Why this blog?

I set up this blog to keep people posted on how things are going with John Garbutt, father to me (Chris), Tracey, Holly and Tim, husband to Michelle, and grandfather to Kyle. He's been in the hospital since just before Labour Day, and it's been a rollercoaster.

Dad was diagnosed with mid-stage Alzheimer's Disease in August. It was a shock to all of us, but it did explain some things, such as why he wasn't able to remember things. About three weeks later, he went into the hospital for unrelated reasons, and has not come out. Since that time, his decline has been dramatic. Before he went into the hospital, it was pretty easy to forget that he even had Alzheimer's. But over the last three months or so, he has been unpredictable. Sometimes in he's good spirits, singing old songs and making jokes. Sometimes he's completely unaware, not recognizing us, not saying much, other than muttering under his breath. Sometimes he's in very poor health and other times he's getting up and walking around as if nothing's wrong. Still, he's not the guy we used to know, and we miss our dad a lot.

It's certain that he won't be returning home, but what happens next is still up in the air. It could be rehab, it could be a nursing home or it could be more time in the hospital. Because so many have asked about him, and because there may be times we can't respond quickly, I've set up this blog to provide updates. I'll do my best to keep everyone posted, and there may also be posts from my siblings and from Mom.

Thanks to everyone who have been so supportive during this time -- you don't know how much that has meant to us.

Chris