Its A Wonderful Life

Dad's doing much better today. Although it's hard for him to open his eyes and the breathing tube is still in, he responds to questions by nodding, wiggling his toes or squeezing your hand. He'll most likely have the tube in for a couple more days, which is really making him miserable, but until they can wean him off it it's better to keep it in longer than to have to re-intabate him later. Our worries about possible neuro damage from his heart being accidentally cut by a clamp during surgery and the subsequent blood loss that occurred were lessened today by his responses and the doctors evaluations. His urine output is good, which is a great sign as well. He was very swollen and pale when we saw him last night (who wouldn't be after an 11 hour surgery?) but he now looks much better. Carter and I were noticing that his color is even better now than it was before the surgery. Bryan and Janalyn are here now for a few days which makes all of us happy. I'm so grateful for my family and their wives - they are truly my best friends.

We're all exhausted at this point and yet so grateful for all of the wonderful friends and family who are calling us and the hospital for updates. We'll try to keep the blog updated on a more regular basis for sure. The nurses asked that only immediate family call their station - they can only provide updates to family anyway. My mom has struggled today and hopefully will be doing better tomorrow. Please keep her in your prayers as well.

And although my Dad facing his most difficult trial right now, I know that if he could talk right now, he'd tell you that It's (STILL) a Wonderful Life :)

Merry Christmas everyone - life is good!

Made it through the night

It's 7:55am Christmas morning and Dad made it through the night. The nurses said they'd call if there was a serious problem, and no phone call. We're not allowed to visit or call the SICU between 7-8:30am or pm so I'm laying here, waiting to call at exactly 8:30am - oh yes, and waiting for my kids to wake up to see what Santa gave them.

Grandma Osborn (Dads mom) is on her way up to see him right now. My heart goes out to her and wish I could be there with her when she sees him for the first time. Bryan and his family will be driving up from St. George again this morning and we'll have time to talk more with the doctors and see where we are. Thanks for all of the prayers - please keep them coming. Love you all.