Lovely news that your Dad is feeling better bless him x Huggles to you all and much love ❤️ x x x

[@christieoertel1589]

An anxious time Mike,glad to hear your Dad has improved he had a triple whammie what with stroke and then arm infection and bladder his body has handled a lot, antibiotics really take it out of people so glad they have done the job. Hugs all round. Hope your Mum enjoys her day out, and Dad enjoys his friends and family visiting. Wow great supply of chillies, what usually happens to them. You and Ian will be looking forward to a holiday in the near future. Take care U5 from NZ

[@58orchards]

Glad your dad is improving I think urine infections are the worst thing for older people( me included ) Love to you all, you are a wonderful Son Mike. PS I've never been to Saltburn by the sea it looks beautiful thanks for showing us Ian.

[@rochestermanagementservice6082]

Good news about your dad's improvement, Mike. Sounds like some great strides just in the past few days. So smart of you to stay on top of his progress (or lack of, for a while.). Enjoyed the seaside visit---I swear I could smell the delightful air. Good to see Ian, as well. We think the world of your mom and dad, Mike, and you and Ian and, of course, the celebrity wonder dog, Mr. B. 🐶. Hugs from Cheryl & family in the desert in AZ.

[@paulawastel8315]

I am so happy to hear your Dad is doing a bit better. It is so worrying when they get ill. I will keepbyou and your Mom and Dad in my prayers. Do not worry so much about us. We can all catch up sometime later. Love travelling with you through the towns and villages. The things I noticed at oncecwete how clean the syreets are; that the roads are so smooth and not pitted with potholes (and that you do not have to play dodgems with the holes during traffic) and that they are clearly marked. It made me feel quite nostalgic, because once upon a time we had lovely and well-cared for roads. Loved the insert with the sound of the sea. We have just came out of a hard lockdown and lockdown and we have a long weekend. We are celebrating Heritage Day and most SAfricans are on the move to Durban and the sea or to the Kruger Park with the roar of the lion or the call of the fish eagle awaiting them. My Spring school holiday started yesterday and I am just chilling, sleeping in and relaxing watching your vlog. It is nearly 10h00 and it is a warm (first one for September), beautiful Spring day. Will head on outside in a bit to go and admire my garden for one last time. I should be moving soon from Boksburg to Pretoria, nearer the sisters, nieces and my brother. Have a wonderful week and wishing you, your Dad and Mom good health and great happiness.

[@donnawright5749]

So glad your dad is responding to everything..uti’s do crazy things..praying everyday he gets stronger and you and your mum can breathe a little..❤️

[@purplenanna1272]

Bless you.Your parent’s are so lucky to have you as their son! Just to mention if your dad complains of his tum in the future,get water sample checked as a precaution.I get terrible bladder spasms with water infections.Hugs x

[@ednamorgan7827]

Good news about your Dad, Mike. I wish him well. Tell him that I'm sending warm Welsh wishes from Cardiff.

[@katel3709]

So happy your Dad is improving! Special well wishes to him and your mum..and to your whole family. I know it's been a tough time for all of you but it sounds like you are all supporting one another....which mean so much. By the way, tell your dad he took a very nice picture in the garden. Best wishes!

[@amandaspence8167]

I’m so glad that our comments and well wishes helped you and your mum and dad during this stressful time! Being so far away does make it difficult to do anything substantial. Glad to hear he’s up and about again. BTW when I take antibiotics they don’t usually kick in until almost the last day of taking them. It can be very alarming. Thanks to Ian for the video from the seaside-so beautiful. Wonderful visit as always. Hugs and best regards to all. 🥰

[@ShikhaPrasadCraft]

My dad also got urine infection after his operation. We detected it late, and had to rush him to hospital in emergency. First few days were very difficult. The first two days, he was confused, and language gone all garbled. Within ICU and antibiotics, he started getting better after third days, but he stayed in some weird dream world for a week, and he kept talking about people who don't exist in real life. So yeah, urine infection is really a nasty thing, and it really can wrack havoc if left undetected. happy to know that things are getting better with your dad. Wishing him a speedy recovery! ♥

[@greeneyedmimibostian3013]

Love and good health to all

[@julbea]

So good to hear your dad is on the mend. From Canada

[@naomiwest7556]

So pleased things are improving!

[@BarbaraUK927]

Thank you so much for the update. I continue to think about you all as you go through this difficult time. I wonder if Mr B felt worried too as animals often sense when people are ill. Glad Ian got to Saltdean.. love to your parents and well done to Dad for participating in his recovery, From experience I know that this is not aways the case,

[@karentancock5171]

I am so glad to hear that your dad is much improved, we had a similar situation with my mum recently and it was horrible. As an Occupational Therapist myself though, I must point out that we are a profession in our own right.....not nurses. It is a separate, 3 year degree level training, and we specifically work on rehab and developing people's independence. Lots of people make similar mistakes, but I am proud of my profession.....just as nurses are proud of theirs. I hope your dad continues to make good progress.....aided by his therapists 😊

[@jeanwestackroyd2966]

Hello all, glad to hear things are looking up for everyone now. Such trying times, your challenge seemed so apt. Things have a habit of getting there in their own time. Glad you are giving your Mum a break, its so important to have a much needed time out. Take care all, and don't forget yourselves, that's just as important. Thankyou for all the updates, appreciated.

[@kandrews6356]

I’m sorry your Dad is not better - Prayers going up for better results in the next week. Mr Bentley needs to mark his new territory. LOL. I’m sure he just feels some of y’all’s tension. I hope things get better and wish you all well.

[@Optasia22]

Bless you through this journey 💓

[@marciagainey5155]

Greetings from across the pond! So glad to get word that your dad and mom are doing better! Elder care is not easy and you do feel so responsible to make sure things happen like they should. I understand your frustration at the hesitancy of the nurses to call the doctor. But he seems to be improving now, thank goodness! You are such a good son to remember that your mom needs to get out and have a normal routine again. I’m sure she appreciates your attentiveness to both of their needs. I don’t know if the nurses mentioned to you but a urinary tract infection can definitely cause cognitive and behavioral issues with your dad. If you notice a sudden change in his cognitive abilities or odd behavior, you should suspect a urinary tract infection could be the cause. A urinalysis is not that hard to obtain and you can get on with treatment right away. It has happened with my mother-in-law and my own mother. It is a relatively easy problem to solve and can present with behavior similar to dementia and brain fog. All the best to all of you - Mr. Bentley, Ian and mom and dad and YOU. My husband and I are planning a get away next week to the mountains of Georgia north of Atlanta. The weather is supposed to be mild and crisp at night! A real taste of fall weather. Yay!

[@18MundyStJournals]

so glad your dad is on the mend. if you haven't already done so, i always ring the Chemist who will be able to look up the medication side effects - they know more than the gp as medication is tricky and quite specific. hope this helps xxxx luv from downunder - Di xx

[@doreenbailey6130]

Hi Ian .. thanks for the seaside visit, did you have a show? One should never apologize for ocean/ocean side noise

[@kcinca5410]

Meds do awful things to me. Even the most benign ones. The sooner I'm off them, the better. Most upset my stomach. After my surgery, I had to pay $100.00 (US) for anti-nausea medication - as it wasn't absolutely necessary to my recovery - but it was necessary to me! Who wants to be hunched over the toilet all day after neck surgery? I hope the nurses and doctors get the cause of his symptoms figured out. Sometimes it seems they treat the numbers and not the patient. Comfort is so important. All my best wishes for a speedier recovery for your Dad and some peace of mind for you and your Mum.

[@robinsutton4952]

I didn’t know what all the meds were when my husband came home from hospital. Like you, paid a fortune for the nausea meds and not needed.

[@kcinca5410]

@@robinsutton4952 What's up with that? At least they could wait and see if they're needed or not, especially when insurance doesn't cover them (I'm guessing here but really).

[@robinsutton4952]

@@kcinca5410 (I take it your in California?). Southern CA (Orange County) here. I actually had to go back to the pharmacy the next day and the pharmacist was very apologetic, but since I had already picked up they couldn’t take them back. So now if I feel nauseous, I take one. Might as well! We’re both on Medicare now, but stilll, drugs are costly. Thankfully I don’t take any, but some of his are astronomical.

[@kandrews6356]

You’re doing better than me - I think I’d be beyond frustrated and down right angry. The medical industry can be so irritating so I applaud you for ‘holding your cool’ so-to-speak. Looks like a lovely green-house… and WHAT?!?… you don’t like peppers? I love peppers - all types of peppers - so feel free to send them my way. LOL

[@stormyweather2773]

Haha! I have o spell everything so my dog doesn’t react ..it lasted bout 3 weeks ..she can now spell walk,dinner,garden,biscuit, bed and Car ! ( her favourite) she’s too smart for her own good ! 😂😂😂💞

[@Cheshirecat-nx9zn]

Infections are nothing to mess with. My Mom got sepsis from c-diff. And it killed her. By the time I got her to hospital it was as too late. Her entire blood was septic. Keep calling them. More you bother them the faster they will act.

[@anneperseh4907]

Pheweee, thank goodness your dad seems to be well on the road to recovery. So were the hiccups and stomach cramps a side effect? Your dad must be feeling better if he's pottering around his greenhouse and shed. At least the weather has helped and he can get outside. I hope your mum is ok. Howz about a trip to a garden centre? I guess that is determined by the fuel supply! Huh! Flippin' government. And I'm being polite!! The sea looked absolutely beautiful. Thanks Ian. I love the sea at any time. Take good care of yourself Mike. We're all watching out for you. :) :)

[@tonihall7810]

Pains in the stomach will be the antibiotics. Even if he never had trouble before with them . Need to change them . Trust me I have dealt with this before. Dad might also have delirium because his electrolytes are out of wack. Presents a bit like stroke symptoms . Keep on the medical people’s backs because if you dont let them know every time they assume all is good. Stay safe love from Australia xx lol of course this was a week ago and you have obviously sorted it by now xxx

[@annejenholt6721]

❤️🤗

[@updatedjustnow271]

🌺🌸♥️🌸🌺

[@cindybagley4925]

There’s no difference between your nurses in our nurses when it comes to home visits. They do what they Gotta do to get out. So happy it is all working out for your dad.

[@peggiescraftcafe7117]

Did you get rid of your car? I thought you each had one.

[@MikeDeakinArt]

It’s in need of repair but I can’t afford to do it just yet.

[@peggiescraftcafe7117]

@@MikeDeakinArt Ah, yes. Having a car is sometimes like having a vacuum cleaner attached to your wallet!

[@deborahmclean8941]

Call the doctor now.

[@MikeDeakinArt]

?

[@deborahmclean8941]

Just the nurses aren't doing their job. You're doing a great job.

[@Deeply-k3t]

Mike, PLEASE take your dad for blood tests. 🙏