Catching-Up With Randy
Wow, it feels great to be back! During my time off, I literally went through three bottles of mouthwash, four tubes of family-size toothpaste, five packs of dental floss, two large Costco boxes of York Peppermint Patties, and twenty packages of pepper-jack string cheese. I also grew a beard (more on that below) and my wife, Debbie, and I added a new member to our family: our first cat: Raja!
The most significant thing that happened during the last seventeen months, however, was my Mom and Dad experiencing extended stays in hospital. Dad was suffering from an intestinal blockage and, because of the NG tube up his nose and down his throat, he couldn’t shave. I made pact with him during this time that I wouldn’t shave either, so I ended up growing my first my first full beard. Two surgeries, two beards and forty-two days later Dad was able to go home.
The bearded duo!
Click here to see more of Randy’s pictures…
A few days after Dad came home, my Mom had to go to the hospital herself for kidney failure. Three sessions of dialysis and eleven days later, she too was released from hospital.
The past seventeen months were the most challenging of my life. It was no vacation for me but it was a blessing in disguise because not working allowed me to take care of Mom and Dad.
When Dad was in the hospital, I drove everyday from San Elijo Hills to San Carlos to spend the whole day with Mom to make sure she was taken care of. I took her to breakfast, then Walmart (her favorite place to go), then to see Dad at the hospital. Afterwards, I took her to lunch, helped around the house, and then dinner. When Mom was in the hospital I drove down every day to help out Dad and see Mom.
I didn’t think it was possible, but I’ve become closer to them than ever before. This journey my family has gone through has changed me; I’m a better son and a better man.
My brother also helped out during this time. He came through to help out Mom & Dad. He also sent me money to help us pay the mortgage.
Debbie is my rock and my strength, I couldn’t have made it through all of this without her. Cherish your family while you have them; kiss them and tell them you love them every time you see them. They’re the greatest gift you could ever receive – thank God everyday for that gift.
Diana
January 27, 2011 7:25 AM
Congratulations Randy I am so glad to hear that you finally and Debbie finally got married. I have followed you since JACK/STAR and now XYKY.
leslee gilmour
January 27, 2011 7:34 AM
nice, nice, nice!
Tia
January 27, 2011 7:49 AM
Welcome back Randy. I loved reading your blog and I hope you’ll write on it more. It was seriously so well written, witty, charming, and made me feel good every time I read it. I’m so glad to hear that you used your time off in such a compassionate way. I’m sorry your parents were ill and I pray they are much better now. All best to you, Debbie, and your furry family. Glad you’re back on the radio, behind the scene and on air. Blessings, Tia
Kathi
January 27, 2011 7:51 AM
Randy, I know EXACTLY what you went through, in taking care of your parents. My siblings and I very suddenly lost our mom in September ’08 and five months later, we made the very difficult decision to put our dad, who has Alzheimer’s Disease, in an assisted living facility. I don’t know if you know someone, or have been personally affected by Alzheimer’s (I pray to God that you haven’t), but this is one of the toughest diseases there is, emotionally, in my opinion. The roles reverse, where the children are now the parent. It has brought my siblings and I so much closer than we’ve ever been -we’ve also been close. Thank you for sharing your story.
Edwina
January 27, 2011 8:41 AM
Very touching.
Cami
January 27, 2011 9:10 AM
I too lost my job right at the same time you guys did. I too knew immediately why I lost my job. My dad had alshiemers and 2 days after I lost my job took a turn for the worse. I was there everyday to help my mom with him as he was still at home. He died 10 days after I lost my job. I was then there for my mom, helping with all the stuff that comes after. I was lucky to find a job in 3 months…but at a significant decreas in pay. It has been no cake wake and is still a struggle. But being there for our parents…and our kids is the best reward. Thanks for coming back.
Susan
January 27, 2011 9:17 AM
Randy, I met you and Debbie at Vons in Encinitas a while back. My husband was going through chemo for Hodgkins Lymphoma and you and your wife were so sweet and caring and said you would pray for us. Well, the cancer is gone (yay!) and he’s finishing up his radiation and working on getting rid of the neuropathy that the chemo left him with, but we’re on the road to recovery. I just wanted to say I’m glad both of your parents are doing better and it was so sweet of you and Debbie to be so sweet to me, a complete stranger. God bless you both and I’m so happy you’re back on air. You’re one special man, Debbie is one lucky (and beautiful) lady and the beard looks good!
Esther
January 27, 2011 10:03 AM
I just saw this pix of you and dad and it reminded me of my dad. I did the same and took care of mom and dad for a year (after I got laid off from my job). It was a blessing to share that time with them. You are very fortunate to have them with you. I lost my mom in 2007 and dad in 2008 (8months after mom passed, dad passed away too. After 56 years together, it was a given he’d follow her)
I completely agree about family. Keep them close and don’t let anything get in the way. Mom and Dad were the best part of my life and now they have blessed me with sending me a wonderful man (married last year) and they continue to watch over me. Randy, your parents are blessed to have a wonderful son (and daughter-in-law) to take care of them. It’s not an easy road to take but God only gives us what we know we can handle, even when we think we’re at the end. Keep doing what you do. You have a friend that can relate in me. Glad to hear you guys in the mornings again. Much love and appreciation to you and the gang!
Esther
Loretta
January 27, 2011 10:05 AM
Your story about taking care of your parents made me cry. How touching. You will cherish the time you spent with them forever. What a wonderful brother you have! Cherish him also, good brothers are hard to find, LO
Diana
January 27, 2011 10:22 AM
I too was laid off of work after working there for 22 years, and do not reget it for one moment. I got to spend the last 3 weeks of my dad’s life with him. I would of never been able to do this if I was working.
Your story was very moving. You are a great son.
Susan
January 28, 2011 8:03 AM
Randy….you are a good guy!