A Success

Vicki was amazingly calm during the time they came to get her, while she was in Pre-Op and up to that last moment of consciousness. The "secret" was finally revealed to her about 40 minutes before surgery. That in and of itself is a miracle and a success! Vicki usually sniffs out these things, but was none the wiser even with the man trying to place an IV said, "So you're headed to surgery..." when he couldn't get an IV started in her room! I quickly replied, "Not soon! You must be thinking of a different patient." Then he remembered his blunder and said "Oh, my mistake, I must be confused."

She was asking questions and simply lying on the gurney throughout the Pre-Op time even after the big "surgery" word was revealed. I think part of her was relieved to know she was going to get some help.

I was able to accompany Vicki back to the OR and watch her "drift off" to sleep under the anesthesia. Drift is not a good word for this kind of sleep. It is more 'forced on you' through the medications. Although she usually fights it, she did so much better this time. Partly because they gave her medicine in the IV and partly because of your prayers. She was able to hear her favorite verse as I whispered "God has said, 'Never will I leave you, Never will I forsake you.'"

When I got back to the Pre-Op room to get Laura and Hajik, he was visibly nervous. He worries when his girl isn't in sight. I had to tell him several times that she would be OK before it sunk in.


One of the things about having a child in the hospital that's difficult is the rest of life keeps on going. Work, kids practices, school and activities all continue as if oblivious to what's happening to the one child. After giving Laura a tour of all the places you can go in the hospital, I had to leave to meet two clients for evening meetings. Along the way, I called the PCA's at home to make sure the others were still OK. I met my clients, and then headed up to my brother-in-laws to exchange my van for his truck so I can head up to my parents this weekend to help them move. Yep, life keeps going.

Laura reported that the surgery went well and that Vicki has a new pump and catheter. Both are the latest and greatest so she should have fewer problems in the future. The surgeon remarked that it was a bit of work to get the catheter placed due to Vicki's spinal fusion and all of the extra bone in the way.

Vicki will now be flat for 3 days and then in the hospital for 2-4 more days after that - minimum.

We are truly grateful to be circled by your love, prayers, kind words, visits, food etc. God IS Good.

Scott