Daddy is sick

[bhambulldog]

My father, 82 year old Joseph A. Miller, Jr. is very ill. His heart is failing and he is not responding well to treatment. Dad is in the Hospital for the second time this month.

82nd birthday
http://i953.photobucket.com/albums/ae16/bhambulldog/GrandPas%20Birthday%202011/DSCN0020.jpg

August 2010
http://i953.photobucket.com/albums/ae16/bhambulldog/August%207%202010/FSCN0197.jpghttp://i953.photobucket.com/albums/ae16/bhambulldog/August%207%202010/DSCN0135.jpg

Summer 1979
http://i953.photobucket.com/albums/ae16/bhambulldog/Roadmaster/DSCN0213.jpg

http://i953.photobucket.com/albums/ae16/bhambulldog/Roadmaster/DSCN0138.jpg

[DaWildcat]

Prays and good wishes, James!

Devon

[Dale]

Sorry to hear that James.
Hoping for the best.

[JESUPERCAT]

James there is too much of this getting old stuff going on lately:( .

Your Dad and his family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Stay strong

[Oldskewl59]

Hope they find something that works. We are praying for your Dad.

[SkyGuy65]

Best wishes to you and your family.

[carmantx]

Prayers for you. Thank you for sharing.

[scott kerns]

sorry to hear it. Your family is in our prayers.


Scott

[ss4825]

Prayers and well wishes for you Dad and your family.

Alan

[hwprouty]

Our prayers for your Dad.

[bhambulldog]

Thank y'all for kind words, thoughts and prayers.

[DaWildcat]

They're still coming!

Devon

[1967GS340]

Very sorry to hear this.
Keep a good attitude. I think it makes a huge difference to him.
A room full of optimistic people telling stories and jokes is far more uplifting than a room full of visibly worried people with a few crying.

[bhambulldog]

They're still coming!

Devon
It is most uplifting, to read y'all's encouragement.

Very sorry to hear this.
Keep a good attitude. I think it makes a huge difference to him.
A room full of optimistic people telling stories and jokes is far more uplifting than a room full of visibly worried people with a few crying.
I'm sure you are right.
Dad will be moved from the hospital to rehabilitation facility early next week. My sister and I are going to work out the details tomorrow. My sister and brother in law have found a wonderful rehab center just blocks from where I work and from where my sister lives. And it's only ten miles from my Dad's and Mom's house. And my house is exactly halfway from the rehab and Mom's and Dad's.
Thanks again, y'all

[monkeyy337]

Hope your dad gets to feeling better.

[bhambulldog]

Hope your dad gets to feeling better.

Actually, He is feeling better. I just got a report from the doctor. Dad's kidneys have increased function. And he is more alert. Dad is looking forward to moving to the rehab facility.
Thanks for your kind words.

[Mister T]

Here's to your dad having a speedy and complete recovery. He looks like a fighter who isn't giving up anytime soon.:TU:

[bhambulldog]

Mister T you are right. He is fighting this off.

Looking back, I believe he forgot to take his medicine last weekend. We're going to take steps to insure that doesn't happen again.

His condition has improved enough that the hospital is going to release him to the rehab center on Saturday rather than Monday.


My brother has flown in from Boston.
My sister and her husband have driven up from the Gulf coast.
My niece and her husband drove down from Fort Campbell.
Dad's spirits are better with the attention of the folks from out of town. And, I'll tell him y'all are pulling for him, too. Dad will much appreciate it.

Thanks again everyone,

[V8Sky]

I'll say a prayer for your dad James.

[SteeveeDee]

Good to hear he's getting better.

[bhambulldog]

Dad has left the Hospital and is at the nursing center.
I'll stay at Mom's tonight and drive her to church tomorrow in the Roadmaster. Then, we'll go over and see Dad.

[bhambulldog]

I'll say a prayer for your dad James.


Good to hear he's getting better.

Thank y'all :cool:

[1967GS340]

Very glad to hear that he's doing better.
Very good news. Now, time to look after mom too.
With all the stress someone is going to need to make sure she's eating and sleeping enough.

[bhambulldog]

Very glad to hear that he's doing better.
Very good news. Now, time to look after mom too.
With all the stress someone is going to need to make sure she's eating and sleeping enough.
Absoulutely! I'm at Mom's now. I went to the grocery yesterday for her and got a bunch of fresh fruit and other stuff. My sister in law brought cooked meals over, every night this week.

I've been spending most nights at Mom's and Dad's for most of the past two years. My in town brother spends three days a week at their house as well along with his son. He's a Mister Mom
Another brother is down from Boston and staying at Mom's for the weekend. He just came back from visiting Dad. While he was there the therapists had dad walking up and down the hall with no assitance! (they had a tether around his waist to catch him from falling).
His therapist is actually an Occupational Therapist, one that prepares patients for going back to work.
So, we'll be hoping and praying this first week of therapy goes well. Things are looking a lot better than they did on Tuesday.

:pray:

[kent.gardner]

Prayers continue:pray:

[BUICKRAT]

Glad he is doing better, prayers for a speedy recovery!

[bhambulldog]

Thanks for your thoughts! We are taking it one day at time.

[Matt S]

Prayers coming your way!

Matt

[bhambulldog]

Matt,
Thanks for that.
Dad had a little set back tonight. They took the catheter out today. But, they had to put it back. Dad's bladder is not voiding.

[smokum]

James, I wanted to suggest giving your dad certain fresh juices to aid his kidney function. My wife is big time into juicing (making fresh juices from fruits and vegetables), and we've seen many positive results in her and in other people we know just from drinking the juice of certain combinations of fresh (organic) fruits and vegetables.
Organic is important because in some cases the pesticides and other chemicals used in the cultivation of mainstream, non-organic fruits and vegetables can just about un-do the beneficial effects of the fruits or vegetables.
For kidneys in particular a couple of things are really good: asparagus, celery and cranberry.
Do you have a Vitamix by any chance? If not, a good blender can work. You can take fresh organic asparagus or celery and mix it with organic grapes (to sweeten it) and blend to juice consistency. It tastes much better than it sounds, trust me. Juice is better even than just eating the fruit because it makes it more digestible and easier to get into your bloodstream.
The key is fresh organic fruits and vegetables (not processed, because processing kills the beneficial nutrients).
Here is a really good website on juicing and which fruits and vegetables help with which parts of the body:
http://www.juicing-for-health.com/asparagus.html

Problems can totally be helped and even reversed, no matter how old a person is if they get some good fresh nutrients in them and plenty of clean water.
Hope this helps!

--Chris

[bhambulldog]

Thanks for that information Chris. Very useful, I'm sure.

Dad's situation has certainly made me re-evaluate my diet. I've cut way back on salt, for one.

I haven't updated in a week, here is the latest;

The rehab facility has helped Dad get stabilized. The problem was the with the bladder. His bladder can't void, due to enlargement of the prostrate. The back up was causing the kidneys to lose function. With the catheter, the bladder is emptying. The kidneys are better now. But there is a danger of infection.
A less positive note, his energy level and cognitive abilities are much lower now, due to his heart failure. His lungs are not receiving enough blood, so that the blood can receive enough oxygen. Also, not enough carbon dioxide is being removed from the blood. All this despite, the administration of oxygen 24 hours a day.
Dad can leave his room to go to therapy and for meals, but only with the aid of a wheelchair. And now, signs of dementia are beginning to show.

It seems each step forward is followed by two steps back.

[Floydsbuick]

My Dad went thru that with the heart failure. He had a stage of the dementia you describe. Although his legs lost most their strength, his cognitive abilitys returned. I guess what I'm getting at is that maybe (I hope!) the dementia you see is temporary.

[bhambulldog]

Dan,
Thank you for those kind words of encouragement. The night I started this thread (two weeks ago), we didn't expect Dad to make it through the night.

In 1963, Dad's appendix ruptured and developed into peritonitis. Dad cheated death that time and came home.

So, hoping and praying for a miracle is not out of order.

We're taking one day at a time.

[Ardeshir]

We pray for him James,im really sorry to hear that.
Unfortunately i was out of town and heard about that today
He must be a warm and kind man just like his son,
You are not alone,God always support good people.

[bhambulldog]

We pray for him James,im really sorry to hear that.
Unfortunately i was out of town and heard about that today
He must be a warm and kind man just like his son,
You are not alone,God always support good people.

Ardeshir,
Very kind words. Thank you.
And, thank You for the prayers.

[carmantx]

That is so hard on you. Keep up the spirit. We will pray.

[Ardeshir]

Stay strong,we all pray for him every day.

[bhambulldog]

Prayers are most needed and welcome. The kind words are bolstering.
Thanks to All,

[Ardeshir]

Hope every thing goes well,
James please let us know if he gets better.

[bhambulldog]

Thank you for your kind thoughts. Dad has left the rehabilitation facility and is now at a nursing care facility. The doctors are continuing with therapy , hoping to help him be self sufficient again.
There is good news and bad news;
Bad news, Dad is not better.
Good news, Dad is not worse.

So, we are hoping and praying that Dad will respond well to the therapy.

Thank you again for your concern.

[bhambulldog]

Dad has been at the nursing care for a month, now. He went to the cardiologist and the urologist again today. No real change in his condition. They are evaluating the feasibility of surgery to his prostrate, to relieve pressure on his bladder.

My news of a new job was good tonic for his mood. My new boss and Dad have a long time professional relationship and are family friends.

[1967GS340]

Hope they can help him out with a little surgery.

I'll bet that the new job was a pick me up for him.
Nothing like good news to help the mood, especially when it's about your kid!

[bhambulldog]

Yes David,
Thanks ! Let's hope and pray.
My new boss's dad and my dad did a lot of land devolpment work together back in the days. It's a good company to work for. I'm very happy to be there. I just hooked up the all the batteries to charge for the GPS. Now it's time to charge my batteries. 4:00am comes early!!

[bhambulldog]

Dad has taken a turn for the worse. Dad had to taken to the Emergency room. His kidneys are failing and the doctors say Dad has hours or or Days at the longest.

Here is Dad in some happier times;

Dad; circa 1935. Birmingham Fire Station number 3. Dad's Grandfather was the Fire Chief. The City provided the chief's family with an apartment above the station. Dad lived there in the fire station with his Grandfather.
http://i953.photobucket.com/albums/ae16/bhambulldog/DSCN0031.jpg

Dad U.S. Army circa 1952 ( Korea 1951-1953);
http://i953.photobucket.com/albums/ae16/bhambulldog/DSCN0032.jpg

Dad home on leave, with Mom;
http://i953.photobucket.com/albums/ae16/bhambulldog/DSCN0033-1.jpg

Mom and Dad 1979 my Sister's wedding;
http://i953.photobucket.com/albums/ae16/bhambulldog/DSCN0036.jpg

Dad's car in the Buick Bugle May 1980;
http://i953.photobucket.com/albums/ae16/bhambulldog/DSCN0037.jpg

[cobra94r]

James... I am sorry to hear about your father not doing well.... I can promise you that my thoughts and prayers go out to you for a full recovery.
BTW... I love all the pics!!

Tom

[DaWildcat]

James,

Not much I can say to make you or yours feel any better.

One thing I CAN say though, it doesn't matter if your father lives a day or a week or a month or a decade longer, you are living proof that he's done a good job and that his legacy is alive and well.

I said goodbye to my father in '88 and I was with my mother and said goodbye when she passed in '10. The most important thing for us all is to realize our own mortality and to do a great job of loving each other while we all travel life together. Sounds like you have done a good job.

You just keep making sure he knows you love him. Tell him, over and over, and tell him he did a really good job, and tell him everyone is going to be just fine thanks to him.

Devon

[cobra94r]

Great advice!!


James,

Not much I can say to make you or yours feel any better.

One thing I CAN say though, it doesn't matter if your father lives a day or a week or a month or a decade longer, you are living proof that he's done a good job and that his legacy is alive and well.

I said goodbye to my father in '88 and I was with my mother and said goodbye when she passed in '10. The most important thing for us all is to realize our own mortality and to do a great job of loving each other while we all travel life together. Sounds like you have done a good job.

You just keep making sure he knows you love him. Tell him, over and over, and tell him he did a really good job, and tell him everyone is going to be just fine thanks to him.

Devon

[bhambulldog]

James... I am sorry to hear about your father not doing well.... I can promise you that my thoughts and prayers go out to you for a full recovery.
BTW... I love all the pics!!

Tom
Thanks Tom!

James,

Not much I can say to make you or yours feel any better.

One thing I CAN say though, it doesn't matter if your father lives a day or a week or a month or a decade longer, you are living proof that he's done a good job and that his legacy is alive and well.

I said goodbye to my father in '88 and I was with my mother and said goodbye when she passed in '10. The most important thing for us all is to realize our own mortality and to do a great job of loving each other while we all travel life together. Sounds like you have done a good job.

You just keep making sure he knows you love him. Tell him, over and over, and tell him he did a really good job, and tell him everyone is going to be just fine thanks to him.

Devon
Thanks Devon!

[bhambulldog]

Daddy is gone. Dad passed away at 12:45pm (central)


Joseph Avery Miller, Jr.
July 3 1929 - October 13, 2011

http://i953.photobucket.com/albums/ae16/bhambulldog/50thAnniv.jpgJoe and Sara Miller and their seven children, 2001.

[my69buford]

Daddy is gone. Dad passed away at 12:45pm (central)


Joseph Avery Miller, Jr.
July 3 1929 - October 13, 2011

http://i953.photobucket.com/albums/ae16/bhambulldog/50thAnniv.jpgJoe and Sara Miller and their seven children, 2001.

So sorry to here that. May the Lord be with you all in your time of sorrow.

[1967GS340]

I'm so sorry to hear this. I can't imagine how what you are going through.
It sounds like you have a close family so time together for support is the best thing you can hope for right now.

Be strong.

[bhambulldog]

So sorry to here that. May the Lord be with you all in your time of sorrow.
Thanks Dave

I'm so sorry to hear this. I can't imagine how what you are going through.
It sounds like you have a close family so time together for support is the best thing you can hope for right now.

Be strong.

Thanks David.

[cobra94r]

I am so sorry James.... my thoughts and prayers go out to all of you in your time of need. I am sure his legacy will live on thru the hearts of his family and friends.

God Bless You all,
Tom Duncan -n- Family

[Dale]

James,
My condolences to you, your family and all that knew him.
Losing a parent is one of the hardest things to come to terms with.
The most comforting thing that has helped me with the grieving process with my Dad, and more recently my Mother, is having all the wonderful memories to fall back on.
My thoughts and prayers go out to you.

[BUICKRAT]

So sorry to hear this, James. I know it sounds lame, but I wish you and your family strength. Please accept my condolences, and hold onto those happy memories.

[bhambulldog]

I am so sorry James.... my thoughts and prayers go out to all of you in your time of need. I am sure his legacy will live on thru the hearts of his family and friends.

God Bless You all,
Tom Duncan -n- Family
Thanks Tom

James,
My condolences to you, your family and all that knew him.
Losing a parent is one of the hardest things to come to terms with.
The most comforting thing that has helped me with the grieving process with my Dad, and more recently my Mother, is having all the wonderful memories to fall back on.
My thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Thanks Dale

So sorry to hear this, James. I know it sounds lame, but I wish you and your family strength. Please accept my condolences, and hold onto those happy memories.
Not at all lame Steve! It is prayers that has given us strength. 20 years ago this week my Grandmother died (Dad's Mom). I left the hospital to go to my Parents house while driving there was a beautiful rainbow , I mean one with bright colors and a full arch. That sight gave me peace.
Yesterday driving to Tuscaloosa, I saw a similar rainbow. I felt the same peace yesterday.
No, Steve it is not lame, but Strong. That is what Dad is now, not lame but Strong!

[bhambulldog]

MILLER, JR., JOSEPH AVERY July 3, 1929- October 13, 2011

Joseph Avery Miller, Jr., 82, died peacefully in his sleep on Thursday afternoon.

A lifelong resident of Birmingham, Alabama, Mr. Miller attended Ramsey High School, matriculated at Alabama Polytechnic Institute (Auburn University) on a ROTC scholarship, graduating as a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, 1950.

Mr. Miller was commissioned an officer in the United States Army as a combat engineer during the Korean War and was honorably discharged with the rank of First Lieutenant.

Mr. Miller was honored to have served under the command of General Douglas MacArthur in Korea. Before his deployment to Korea, Mr. Miller married Sara Skinner on March 10., 1951 at Southside Baptist Church.
Upon his Army discharge, Mr. Miller begin his professional career with the State of Alabama Highway Department and then worked for several years in the private sector.

In 1961 he founded the firm which would become Miller Triplett & Miller Engineers Inc. (now headed by his eldest son Joey.)
Mr. Miller retired in 2001. Mr. Miller was a founding member and past President of the Greater Birmingham Chapter of the Alabama Society of Professional Land Surveyors.

Mr. Miller's interests were varied and many. Mr. Miller was Victorian in spirit and temperament and believed the Victorian ideals of God, Family and Country were worthy aspirations.
Alfred, Lord Tennyson's "Charge of the Light Brigade" was a favorite poem. A trained pilot as a teenager, Mr. Miller was an amateur historian with a special interest in WWII aviation.
Along with Douglas MacArthur, he counted among his military heroes George S. Patton and Winston Churchill.
A moral and principled man, Mr. Miller was a small business owner for over forty years.

Mr. Miller was a staunch conservative in political outlook and admired the governing philosophies of Barry Goldwater and Ronald Reagan.
For many years, Mr. Miller was an enthusiastic and successful coach in the Crestwood Colts youth football program and was instrumental in overseeing the planning and engineering of Crestwood field.

Mr. Miller also coached youth basketball for many years at Woodlawn Baptist Church.

Mr. Miller was an avid record collector and had an eclectic taste in music: Benny Goodman, Glen Miller, Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra, The Beach Boys and Willie Nelson were just a few of his favorite recording artists.

Mr. Miller had a soft-spot in his heart for his household dogs and cats.
He especially had a fondness for large breed dogs such as Great Danes, English Mastiffs and Bull-Mastiffs: Baron, Hotspur and Othello, were particular favorites of these respective breeds.

Mr. Miller, a faithful Auburn football fan, was a life-member of the Auburn Alumni Association and was also a long-time Auburn Tiger football season ticket holder.

Another of Mr. Miller's passions was restoring antique cars. He was a life-member of the Antique Automobile Club of America. Also, a member of Buick Club of America for 41 years and took special pride in the 1955 Buick Roadmaster Riveria 76-R two door hard-top that he and his son James showed and placed in many regional and national meets.

Mr. Miller was a devoted husband and loving father.
He leaves behind to cherish many memories: his beloved bride of over sixty years, Sara;
seven children: Joseph Avery Miller III (Lisa Smith,) Catherine Elizabeth Benton (William David 'Skip' Benton,) Howard Philip Miller (Kathryn Wagner) Thomas Brown Miller (Leigh Lassiter,) James Anderson Miller, Jane Allison "Dolly" Stokes (Jeff Stokes,) John Forrest MacArthur Miller (Karen Russell;)

ten grandchildren: Sarah Elizabeth Wagner (U.S. Army Captain Tom Wagner,) Katherine Paige Benton, Joshua David Benton, Avery Ann Miller, Thomas Jordan Lassiter Miller, John Joseph Miller, Sarah Grace Miller, Robert Allen Banks, Anna Leigh Miller and Timothy Joseph MacArthur Miller; countless friends and numerous business acquaintances.
Mr. Miller was predeceased by his parents Mae Brown Jordan and Howard Jordan.
Services will be held Monday, Oct. 17 at Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 2 Xavier Circle, Birmingham, Alabama. Visitation opens at 9:30 a.m. and the service will start at 11:00 a.m., the Reverend John G. McDonald and the Reverend Jeffrey Greer, celebrants. The family is to hold a private memorial celebration in Auburn, Alabama at a later date.
The Miller family would like to offer special thanks to the physicians, nurses and staff of Brookwood Hospital. Likewise, the family wishes to thank the wonderful care team at Golden Living Center-Riverchase and the Greenbriar at the Altamont.
Also a special thanks to the Birmingham Fire Department's Engine 7 crew, the medics of Rescue 3 and Rescue 15.

Memorial gifts may be made to an engineering scholarship established in honor of Joe and Sara Miller: Joseph A. & Sara S. Miller, Jr., Civil Engineering Scholarship C/O Allyson Dozier College of Engineering Development Office 1320 Shelby Center Auburn, Alabama 36849 Services are under the direction of Ridout's Valley Chapel (879-3401) in Homewood.
Written by John "Mac" Miller

[GSXMEN]

James - Sorry to hear of your father's passing.

Prayer's for you and the rest of the family.

[bhambulldog]

James - Sorry to hear of your father's passing.

Prayer's for you and the rest of the family.

Thanks Scott

[cobra94r]

Awesome Picture!!! I'm sure he is up there cruzin' in a Buick of yester-year.... Looking down and smiling at his Baby-Boy....


Thanks Tom

Thanks Dale

Not at all lame Steve! It is prayers that has given us strength. 20 years ago this week my Grandmother died (Dad's Mom). I left the hospital to go to my Parents house while driving there was a beautiful rainbow , I mean one with bright colors and a full arch. That sight gave me peace.
Yesterday driving to Tuscaloosa, I saw a similar rainbow. I felt the same peace yesterday.
No, Steve it is not lame, but Strong. That is what Dad is now, not lame but Strong!

[Oldskewl59]

Sorry about your loss, James. Your faith and our prayers will get you through.

[Ardeshir]

James,really sorry to hear that your father passed away.
He will be always in our heart my friend.
I know that it will be painful for your family especially your mother,prayers for you and your family.

[bhambulldog]

Awesome Picture!!! I'm sure he is up there cruzin' in a Buick of yester-year.... Looking down and smiling at his Baby-Boy....
Thanks Cobra

Sorry about your loss, James. Your faith and our prayers will get you through.
Thanks Gary

James,really sorry to hear that your father passed away.
He will be always in our heart my friend.
I know that it will be painful for your family especially your mother,prayers for you and your family.
Thanks Ardeshir

[Mister T]

James, my sincerest condolences to your family on your dad's passing.

Devon (Da Wildcat) said it best, I can add nothing further.

[Floydsbuick]

If my obit is half that good I'd consider it a life well lived! I'm sorry for your loss.

[bhambulldog]

James, my sincerest condolences to your family on your dad's passing.

Devon (Da Wildcat) said it best, I can add nothing further.
Thanks Tom

If my obit is half that good I'd consider it a life well lived! I'm sorry for your loss.
Thanks Dan

[bhambulldog]

Thanks to all for the prayers, thoughts, and kind words.
And, thanks to the Bama Buicks chapter of the BCA for the floral arrangement. The colors are most appropiate! The colors of Dad's beloved A.P.I. (Auburn University)
http://i953.photobucket.com/albums/ae16/bhambulldog/DSCN0111.jpg

[66electrafied]

My sincere condolences and prayers go out to you and your family James, it's got to be tough, but it sounds like you have lots of fond memories to treasure, and that's the important thing.

[bhambulldog]

Thanks Marc

[carmantx]

Just read this James, so I am a little late. and I know words are hard to come by, but you can know that in a little dirt field in Texas right now, thoughts and prayers are lifted on your behalf.

[bhambulldog]

Just read this James, so I am a little late. and I know words are hard to come by, but you can know that in a little dirt field in Texas right now, thoughts and prayers are lifted on your behalf.

Thanks Mark.
I was just out working on the car. It's very strange to work on the car without Dad's supervision.
The last two things Dad told me; "Take care of your Mama. And, take care of my car."

[SkyGuy65]

My sincerest condolences to you and your family.

[bhambulldog]

Thanks Nick.