Missing Him

I was at the nail salon yesterday and made a comment to my nail lady ... that I had not cut my hair since Gordo moved in … almost 3 years ago.
When all of a sudden another customer (who was having a pedicure) yells out. “What is your dad’s name?” I was rather shocked and replied… “Well  … he is now deceased, but his name is Gordon”. This woman get a huge smile on her face and exclaims “Mr. Cave! He loves Lady Gaga, the Boston Celtics and wears those cute baseball caps”.  OK folks … how weird is this? I simply asked ... “ma'am  … how do you know my father?”. She answers … Oh! ... I have been his night time nurse for years at Methodist Hospital. I just love him and your sister Liz . I was there the night he went to heaven”.
WOW! How nice that she really did care about him.
I guess Gordo was loved by more folks then I even knew.
He sure is in Heaven … but I do miss him so.
Remember … to be kind and patient with our “Seasoned Citizens”.

Medicare A and Home Health Care

Fact #2

Did you know that Medicare A …in most cases will pay 100% of home health care costs … if there is a medical need for an elder who is no longer able to drive?

All they need is a doctor’s order from their primary care doctor or one of their specialists to email or fax an order … stating … for example … that the patient needs their blood checked each week … requires some physical therapy … to help them maneuver around with their walker … and WHAM … the next thing you know ... a RN is at the home assessing and assuring care on a regular basis.

Remember ... to be kind and patient with our “Seasoned Citizens”.

80 Plus

I am absolutely amazed at how (little) folks REALLY know about choices and/or options that our elderly have or the false understanding of what they think they do.

So having said that … I’d like to share daily facts with you.

Should anyone read these and want more (in depth) info … just leave a post and I will get back with you.

FACT #1

Adults over age 80 are the fastest growing segment of the population; most will spend years dependent on others for the most basic needs.

This is ... US … ladies and gentlemen.

So ... Get out a pen … and stay tuned.

And always remember … to be kind and patient with our “Seasoned Citizens”.

Guardian Angels

What should I do after my journey with Gordo?

One would think that I’d be happy to go back to life as it was 3 years ago.

Easier said than done … my friends. In fact (for me) down right impossible. My life will never be the same. Heck … I will never be the same.

All the things I have learned … the people who I’ve met … all my experiences, etc. led me to a career decision. Almost a mission … really. That is to reach out to as many people as I can to help our elderly have the best quality of life in their “Autumn Years”. .. while assisting the people (who love them) in  making that a reality.

My 25 plus years in advertising sales, marketing and management affords me the experience of effective communication and drive. So … with my passion for the wellbeing of our seniors … compiled with my skill set … it really was a “no brainer”.

Home Health Care!

Because of this service … (covered 100% with his Medicare A) Gordo was able to live with me for the few years that he did. I am absolutely convinced that without their care … the quality of his final years would not have been what they were. He would have been in and out of the hospital 3 times as much. But instead he was in his home … surrounded by loved ones and stayed relatively healthy during much of that time.

In his memory and because I want to help others in the same situations … I am going to keep this blog going. Only now … instead of fun stories about Dad … my hope is to share information that I have learned and will learn as my journey continues. Only now … I have a guardian angels (Gordo and Toby) to help guide me.

Love much … Cora aka Pooker Annie

    

Obituary

I was asked to write an obit. This is what I came up with.

Memorial Service for Gordon Cave
October 26, 2013— Our dear sweet dad and friends to many, left this life he so loved on October 5, 2013. He lived a wonderful 83 years.
Preceded by our mother, Eileen Jeffries Cave, his parents, Gordon Powell Cave Sr. and Helen M. Casey Cave. He is survived by his daughter Cora and (her husband) Michael Blanchard, his daughter Elizabeth McDonley, 5 grandchildren Amber, Ricky and wife Andrea, Stephanie, Sarah and Robby. Followed by 5 great-grandchildren Jaclyn, Avery, Presley, Owen and Jared. Gordon was a treasure to his parents and an only child who excelled academically and an honor’s student in high school who graduated from Columbia University with a History degree. Having been a bachelor for years, he met and fell in love with our mother. They had two little girls whom he absolutely cherished.
His career began at Macletts, owned a Baskin Robbins in Darien CT., and when Gordon and Eileen decided to move to Houston in 1973, they were both successful realtors. Divorced later, he moved to Phoenix AZ where he became an employee of the Bureau of Land Management and ultimately retired.
Gordon returned to Houston in retirement to be near his beloved daughters. He shared his apartment at Park Shadows with his best friend, Toby, his little black pug. He met many friends both at Park Shadows and the Unitarian Fellowship where he was a member and former Trustee.
His last years were living with his daughter Cora and her husband, Michael. He was a sweet, witty gentleman who read widely, was knowledgeable about world affairs, the opera, the theatre, sports, jazz and movies.
He leaves a legacy of love, optimism, light-hearted gaiety and learning.
Thanks for being our wonderful Daddy!
Love forever!