Eye surgery week... whew!

Well the big surgery started Tuesday a little after 5pm, and it was I guess a quick surgery. Although any time when you’re on the “table” for repairs it is quite an ordeal. Dad, he was a trooper. Dad’s care team and eye specialist guy used words to describe Dad’s newly repaired eye like “extraordinary” and “quite remarkable”. He even went so far as to complement Dad’s entire care team for their hard work and dedication at keeping Dad in the best position for his eyes healing. Keep in mind, Dad’s right leg is broken and must be kept straight. His left shoulder cannot be brought up into a “sleeping” position because of his titanium shoulder replacement from a couple of years ago. Dad’s healing position is on his left side, or his stomach, and just released to be on his right side sometimes too. Have you ever tried to lie on your tummy and not arch your back, bend your legs, or stress because the pillows are in your face? Yikes. Mix in some jumbled memories due to a massive impact to the head, and the medications that follow

suit, and you get an interesting journey. The mind is a dangerous place to get lost and if you’re a bit fuzzy... Well you get the point. It’s been a constant campaign to keep Dad physically, mentally, and emotionally comfortable.

After well over a full month of not seeing correctly, now his eyes are playing tricks with his brain... or vice versa. I have been a tad concerned about his emotions drifting downward during these next few days, but as I watch him I wonder about getting lost in my own mind as I burn awake hours driving back and forth from home to the hospital to help with Dad.

I have been pulling the night shift with dad for the last couple of nights. Being by dad's side for 14 or so hours is taking its toll. The last few nights Dad has been quite... how do I say it... uncooperative with the nursing staff. As polite as he can Dad has said many times that he just wants to go home. My job has been to keep him calm and remind him that he's here so the nurses can help him and that he needs to relax.

I'm exhausted. I go from taking care of Dad all night to spending a little time with my family and grabbing whatever sleep I can, then it’s back to the hospital to do it again. Mom is exhausted. She is doing the same thing, just during the day. The wonderful Mr. Bill is joining in the fun as well.

Please keep us in your prayers. This ordeal is be

ginning to take its toll and cracks in our stoic veneer are starting to show.

On a more positive note, Dad spent a little time with his youngest grandchild tonight! While he was sitting in a wheelchair, I put Haven in his arms for a little snuggle. They both loved it! Haven babbled away and tried to eat Dad’s hospital bracelet and Dad stroked her soft skin and smiled some very big smiles.