It's been about 7.5 years since I've been caring for Ken. A rewarding thing, but also a really hard thing!!! First he battled Charcot's foot and had 3 surgeries, an external fixator for 1.5 years; then as that was almost healed, he was diagnosed with Glioblastoma and given 12-18 months to live. He's now a long term survivor at almost 6 years, but has been bedridden for the last 4 years and on hospice for over 2 years. I did try doing respite a couple other times through hospice, but he always took a really bad turn right before the planned dates (was even told he was transitioning the last time), so I didn't think I would ever be trying a respite again. Even when the social worker of the new hospice group asked if I had some days in mind for a respite, I jokingly said, "how about Sat. - Wed?" (Sat being just 2 days away). She actually said, "I'll see what I can do." Later that afternoon, she called and said, "Pack your bags!"
So I had a day to pack up everything and get us both ready. Talked to Ken about it, although I suspected he wouldn't remember. Didn't have too long to worry about whether or not I was making the right decision. Can't say Ken was in great shape, but he's been a lot worse and is still here.
I called Angie to let her know and she asked if she and Layla could come, too. Sounded great to me!!! I actually had a 2 bedroom Presidential condo reserved at the Wyndham Panama City Beach Resort that I'd originally booked for the Hicks kids, but they said they didn't want to go so close to xmas. I got it with such an incredible discount of points, that I never bothered to cancel it. Even tried to give it away without any luck.
Wyndham Panama City Beach resort---2 bedroom Presidential room 547
Day 1 --- Dec. 20, 2025---drive to Panama City Beach
Day 2 --- Dec. 21, 2025---hanging out at the beach
Day 3 --- Dec. 22, 2025---St. Andrews State Park and more beach
Day 4 --- Dec. 23, 2025--- heading home
It was a great respite! Other than how Ken would take me going away for a respite, I was also somewhat afraid that the few days away would make it harder to get back into the "old routine". But I'm happy to say it did rejuvenate me. Like I told Angie when she asked me how I was doing while we were there, I felt it was right. Helped that everything fell into place so quickly and I didn't have to worry about it for long. Even the weather cooperated! Don't think I'd do it again with the way Ken ended up taking it, but it was great being "normal" for a little while.
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