Day 12 - Post Surgery

Hello!

Well, today was a pretty quiet day without any visitors, but it was a good day for Jim to get stronger. He did his best day of eating so far, as he hasn't had much appetite. This picture is from a couple of days ago, but it hadn't made the blog yet, so I wanted to share it with you. Can you see how excited he is with his pureed meal? Yummy! You can't really blame the guy for not having much appetite, but I keep encouraging him to eat to keep his strength up; and he's definitely getting stronger. The next picture is of Jimmy showing off while sitting on the side of the bed. He's giving the camera the 'thumbs up'. It's actually a pretty big deal that he was able to sit so straight and tall without needing to use his arms for support. Way to go, Jimmy! The last picture is Jim standing up. You can see how tiny his Occupational Therapist is, and she's able to assist him all by herself, which means that Jim is able to do most of the work himself. It's so good to see him progressing as well as he is. Everyday, his motor skills get a little stronger and more finely tuned. The body's healing process is pretty amazing!

We're very excited that the kids are coming out to visit through the weekend tomorrow. They all wanted to see their daddy before his surgery on Friday. Even though it cost me a small fortune in airfare because of the NBA Jam going on in Phoenix this weekend, I'm glad they'll be with me. Jenna was planning to fly home to Minneapolis to watch the State Girl's Dance Team competition,
as were we, but she insisted in changing her flight plans. So, we will be cheering on the Totino-Grace E'gals and the Maple Grove Crimson from afar! Hopefully, the E'gal coaches were able to implement Coach Jim's suggestions into their choreography so that they 'kick butt'! We plan to have our own personal celebration when we get back.

My sister, Sandy, is coming out to visit us also. The hotel staff at the Hampton Inn has been so wonderful, and they were able to arrange a room for her and kept it to the same price that they are charging me, even though they were booking the rooms for $150 more a night because of the big NBA Jam weekend. Everyone has been so incredibly nice to us! I really appreciate her taking the time away from her family to be with me and the kids -- she was very insistent that she come and that her family wants her here. So...thank you Tom, Paige, and Max! Paige and Max even gave up their birthday celebration that was scheduled for Friday as well. I promise we'll make it up to you guys later!!!

So, tell me...has anyone noticed that Jim's surgery is scheduled for Friday the 13th? I'm thinking that it's a good thing that I'm not ,
overly superstitious! I'm sure that Jimmy did not plan ahead and bring me something for Valentine's Day (I, of course, brought his gift along), so I told him today what I would like. I want him to sing "Brown-Eyed Girl" to me on Saturday, even if he's on the respirator and has to mouth the words. That will be the best Valentine's gift ever!!!!

I think that Jim and I are still feeling fairly relaxed at this time. I'm sure there's going to be some nerves tomorrow as the day wears on, and definitely on Friday morning when we get to the hospital early to give him our 'good luck' hugs and kisses, but I'm hoping to still feel that underlying calm that I'm feeling right now that we're going to get through this and that everything's going to be all right. I'm sure that it's all the messages of prayer, support, and encouragement that are being sent our way, together with my confidence in God's love that are putting my heart at peace. You have all been wonderful and are loved and appreciated SO much. I know it's going to be a very rough road ahead, and it's probably going to be a very long one, but Jimmy and I will persevere! So, don't forget about us, we ARE coming home -- eventually!

I'm going to try to get to bed a little early tonight in anticipation of some restless nights ahead. I know it's a very special weekend, and you should all take the opportunity to tell your Valentines how much they are loved, but please be sure to squeeze in a few prayers for us as well!

Lots of love!
Krissy