Good day.

As I stood in line at the hospital cafeteria waiting for my gruel, someone casually asked me how my day was. I replied without thinking, “Good thanks.” That simple yet automatic reply started a chain reaction in my brain. I realized that yesterday was a good day for dad too. It was a long day. One day after his latest eye surgery, and we are already going on a big outing. We visited 2 different eye specialists.

Just a side note, 57 days in the hospital and this is the fourth time Dad has left RVMC. Two times he left for relatively quick surgeries designed to “restore” his sight, and his other two trips were for follow up visits after his surgeries.

This last jaunt was the most uplifting for everyone, including dad’s eye guys. They both were very happy with how his left eye is looking after his most recent surgery. The gas bubble that was placed in Dad’s eye to assist with the healing process was removed successfully. Then a special salty fluid was used to replace the gas bubble to allow for healing. Within a few short hours Dad’s eye was already showing signs of improvement. Although Dad’s eye guys were cautious of talking about complete healing they were positive and extremely hopeful about some sight being restored and Dad’s eye working more. During one exam Dad’s spirits soared about a hundred feet when his realized the that his eye guys said he didn’t have any more movement restrictions and his eye was healing and looking good. No more laying face down! He can sleep on his back! Also, his eye guys are planning to take another good look at dad’s right eye next week and reevaluate how it looks.

Dad was in such a good mood that he wanted to go for a walk, so instead of catching a taxi back to the hospital we wheeled him over the bumpy sidewalk though the bright and shiny day back to his hospital room. There he excitedly told his care team how good his day was so far. As Dad was settling in for his morning nap, we learned more good news. Dad’s leg appears to be healing as expected. We will learn in the next few days more accurately what that means, but good news is always welcome as we dance forwards and back in the recovery process.

Sometimes I forget how simple the good things are in life. A comfortable bed to sleep in, fresh air, warm sun, and laughing children. They all have lumps, bumps and storms that come and go, but they are all good.