I think I left you to get coffee!!! (more on that later! ) re-fueled I headed to the airport to get my sister, timing couldn’t have been more perfect. Her messed up travel plans allowed her to touch base with family in Salt Lake and that was nice for all.

We then headed to the hospital to see how dad was doing, we took a route I new and hit some rush hour traffic but all in all made good time.  When we got there Dad was still shivering, which sometimes happens after surgery, and he was having a difficult time getting comfortable.  He had some pain in his lower back and I think he thought it was the same pain he had prior to surgery so in his somewhat muddled state this upset him!

Luckily the nurse caring for him only had two patients that evening so it allowed her to spend a little extra time taking care of my Dad.  She tried moving him etc and gave him some medicine to help him relax as well as an anti-inflammatory on top of the pain medicine he was getting, all of which finally started to kick in about the time we had to leave.  Visiting hours were over at 9PM.  We knew he was in good hands and had hopes he would get some sleep.

We left to get something to eat along with a nice glass of wine! Both of us were quite tired from the day and it was nice to catch up a bit and relax before heading home for bed!

It stormed like crazy during the night and felt like the house was being attacked, my sis confirmed the night was like that for her as well!  We got up at 8AM and got ready to go see Dad.  Arriving just after 9:30 he had had some physical therapy and had been up standing before we got there.  He looked much better today and like he had gotten a little rest.

He was due for another PT session at 10:30 and this time they got him up walking.  I of course had my camera out again telling dad these were “scrapbook” moments!!!  We were amazed at how well he was doing.  We had always heard how they get you up and moving right away and they weren’t kidding on this.  They said they were going to come the evening before but because he was in pain and kind of having a bad night they didn’t.  He is so funny chatting to the PT guys!  Finally chatting about golf and he said he was planning on skipping next Monday’s game but had hopes of making Thursdays!!

My plans were to leave that afternoon, my hubby was home watching our daughter and working from home which can be a challenge and he had only made the arrangement for Monday and Tuesday.  Checking the pass information it was CLOSED! Argh!!!! Snowing……in the mountains yes….but it is almost April!  So, we talked about my options and just decided to keep watching the pass report.

Finally after a couple hours it opened up and I saw a window of opportunity to head home.  So, my sis took me back to Dad’s house and I packed up my dirty car and headed for home (dad gave me a hard time on this…..he wouldn’t drive to the hospital in it!).  I had to get gas and make a couple stops,  I needed to get a treat for my daughter and something to eat and then I was on my way.  It rained to beat the band then up toward the top of the pass it snowed hard!! Thankfully it wasn’t sticking to the road (I had already taken my snow tires off!) I kept thinking it would only snow for about 10-15 miles at the top but noooooooooooooooooo 60 miles!!!! I was happy to get through it knowing had I waiting an hour more it would have been much worse!

So, home again and all is good.  My sister said they had Dad walk 50 feet in the hallway after I left and he was scheduled to have group therapy today with other patients in the same recovery as him.  They are planning on discharging him tomorrow if he keeps doing well and from there he will go to a recovery facility for 20 days and have lots and lots of therapy there.

I am heading back at the weekend providing the weather cooperates to see both my sister and my dad and taking my little one with me this time.

For now, I am off to get ready as my oldest is coming down to get her tattoo finished!!! Yay! and I will have more on that as well!

Thanks again for all your prayers for my Dad!  I did tell him I was expecting a significant personality change as a result of the surgery!!! He just laughed!

Cheers!

Grace

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