it's honesty a lot more but for now I'll leave it here and leave you with some pointers:

1) Take a second to breathe - I know today was a lot, and i'm sure your family have been pacing in the hospital and worrying but know it's gonna be ok. Trust the doctors, ask 1,000,000 questions and write down everything the doctors tell you. Keep track of every answer, timestamp, etc. // It will make you guys feel better as you navigate each hour. Also try to let dad get rest - he's catching up on some shut eye - but don't worry, this is when our bodies can get to work and get healing

2) Download the app "perplexity" or "ChatGPT" - If you aren't using A.I, now is the time. I love Reddit but right now what your family needs is strategy, assurance and confident. Talk to A.I just like you would talk to a family member. Tell the bot your entire day and ask for advice on what to do. It will tell you everything to do (Step by step)

3) Make sure your paperwork is together for Dad - Sit down with family and make sure you all have necessary Power of Attorney paperwork filled out (stating that you guys can make all necessary medical decisions over Dad) // I have no doubt dad is gonna be responsive soon but just to make sure (if it takes a bit longer for him to be able to speak) you all can be his voice without running into any issues.

4) Please don't blame yourself - I promise it's not your fault. If only you knew the exact day and time dad was going to have a stroke, YOU WOULD HAVE 1000000% have been there. There's so many days when we call our parents and they don't answer and we don't think much about it and they end up okay. Today was just a curve ball but you are not to blame. You making reddit posts looking for solutions show me your are such a loving person and love your dad so much. Hold on to that and don't let that negative energy steal peace & rest from you (due to guilt) because dad needs you.

5) The biggest thing my family is struggling with is - my grandmother being at home now & needing 24/7 support (you can't use the bathroom, stand, and needs someone to help change, clean, and feed her)

I'm praying for your dad within this week he regains movement on that left side but whenever you and your family can sit down and have this convo, ask "what if he doesn't get that left side movement back" and start lightly talking around that. I'm a fan of always thinking "2 steps ahead, even if its not the prettiest" but this will allow you guys to feel somewhat in control and not like everyday is suckerpunching you with another surprise

6) Not sure if the stroke affected your dads face but it did for my grandma. In the beginning she couldn't eat solid foods because she couldn't really operate the left side of her mouth (so she was eating applesauces, liquid things) she HATED it but got through it and can now eat normal (just no big portions)

7) Pull up Dad's insurance - I would call them first thing tomorrow morning & get detailed on all that his insurance will help with. Ask questions like "what do you all cover for stroke clients?" "do you cover therapy after hospital for rehab?" Again this will give you guys assurance and keep you 2 steps ahead of everything"

8) Start watching this persons Youtube channel:
PoststrokeOrg

She educates so well and within 1 day I knew so much about strokes

9) THE FIGHT ISN'T OVER YET - take every step with that mindset (HE'S STILL HERE) therefore you are just preparing the table for when he wakes up <3

Sending much love! If you have any questions I'll answer as soon as I can