We got to the hospital at 6am. I got the kids up at 5:15 and took them to Bud & Jane’s. They took care of getting the kids breakfast and to/from school.
I was sitting in the waiting room all by myself waiting on them to get Alan settled with his IV and in the lovely gown and cap when my Pastor walked up. I was SO GLAD to see him and have someone with me. Alan and I have been married 14 years and in that timeframe, I’ve had 5 surgeries and countless other procedures/tests in a hospital environment. But, I’ve never been on the other end, the one waiting in the waiting room. (well, other than when the kids had tubes or tonsils out, but then Alan or my mom was with me then.).
So, Pastor Ken sat and talked with me and then we both went to sit with Alan while he was in the holding room. Ken also stayed with me during the surgery until Alan came out and was in recovery. What a comfort that was. I had brought my books and even contemplated bringing my laptop, but, no way would I have been able to focus on work. Thanks Ken for being there!!
And my poor friend Syndee. I didn’t get to talk to her Friday night so she just knew from this blog that Alan was having surgery. She left work Friday morning and came to the hospital to find me, only, she didn’t know which hospital we were at. She went to one and couldn’t find me so she called the other hospital. Alan goes by his middle name so, when they looked up his name, evidently it didn’t show up. I can just imagine her frustration knowing he was at the hospital but not able to find us. Hugs to you Syndee!
Alan’s recollection of the surgery is this. “After you and Ken left they said they were going to give me some ‘I don’t care medicine”. I looked up ready to enjoy the buzz. SECONDS later a nurse asked me if I wanted some ice chips. I looked up and told her I couldn’t have any until after the surgery. I then realized I was in a different room. I saw on the clock than it was no longer 7:30, instead it was 8:40. After that, I remember everything.”
I got Alan home and fixed him a bowl of soup. He raided the refrigerator several times during the afternoon. Bud & Jane brought over some vegetable soup, cornbread, and a pie. The kids ate 3 bowls of it! I can’t say enough how appreciative I am to have had Bud & Jane.
Saturday morning:
Alan almost passed out when he took the bandage and dressing off. I had to be encouraging and tell him “It looks really good babe”. It is HUGE. It looks like someone took a diamond shaped cookie cutter to his chest. Its about an inch deep I’d say. It’s open like a big crater. I had to pack gauge in it and I just pray I did it right. That’s my only worry right now.
So, Alan is good. No real pain, just a dull ache he says. ….and with a big hole in his chest! He’s pretty depressed the way 2008 is starting out. Perhaps he’ll get all the bad stuff over with and have a good year starting soon!
Thanks for checking in….
