Dad Update

It was an extremely long (15-1/2 hours) and complicated surgery. Complications due to it being a "redo" arose because of scar tissue and location of the arteries from the previous surgery. It's probably quite amazing that he withstood all they did to him and lasted that long in the O.R. They can't "close" him until the swelling goes down and that will literally be a few days. Mom was quite upset. (Apparently this is common!)

He didn't leave the O.R. and get up to ICU until 11:55 p.m. We got to see him briefly at 12:20 a.m. They initially repaired the valve but much later in the evening had to go in and replace it as it was leaking when they tested and monitored it.

Bottom line - he's tough to have withstood all of this and his heart is strong and he's stable. The next couple days will be tough, the next few days will be tough as well as once the fluid and swelling subside they will have to bring him to O.R. to patch him up. I found this beautiful angel in the gift shop that afternoon before we knew of the complications and we were all feeling confident about the whole procedure. I was waiting to give it to dad when he opens his eyes but she's sitting on the shelf looking over him in ICU. Her wings are enclosed around her and she’s holding a delicate flower.

Thank you to Seamus, Osbasso, Chickie, Lapsis Rubber and Catscratch Diva.

Upon coming to work this morning, after dropping mom off at the hospital - the newest update is that he continues to do well, slow but sure, just like they want it. We're just waiting for the fluid/swelling to subside so they can close him. He's making progress and everything is going in the right direction for him.


Update: 1:23 p.m. - They're going to "close" him up today at 3 or 4 p.m.

Heart and Soul

My dad goes in tomorrow for open heart surgery. He's 75. He had triple bypass 20 years ago. Tomorrow he goes in for a valve replacement and while they have him open they will bypass two small arteries.

I drive my parents in tomorrow morning at 5:30 a.m. Surgery is scheduled around 8:30 a.m. I'm headed off to the store to buy a bevy of magazines to keep me and my mom distracted.

Let's hope it all goes well. 20 years later, 20 years older...

Prom

My daughter and her best friend were dates for the prom and a photo of her and her two best girlfriends.

PROM Day

The calm before the storm.....

she's sleeping
she's up soon, off to get her nails done
and then afternoon appointments, hair, makeup
I'll be cleaning and primping the house for the guests that will arrive
to see her in her dress, the grandmas, dad, auntie - the photos
My anxiety: the ex-MIL and what might pop out of her mouth

I just hope they will be safe tonight, after the formal affair, and will be where they say they are supposed to be

I will post later and offer some highlights. At least the weather has improved. The forecast was for pouring rain and the sun is shining.

Anatomy of a Prom

Dress $290
Alterations $65
Jewelry $30
Hair/make-up/nails $100
boutanierre $12

for a total of $497!

I guess I should be happy that she's not buying a new pair of shoes or that the boy paid for the overpriced tickets or that she's paying for her own tanning which I wish she wouldn't even do. However, with all this in mind, I wish she was more mindful the other night when she was driving 10mph over the speed limit and got that $110 ticket. Oy! Or when she slept over my sister's house when I went away to that meeting and she left her retainer out and my sister's 6 month old puppy chewed on it. New one: today! $350!!!

My horoscope

Two jobs became available in two very different departments that I am interested in. I tossed and turned a little last night trying to figure out which I'd really be interested in. This is the horoscope that was e-mailed to me this morning:

Energy
Mars Sesquiquadrate Jupiter
Apr 2, 2008 to Apr 6, 2008

You're trying to decide whether to be extravagant ... or to be extravagant. Okay, what you're really trying to figure out is which department to indulge yourself in. Choose carefully.

Career
Mercury Trine Mc
Apr 2, 2008

You can have absolutely everything you want from the higher-ups. They'll be happy to support and advise you, and tip you on how to get where you want to go.