Like many of their friends, clients, and colleagues in their baby boomer years, Cathy and her husband Rogge Dunn have experienced the challenges that come with aging parents. Cathy’s father Sam was a retired Marine whose health deteriorated as Alzheimers and dementia set in. We set up this diary to chronicle Cathy’s journey with Sam. As you’ll see, Sam’s adventures offer a bittersweet mix of humor and heartache. We hope Sam’s Story is a reminder to live in the moment, savoring the good times we have with family and friends while taking every opportunity to build memories that will last a lifetime.
Learning to navigate the medical and social services Sam needed – and all of the many bills that come with them – was an eye-opening experience for Cathy, and we’ve learned it’s an experience many of you have shared in caring for an aging parent. The good news is, you can plan today for how you will meet those expenses in the future. One of the best things you can do for your spouse, your children, and for yourself is to at least have the LTC (Long Term Care) conversation. There are levels of coverage for all budgets, and we are here to help answer any questions you might have.
Thanks again to all for your kind words and support!
Timeline
2019
Celebrating Sam’s Life
Celebrating Sam!
Sam’s celebration of life wouldn’t be complete without a hamburger and chocolate shake from In and Out!
Rest in Peace Sam
Quick Lunch With Dad!
Having another great day!
Father’s Day!
Bingo Winner!
Sam won a new hat at bingo today!
The Easter Bunny
Sam was not impressed by the Easter Bunny on Easter weekend! Hahaha
Enjoying the Beautiful Weather!
Look who is enjoying this beautiful weather today! He is obsessed with his new hat!
A Great Day With Queenie
Sam had a great day outside with Queenie aka The Lion Queen!
Fat Tuesday outfit!
We just had to post this photo! Look who had a great Fat Tuesday!
New obsession!
Look who has found a new obsession! We did not see that coming! That smile!
Showing his stripes
Matching outfits = a great day for Sam!
Look at that track suit
Sam visited the dermatologist today!
The Puzzle was a Hit!
Sam is having a great day hanging out with the ladies at his new facility. His puzzle made him a big hit, but the smile really makes it special!
Happy New Year!
Sam spent the first day of 2019 with a huge smile on his face!
2018
Merry Christmas!
The last 5 weeks have been quite challenging. He has moved to a new facility that has a lock down memory care unit. His spirits are high and he is entertaining all the new ladies. He is the only male in his unit and the women love him! Please keep him in your prayers
Happy Thanksgiving!
Cathy celebrated Thanksgiving a little early with Sam at the nursing home.
The Shirt Mishap
Sam wears Paul Fredrick brand shirts… but when you have Alzheimer’s/dementia, having someone else’s name in your shirt can get confusing! Listen to the voicemail Sam left Cathy when he noticed the tag of his shirt.
85 Years Old!
Sam celebrated his 85th birthday with friends and family by his side! He had a great day! Most importantly, his lunch was a burger and milkshake catered by Grub Burger!
Sam Turns 85!
This year, Sam turned 85! Cathy held a birthday party for him at his care facility to celebrate. These are some of the best moments!
Out of the hospital!
Sam is feeling much better, so of course he got a burger!
A Bump In the Road
It’s been a long 24 hours. Sam was admitted during the night with congestive heart failure. He’s comfortable. No more shakes for a few days. Alzheimer’s and dementia stinks too.
Something New
We tried something new today other than Sam’s usual order: a burger and a milkshake!
Enjoying the day!
Sam had a great day enjoying the sunshine and visiting with Queenie!
Just peachy!
Sam had a great day shopping for groceries and visiting with Queenie! Of course he also got a burger and a milkshake to top it all off.
Sam’s Day is made!
Sam said “Cathy, this is awesome chocolate ice cream! You made my day!”
It’s the little things!
Sam is doing well! He is happy that his shirts are pressed and starched.
Something New!
Sam is having a great day today! We decided to try something new – Einstein Bros for breakfast!
Guess Who is Having a Great Day!
Sam and I enjoyed lunch together! Sam had a large burger, french fries and, of course, a chocolate milkshake. 
Dinner with my favorites!
We came back to visit Sam for dinner! Queenie is getting so big she can no longer fit in his lap!
Not your typical lunch!
Oh my!! That’s not a burger and a milkshake?!
Playing with Queenie & Brunch
Today we enjoyed brunch (Sam of course having a burger and milkshake) and I managed to sneak Queenie in for a visit!
Enjoying PT!
Went to drop off coffee to Sam and found him working out at PT!
Back home and dinner with my favorite guy!
We got to enjoy an amazing dinner Steve Fields’ Steak & Lobster Lounge!
Look who’s having a great day today!
It’s always a great day for a hamburger and a chocolate shake! Sam is currently enjoying his at his favorite rehabilitation center as he recovers from his latest bought with pneumonia.
Things Are Looking Up
Sam turned a corner today. He has a fever but he’s feeling better!!! Time to call in the old standby – hamburger and a chocolate shake. Thank you to everyone who has expressed their concern.
Pneumonia Has Returned
Unexpected trip to ER yesterday. Please keep my dad Samuel Fields in your prayers. His BP is staying at 190 and his pneumonia is back with a vengeance. He’s on oxygen and resting. We finally were admitted to a room earlier this morning.
Post-Pneumonia Hamburger
Great news! Sam’s pneumonia has cleared up! His BP is a little out of control but nothing medications or a hamburger with french fries and a chocolate shake can’t control!
Hearing Aids
Look who is having a great day today! What a small world! Dr. Beth Bernthal (who is my is my niece in law) is setting him up with hearing aides!!
2017
Health-Update
Sam had some skin cancer removed from his head and face, but he’s a trooper and handling it all well!
Happy Birthday!
Cathy and her family celebrated Sam’s 84th birthday at Bahama Legacy West. Happy Birthday Sam!
A Great Day on the Lake
Look who I got to take out of assisted living today! He was thrilled! It has been 7 months since he was able to leave the facility. What a beautiful day it was to be out on our boat!
Family Visit
Look who I got to spend the day with!
Better Days Ahead
After a rough few days post-surgery, Sam has been discharged from the hospital and is now back at the rehab center.
Surgery Day Update
Sam had cardiac surgery early this morning and has not been able to wake up. It appears there are some neurological issues at this time. Please keep Sam in your prayers.
Bon Appétit
Guess who had a great lunch after his MRI?
Surgery Day
Today is surgery day! Please keep Sam in your prayers. We have a long recovery road ahead of us!
UPDATE: Sam’s artery is 90%+ blocked. At this time, he’s considered too high of a risk for surgery. He has been released back to rehab for further evaluation. We will post further updates as available.
According to Plan
Sam has had a very good week. We are happy to report that he is now eligible for surgery, which is scheduled for June 7th. He’ll remain at the rehabilitation hospital until then.
Good news!
Sam has had a great week. Though he is still a patient at the rehabilitation facility, his condition is stable. We will be meeting with his cardiac surgeon this week to further evaluate his condition. Hopefully, we will get the go-ahead to proceed with surgery within the next week or two.
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