One Surgery Down, Another To Go

Thursday, October 5, 2017

I just wanted to thank everyone for all their prayers and thoughts for my Dad, and our family during the last week or so.  The Lord undertook in so many different ways for us throughout it all, we are so thankful.  My dad's brother and sister, whom he hadn't seen in several years were able to come and visit Dad, as well as all our immediate family was together.  It was such a blessing for all of us to be together, at such a time as it was.  

Dad ended up having 5 bypasses done in his heart, and the surgeon said it all went very well.  Dad woke up from the anesthesia within 30 minutes, catching the nurses a bit off guard because normally it can take up to four hours.  He was in a lot of pain initially, as could be expected, but thankfully never had any complications at all with his hospital course.  He walked the hall the day after his surgery.  He was able to come home today.  He still has some pain, but it is incredible how fast they get them back on their feet.   We remain so thankful for the prayers that were prayed on his behalf, we know that he was safe in the hands of the Lord.  

The timing of the whole event was really impeccable. Had my dad had the heart attack days later, I may not have been able to be there, as I have been scheduled to have carpal tunnel surgery on October 5th, which is now tomorrow!  I can hardly believe it.   I flew home Tuesday, and I've been so busy since I got back trying to catch up things that needed to be done while I was gone, and getting ready for not being able to do things with my hands for a while.  

So if you would, keep me in prayer Thursday as I undergo carpal tunnel surgery. I have suffered ever since my first pregnancy with the carpal tunnel pain, and have utilized conservative measures for years, but recently have gotten to the point where the pain wakes me in the night, and my arms, hands and fingers are numb and feel lifeless.  I was also noted to have some muscle wasting in my right hand by the surgeon, and he felt that I should wait no longer to have the surgery done.  My mother had a flight booked to come and help me after the surgery, but of course, now she can't come because of my dad's surgery.  I would have loved to have her here, but am so thankful that she is right there with my dad, giving him the very best care that he needs. 

I'm so very thankful that I was able to go and be with my dad throughout his ordeal, and know that the Lord will be with me tomorrow.  I have complete peace, because I know the GREAT PHYSICIAN, and that gives me peace.  My husband and children will be here to help me over the long Columbus Day weekend.  My neighbor A, who I helped during her traumatic event this past June with her eye injury will be taking me to have my surgery.  She is a nurse, so I will be in very good hands, and my husband has taken Friday until Tuesday off to be with me.  

I'm so thankful for friends, family and neighbors who have offered their help with food and whatever I might need.   I really feel so very blessed in the midst of it all, for it is in times like these that you realize just how much prayer works.  The prayers of so many faithful friends and family praying were felt by our family, and I continue to rely on your prayers for my surgery tomorrow.  

I thought I would share a few pictures with you... after all, I can't just post without a picture or two {smiles} so here are some snapshots along the way of my journey to Texas, and back home again. 


My dad's sister, Aunt J. served up these delicious strawberry shortcake biscuits to our family at our Sunday family gathering using my grandmother's recipe.  A real treat!



My brother and his wife hosted our large family at their amazing home on Sunday.  We enjoyed a barbecue outside in the lovely 80 degree sunshine, and after eating, the big kids and little kids found their way to the pool, enjoying the warm waters, and lots of family watching on.  After cleanup, the entire crew of us headed back to the hospital to visit with my dad in the large family waiting room.  My dad was wheeled down to the room, and we enjoyed visiting until one of my brothers came in the room with a birthday cake.  We all began to sing, not knowing who it was for.  Turns out, it was for me! Yes, I celebrated a birthday a few days ago, and the entire family sang to me, and then we enjoyed Dairy Queen ice cream cake... yum!  So sweet of my family to think of celebrating my birthday, when I had forgotten all about it, ha!



Flying home on Southwest, how thankful I was that I booked my flight with Southwest.  While there, it became evident I needed to spend at least one more day, and I was able to change my flight without any additional cost and moved it up to the next day.  One more reason why I love to fly Southwest!



The road that leads to home... how excited I was to be back home, and to see my sweet children, fur babies, and all my feathered friends too.  All our pets and chickens had fared well in the care of my family, and it was comforting to come home knowing everyone had been well cared for in my absence.


At home... the brilliance of fall awaited me.  Our ash trees that we planted last fall were dressed in the splendor of fall with their brilliant reddish-purple leaves.


Tonight the sunset was glorious, as the colors of fall are vibrant and full of yellow warmth.


I was thankful for the chance to be with my family... but my heart always yearns for the beauty our area offers up, and I am thankful to have seen this beautiful sight tonight... knowing we are safe in the care of the Great One who created it so beautifully for our enjoyment.


Glimpses of beauty such as this warm my heart...


As the sun gently put the world around me to bed, I traveled to home to prepare for my surgery Thursday, greatly comforted in the beauty resting deep in my heart, and thankful I know the One who cares so much for us, that He created this beautiful world for us to live in.  My heart goes out to the ones who have suffered so much tragedy and loss recently with the hurricanes, earthquakes, and shootings.  Prayers continue to be lifted in their behalf.


Garden-rich chicken and rice soup ... I used our own carrots, broccoli, corn, and jalapenos grown in my garden to create this soup that will be appreciated when I come home after my surgery.  I always add a good splash of heavy cream to my chicken soups, it just seems to blend the flavors together so perfectly.  

I am scheduled to have carpal tunnel surgery on my right hand Thursday, and two weeks later, on my left hand, depending on how I do with the first one.  From what I can understand from limitations the doctor told me to expect, that it would be six weeks at least before I could return to normal duties.  I am not sure how long it will be before I feel like typing again, so if you don't hear from me for a while, look for me on Instagram where my name is 'mountaintopspice' where I may be able to share short updates without having to type for a longer period of time.  However, I am hopeful that recovery will be speedy and that relief will be felt, but whatever the case, I remain at peace in the hands of the Lord, and will definitely try to 'peck' out an update with my left hand after my surgery. 

Believing that our Lord does all things well, with much love and hugs to all those who pray and share their good wishes and thoughts, it means so very much, and hopefully I will be back to blogging very soon :) 

60 comments

  1. I pray you have a successful surgery today, Marilyn. Thinking of you.

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    1. Thank you so much Marie, I really appreciate it..I have pain today but it's bearable. Hugs 😊

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  2. Keeping you in prayer, Marilyn....smiles

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    1. Thank you so much Linda, I really appreciate it..I have pain today but it's bearable. Hugs 😊

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  3. It is wonderful to hear that your Dad is doing well. I appreciated the pictures of the beautiful part of the world we live in. I'm still in Nebraska visiting where there are no sign of fall. There is nothing like a Northwest fall for color. I'll be in prayer for you today Marilyn. I'll pray for success, not much pain and a swift healing.
    Blessings,
    Betsy

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    1. Thank you so much Betsy, I really appreciate it..I have pain today but it's bearable.I hope you are enjoying your stay in Nebraska with your family! Hugs 😊

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  4. Such wonderful news about your dad's surgery. It's a lot to cope with, and I pray for your mom and dad as well as for you with your upcoming surgeries. Take care Marilyn,
    Wendy

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    1. Thank you for your prayers Wendy, they have meant so much!! My surgery went well and while I have some pain, I am doing good! ☺

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    1. Thanks so much Deanna, your prayers are being felt!

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  6. Sending you prayers, Marylin and so glad to hear that your dad is doing well!!

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    1. Thanks Kim, I truly appreciate your prayers! Hugs 😳

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  7. Sending prayers and hugs, Marilyn - hope the surgery went well, and so glad to hear Dad is doing well!!

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    1. My surgery went well! And while I have pain it is bearable, appreciate your prayers!

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  8. I will be praying for you, Marilyn, and will look for you on Instagram. So thankful all went well for your dad!

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    1. Glad we found each other on IG! Thankful for all the prayers prayed ☺

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  9. Father I thank you for Marilyn's papa's healing and I ask you to bring Marilyn through the surgery and the healing process with complete healing in restoration to both Marilyn and to her papa in Jesus' name. I plead the blood of Jesus over both. Amen.

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    1. Thank you dear Laura, what a blessing and encouragement you are!! The surgery went well and pain is bearable, the LORD is so good!

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  10. Marilyn, prayers for you and your father. May both your recoveries be swift and comforting. That strawberry shortcake biscuit looks amazing! ♥

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    1. Thank you Gina for your prayers ...my surgery went well and my dad is recovering very well. The Strawberry Shortcake really was amazing, it took me back to my childhood. Hugs!

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  11. What a blessing that you could travel to be with your parents and other family members during this tough time. How sweet that you were celebrated in the midst of it. You'll remember this birthday for sure. Such beautiful fall images from your mountain top. The jury is still out on whether I'll need carpal tunnel surgery in the future. I've been bouncing around from PT to the hand surgeon to the nerve testing, etc. etc. Hope your surgery goes well and mobility comes back good and strong!

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    1. I'm so thankful I was able to be with my family during my dad's surgery. I'm sorry to hear that you may need carpal tunnel surgery too, I hope the results come back where you don't need it however I can say so far the surgery feels successful for me.

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  12. Oh Marilyn, so much coming at you from all sides. Yet you're positive, your faith is vibrant, and you come bearing encouragement. I'm praying for you and your dad, even as we speak.

    May you be surprised and delighted by God's healing grace in your lives. Blessings on your family ...

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    1. Linda, your prayers were felt ... the Lord undertook in so many ways with my family and we are so thankful! Thank you again for your prayers!

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  13. Goodness gracious, Marilyn! You've certainly been going through a lot. Glad to hear your dad is doing well and I will pray for his full recovery. Ill be praying for you as well and hope that the surgery mends your pain.

    Take care, my friend and many hugs,
    rue

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    1. Thank you for your prayers they mean so much. Both dad and I are doing much better. Thank you for your visit, hope you have a blessed weekend!

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  14. So glad to read the news about your Dad. I'm glad you were able to go down and be with him. Your brother has a beautiful pool!
    And I know now from Instagram that your first surgery went well. Hugs and prayers.

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    1. Appreciate your prayers so much, I'm so glad I got to be with my family while Dad had his surgery. It's great keeping up with you on Instagram. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

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  15. Thinking of you tonight - Thursday - and praying the surgery went well. Glad your dad is up and around and continues to improve. Your pictures are absolutely stunning!

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    1. Thank you for your visit Cindy and for your prayers they mean so much, I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

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  16. That is wonderful news that your dad came out of surgery so well. It is a wonderful positive outcome to so many prayers. Praying the your surgery goes without a hitch and you are soon able to use those arms and fingers of yours not before too long. Driving home to your lovely place with those glorious vignettes to drink in must have filled you with great joy at being home once again. Take care, lovely Marilyn. Xx

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    1. We really felt all of the prayers that were prayed for our family. My surgery went very well and I now have no pain, for which I am so very thankful. Enjoying the beautiful fall days here and thinking of you as Spring touches your world, blessings and hugs!

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  17. Girl...you have A LOT on your plate! So glad to hear that your dad came through his surgery well. My hubby had a triple bypass years ago so I understand the recovery process. Isn't it something though how the Lord allows everything to happen in His time? Some of the most precious family memories, at least for me, have been when we have had to come together during a health crisis of some sort...being together with family is a sort of a healing balm and makes the crisis easier to get through. And you...bless your heart...I'm praying that your surgeries go well and that you have a speedy recovery! Yes, Southwest airline is the best, I agree...and those beautiful views of yours leading back home are just breathtaking...your photos are stunning! Hugs and prayers to you, sweet Marilyn! Oh, and thanks for the tip about adding the heavy cream to the soup...it looks delicious! ♥♥♥
    and it was a big deal and theecovery

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    1. It was truly a blessing to be with my family through the whole situation with my dad, you're right it is a healing balm to all be together during such a time. My surgery went very well and I have very little pain now for which I'm very thankful. I'm glad you enjoyed the tip about the heavy cream added to soup. I hope you have a very blessed and wonderful weekend!

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  18. So thankful that your dad came through surgery with flying colors, Marilyn! Now I will keep you in prayer as you heal from your own surgery, my friend. May God grant you a swift and speedy recovery!
    Blessings!

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    1. Thank you for your prayers ... I have truly felt them at work for us. It means so much to know people are praying. My surgery went well and I have very little pain now. I hope you have a very blessed and wonderful weekend!

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  19. Many prayers. That soup...yum.

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    1. Thank you for your prayers, it means so much, have a blessed weekend!

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  20. Many prayers. That soup...yum.

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  21. I am so happy for your dad. My dad had 4 bypasses. I agree, it is amazing how fast they are up and walking and home! I will be praying for your dad. Thank you for praying for mine.

    xx oo

    I will be praying for you. May all go well with the surgery and recovery.
    Love, Carla
    P.S. thank you for sharing your amazing photos.

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    1. I remember when your dad had his bypasses and how difficult it was. I'm so thankful he's doing better. I know all the prayers that were prayed for our family made a difference. I hope you're having a wonderful fall season and a blessed weekend!

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  22. Oh wow, praying for you, my friend, and your entire family! I'm glad your dad is okay, and I pray and trust that your surgery will go well, too. I was happy to see a "Happy ending" of sorts, with the photos, and reading of your birthday surprise. Praying for you!

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    1. It meant so much to our family to have everyone praying and truly the prayers made a difference. My surgery went well and I have little pain now, so thankful. Have a blessed and wonderful weekend!

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  23. Happy Birthday my friend! I am so glad you were able to be there with your dad and that your family was able to surprise you with a birthday cake. Praying for your dad as he recovers and for you too. I am glad you will have lots of help and I hope that everything went well and that you are resting comfortably now,

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    1. Thank you for your prayers Debbie, they have truly meant so much, it was a wonderful time that we had with my family even in the circumstances that had me there. My surgery went well and I'm recovering quickly with little pain, for which I'm so thankful. Praying you have a lovely blessed weekend!

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  24. Hello Marilyn, and wishing you a belated Happy Birthday, as well. You have been through quite a worrisome time and I am glad to hear that your dear Father has come through is surgery well and is on the road to recovery. I am sorry that your dogs were attacked, too. My goodness, and now you are having surgeries, too. It is so wonderful that you will have help in the coming weeks from kind friends and family. Lovely photos you have shared of the autumn countryside and I will be praying for healing for both your Dad and for you. xo Karen

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    1. Thank you Karen for your kind words and prayers, they have meant so much. My surgery went well and I have hardly any pain now. Truly the Fall colors here are beautiful. I hope you are enjoying the lovely fall weekend!

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  25. Happy Belated Birthday! SO much is going on with your family and you! I went to your instagram account...debs.earthly.delights is mine! I don't post much on my blog anymore.
    Take care!
    deb

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    1. Hi Deb! So happy we have connected on Instagram! I'm so glad you stopped by here to say hello. I am enjoying all of the precious goodies that you sent me, but the chocolates have already disappeared, ha! Stashi tea is my favorite! I have enjoyed all of the special things you sent me. I hope you have a very blessed and wonderful weekend!

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  26. I'm glad you got through your surgery and I hope the next one is successful. I wish I could come help you! Be careful and heal well, Marilyn. Yay for prayers answered for your dad!

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    1. Thank you for your prayers, they have meant so much! My surgery went well and my dad is recuperating at home. God is so good! I hope you have a blessed and wonderful weekend!

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  27. My prayers that all will be fine and the Lord may send his angels to help speed up recovery! That soup does looks good!! Happy belated birthday!! Beautiful photos.

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    1. The Lord has answered prayers, both my dad and I have done just fine with our surgeries so far. So thankful for the Lord's many blessings. Hope you have a blessed and wonderful weekend!

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  28. So glad that you have been able to spend some time with your family! To enjoy the moment of knowing that special days in your life are not forgotten by others. Praying that your surgery went well this past week, and that you shall heal quickly and be prepared for the next. Thank you for sharing your beautiful pictures with us.

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    1. Thank you for your prayers Jennifer, they have meant so much. My surgery went well and I have little pain. Soup always is wonderful when you are a little under the weather! I hope you're having a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family!

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  29. By now you have had your surgery so I hope it went well for you. Glad to hear your Dad is doing well also. Happy Birthday! How nice to have a surprise cake. I had carpal tunnel surgery in March and was going to do the other hand asap after but decided it against it. Just feeling normal from it now!

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    1. Thanks for your birthday wishes and prayers for my dad and I, thankfully we are both doing great after our surgeries. So far I'm doing quite well with my hand and I'm thankful for that. I'm hoping to get my next surgery done next week if all goes well but I know what you mean about the difficulty of doing them so close together. I appreciate your insight ☺

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  30. Oh Sweet lady... I'm glad that the surgery went well (I'm late writing here :D) and so thankful that your dad is doing so well. Praising Our Lord for His Faithfulness! Feel better soon dear Marilyn :) Maria

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    1. Appreciate your visit Maria, thankful for your prayers and that we are both doing so well after our surgeries, God is so good!

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  31. You've had a lot on your plate for sure.
    I hope your hand heals in record time and that your Dad does as well.
    Gorgeous, gorgeous photos!
    :)

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