One Surgery Down, Another To Go

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 :)