Last week my dad was punched in the face and given a bloody nose while going for a walk in Cambridge, Mass. He has a Grade IV Glioblastoma and is in the ICU now. We are hoping to take him home on hospice tomorrow so he can have Thanksgiving at home.
He's an amazing man who meditates and knows how to listen thoughtfully. During this last part of his illness, he lost half his visual field. He's on steroids to reduce the inflammation. The side effect of the steroids is that he gets restless. His only solace is going for long walks. But he's a proud man and will not carry a blind person's white cane. I suggested it to him last month, not because I thought he was disabled, but so the general public might be a little more careful around him. He refused.
Last week he was walking as usual, when he got a little disoriented. This happens; it's not just being completely blind on the left side, but difficulty tracking movement. When he sees people or things coming toward him, he stops until they pass him. This time he stopped in front of a black teenager. I think the kid misinterpreted why this frail, thin man stopped in front of him. He reacted by punching my dad in the nose. My dad got his bearings and made his way home covered in blood (I think he was only a block or two away).
I implore you, please think first. If you see someone who is "off", take a moment before reacting. Perhaps they are just trying to get their bearings. Not every disability is immediately recognizable.
Specializes in Mental Health, Gerontology, Palliative.
What sort of person would punch an old man? An unbelievable 'douchbag'. The horrible excuse for a young person I mean.
Wish i could send some of our funding streams your way so that your dad could have all the help that he needs. My thoughts are with you and your family
OP - I am SO sorry to hear about your father. That kind of behavior is just ridiculous. I hope u and your family are able to have a nice Thanksgiving - I hate that the man that did this won't be punished.
I just don't know what ails people. Violence is never the answer, and that any young person wouldn't stop and say "are you ok" as opposed to reactionary violence is stunning.
Thoughts and prayers for your family this Thanksgiving.
I hope that you can bring your Father home soon and that he will be as well as possible for as long as possible.
My thoughts on forgiveness are that when Jesus Christ said Father forgive them they know not what they are doing; he was praying to God for the people who were his tormentors. I do not know how forgiveness is taught in Jewish tradition but it might help to reflect on how your faith can help you and your family through this time.
I am sorry for what happened to your dad. Please let him know i am going to be praying for him this thanksgiving with my family. I also am going to pray for that young boy.
With all that said and out the way. As an African American, i do not feel it was "racist" or wrong or whatever to put it was a black teenager. I dont think the OP implied anything from her statement. I dont infer on what people think unless there is more cues.
I do however think with the culture of AllNurses; you shouldnt post this here. This site is made for support and to vent...... but lately its just arguing and name calling. Feel free to write me a PM :)
So sorry for you/Dad... Please reconsider pressing charges... I too shared this story with my black son (14) and he is totally disgusted... We are praying for your family.
I am so sorry some punk kid punched your dad. You should really press charges. If he did that to your dad what other elderly person would he do that to? My thoughts and prayers for you and your family in this difficult time.
I'm sorry your Dad got punched by a random teen, it's crazy out there these days. I hope you and your family get to have your Dad home for thanksgiving.
Tenebrae, BSN, RN
2,021 Posts
What sort of person would punch an old man? An unbelievable 'douchbag'. The horrible excuse for a young person I mean.
Wish i could send some of our funding streams your way so that your dad could have all the help that he needs. My thoughts are with you and your family