Best Laid Plans

After all the debate and planning to accommodate my parents wishes to die with dignity in the comforts of their own home, dad decides last night he wants to go to the hospital. Getting home at three in the morning after hours spent in a plastic chair in the ER hallway tells me that being funny today is unlikely at best. Especially since his occasional awakenings while waiting for a room involved such terrific conversations. Topics like; 'why do you look so tired, I thought you were supposed to be tough?', 'get used to this, in a few years it will be your brother, then it's your turn', and that absolute favorite 'I'll bet this is really screwing things up with your girlfriend, huh?' This morning the hospital called to get some info about his medications. They commented on what a pleasant man he is. A real charmer...when he wants to be.