April 16, 2009 (Daddy's Back Surgery)

I mentioned earlier that Daddy’s back was really hurt and he has not been able to do much of anything since December. His back got much worse in March and since he did everything else that could be done to fix his back, he decided to get the surgery. As I already told you, the surgery was scheduled for April 16 (Thursday after Easter). He took me and picked me up from school many days before the surgery, because after the surgery he would not be able to hold me for over 10 days. That is a long time for a daddy not to hold his baby girl! His surgery was originally scheduled for noon, but the doctor got an opening at 7:30 am which would be better, so Daddy changed the time. The issue he and Mommy ran into was coordinating me, because I am not yet self sufficient, even though I would sometimes like to think that I am. Luckily, we are very blessed with friends like Jana and Kristy who both were willing to help. In order to be prepared, they both met Daddy, Mommy and me at my school the night before. Uncle Dan and Regan even came (but Regan the dog stayed in the car, they don’t allow dogs in my school). I thought it was a big party! It was a cold day, nothing like the fun days Mommy and I had walking through the neighborhood.

Jana (otherwise known as JJ) came over at 4:45 am on Thursday. Of course, I did not know this because I was sleeping happily. Daddy and Mommy left and made it to the hospital almost on time (5:38 versus 5:30). The waiting room was packed! They could not believe how many people were there waiting to get surgery that early in the morning. Mommy does not believe that anything should happen that early in the morning. I woke up and was very happy to see JJ. She gave me breakfast and took me to school. What a fun morning! She knew all about my favorite spot at the table and helped me get to it before one of my friends could take it.

While I was having a fun morning with JJ, Daddy was going through the steps to get ready for surgery and was being put to sleep so the doctor could fix his back. Mommy was moving from waiting room to waiting room and trying to stay awake. Mommy heard from the nurses several times, which was nice because they always gave Mommy the status of the surgery. The doctor came out and said that the surgery was a great success and Daddy did very well. Mommy was so relieved and happy for Daddy! When Mommy finally got to see Daddy, he was pretty tired from the medicine but said that the pain in his back and leg were all gone. The prayers had been answered! Thank you Lord for keeping watch over Daddy and for helping the surgeons fix his back.

Back to my day. I was having a very good time at school and because it was nice weather, we got to go on the playground. To my surprise, Grandma and Papa came out to see me! I was playing with my friends until I heard Papa’s voice, then I went running to them. Another fun day for me, how lucky can a girl get? They took me home and we went for a walk (because it was a nice day, but I already told you that). Mommy and Daddy came home later in the day and everything seemed pretty normal to me. Except that it did not seem normal at all. Daddy did not pick me up at all, and he always picks me up. I am not always very nice to Daddy and yell “no” when he tries to pick me up and squirm when he’s holding me.

He went for a walk with us but he walked really slowly. Now, he does not walk as fast as Mommy, but few people do, but he usually walks at a pretty good pace. After we all had dinner and I got my breathing treatment (yes, I still get them two times per day), I went to bed. I wondered what fun would be in store for the next day!