Dad Update!

Thank you for your continued prayers for my dad. He had his surgery yesterday, and although he is not feeling as jovial as pictured above, he seems to be recovering well so far. We are hoping he will be released to go home from the hospital today. Katelyn and I will be going to Austin the week of July 6 to visit and help out while Dave goes to Atlanta for a week.

Here is the most recent update on my dad (from my mom):

Dave's surgery went well Thursday and he came home Friday afternoon about 5:00. He went in visiting and joking with everyone--all the way to OR; however, when he came into his room he didn't think things were so funny. He said he was surprised that it was so tough. That's the reality of surgery. Any of it is tough. The anesthesia as well as people digging around on your insides--kind of takes the strength out of you and is not real comfortable.

The good news is that he really did not have any pain and therefore didn't need to take any narcotic drugs. Although he had some nausea that caused him to have to stay in the hospital through Friday afternoon instead of being discharged that morning, things have been progressing well. His follow up visit with the doctor will be next Thursday to get the pathology report and to see if he has healed enough to take out the catheter, so we will appreciate your prayers for a good report there.

We have had a few visitors today and he has been able to work in some more jokes, so he's on the mend.

I know you are all wondering how I am doing on my caregiving role:). Well, he's pretty independent and functioning fairly well, so I'm trying to be "the assistant", doing anything he needs or wants just how he wants it done, being calm and encouraging. I have learned over the past year or so that it is not about the busyness of talking and doing--it is about presence--being there for each other, caring, and loving. Quite a revelation and very enjoyable.

Thanks for all of your prayers and support for us both.

Anita/Nikki