Well, after a long time without posting, I'm back.
But this time it's not to annoy and piss people off (that will come later ), I need advice and info.
20 days ago my beloved father fell down some stairs on his head, and suffered a brain hemoragia (hit above his left eye). He went into a deep coma, and was put into artificial coma to let things evolve in the begining.
Suffice to say I've never been that scared and shocked in my whole life, even if he's very old (78) and I had been anticipating something like that for years.
The first days were very hard for my mom and me, because the doctors said his case could evolve fatally in the first 72 hrs.
He passed that period, and now they've stopped keeping him in an artificial coma, but they're still pessimistic because of the size of the trauma. But we're optimistic because everyday he makes a small progress (moving his hand, opening his eyes, turning his head...). Now my biggest fear is that he stays badly handicaped for the rest of his life. He's very strong, has never been sick, and was cutting trees in our garden just 3 months ago, so the doctors say it's a good point for him, but his age is the main problem.
Many people in my entourage had stories about unexpected recoveries - or not - and I'm sure some members of this forum will have had similar experiences, so...

I almost sold my car, because I didn't want my mother to go through this pain again if I had to have an accident, but now I think I'm gonna keep it.
I even started to look for a replacement car : Caprice Classic '82, matt grey with matt black wheels and hydraulics

 

I had this exact experience last year including everything you've described. My dad was 81 and fell from a ladder on his head while cleaning gutters. He'd had a full and active life. He is the best father of any I know and -- while he was beginning to have the occasional fuzzy day -- was always sharp as a tack. Eventually, my dad fully awakened.

Unfortunately in his case, the news is not really good. A long time later, he continues to have no short-term memory and be very confused. He cannot live on his own (even with my sister) and requires 24 hour supervision. He has completly lost his mechanical ability but continues to take apart things like his flashlight and hearing aid. He cries frequently (after a life of stoic steadiness.)

I wish we had taken other decisions at various points and feel confident that he would agree. I wish you the best...

 

Earlier this year I lost my Mum in similar circumstances. All I can offer is all my best wishes for a good outcome. I think you're right not to sell the S2000. I hadn't bought my car when this happened, as I was dithering over whether or not to spend so much money on the car. During one brief period where my Mum was conscious she made me promise to do whatever I wanted with my money as I'd earnt it. Suffice to say I bought an S2000 as soon as I could.
You see statistics for things like these - I'd like to think that my negative outcome means that for the stats to be right there is a bit more of a chance for someone else.
I think it's important not to change your own life too much during this kind of circumstance - it's all to easy to lose the sense of balance which doesn't help anyone.
Good luck.

-Brian.

 

I know how this really sucks. Just to state the obvious, you've only got one mom amd dad in this life and the pain of losing them seems unbearable.

You've got no control over how this turns out. You're obviously going to do whatever's required of you to help both your parents through this, but you've got your own life to live in the end, and it isn't long enough!

Best wishes and good luck. I hope your father pulls through.

 

I haven't gone through this with my parents, but both my parents have over the past 10 years with their parents and my remaining great-grandmother. Best wishes le car to you and your family

 

Sorry to hear your sad news, hope things take a turn for the better..........good luck.

 

I really hope everything turns out for the best for you.

I have to agree with what Cedric said. If your father is anything like mine, he would be sad to think that you were not able to carry on with your life properly because of him. I am sure that he would want you to get on with your life fully as you have it all ahead of you.

It is important to help your parents get through this, but it is also important to remember that you have a life to lead as well.

Best wishes, and again, I hope everything turns out well for you.

 

well thanks everyone, he's getting a bit better everyday now, and I hope he'll be strong enough to recover from this.
I remember being afraid of seeing him getting old and less dynamic, but now all I want is to see him sitting in a rocking chair, smoking a Beedee (sp?) and looking over the Mediteranean sea from our Greek house

And I want my car back!!! (it's been in a garage in france for more than a month now - transmission & diff problems )

 

Glad to hear he's doing better!

-Brian.