Back to Life, Wally, and Exciting News!

Dad came out of his surgery with flying colors. He didn't want us girls to see him when he came out of surgery (the tubes, the lack of consciousness, the lack of "dad"-ness), but I just had to. All day I had been sitting in a waiting room just hoping that the nurse walking by would give me an update or tell me he was out and that I could see him. When he came out, I had to see him. I had to see for myself that he was okay and that he was breathing. As I walked around the corner to see him all my emotions were on hold; I didn't know what to expect and I didn't know how to react. Then I saw my dad. He was laying there. He had so much sticking out of him and so many machines hooked up to him. There was betadine all over him and I just wanted to wash it off of him. Why was my daddy so dirty? Why was he not joking around?

Mom was talking to his and rubbing his head. I just sat and stared. I didn't know what to do. Mom would look at me and say, "Doesn't he look so good?" I guess. He looks like dad, but sick. She told me to talk to him. I didn't realize he was aware enough to know I was there and to hear me and respond. They had brought him almost out from his medicine so he would wake up quicker. I said, "hey daddy," and he started to move his hand, trying to find mine. I grabbed it and told him I loved him. That's when I lost it. Dad started to open his eyes as much as he could try. And the nurse told me I had to leave because my emotions were agitating him and he was trying to come to too quickly.

That's how much my dad loves me. Even when he is the center of attention and in so much pain, he wanted to make sure I was okay. He wanted me to know that he heard me and loves me. Yesterday was Lindsey's birthday. it was also one of the worst days of pain my dad probably experienced. It hurt him just to talk not to mention the energy it took out of him. When Lindsey went in though, he wanted to show his love, so he sang her Happy Birthday. We have a great dad. He really loves us.We really love him.

We all felt the many many prayers that were sent our way. We felt their comfort and their healing power. They were much needed then and they are even more needed now as dad starts the long recovery process. Thank you for those prayers and thoughts. It's time for us to try to get back to our life. Complete with a new  heart for daddy!

Oh, on a loosely related note, Amber may have lost Wally. I don't want to talk about it, but Wally was this $1.74 glass walrus figurine that Lindsey and I bought at the gift shop while we were waiting for dad to come out of his cath lab on Friday. While we waited, we took tons of pictures with him to keep us busy and distracted. please, enjoy:

Playing with Ryleigh's toys; Drinking some of Mom's Diet Pepsi; Being eating by Ryleigh; Hiding from us in the plant.

Checking out grandpa's bling; Going for a dip in the water fountain; Wearing a surgical mask so he doesn't catch the flu; Finally found dad!

P.S. I have exciting news to share with you guys. It is completely blog related and it involves all of you guys (and two other lovely ladies!). hopefully I can reveal it tomorrow!!! I'll let you know soon!