Pop's heart surgery Day 2

Today was a very emotional day that started at 5:15 this morning. I didn't get a whole lot of sleep last night just for the fact that I was thinking about my dad and not wanting to oversleep. All for us got to the hospital at about 6 o'clock this morning, there was a chance that Pops could have been moved to the early case at 7 and we wanted to see him and pray with him before he went in. He did not go in at 7 and we were able to spend more time with him. We all as brothers and sisters went in with him and my mom at about 8:30 this morning to pray with him and he shared how much he loved us and how he hoped he had been a good father. He cried and wanted us to know that it was hard emotionally but he was spiritually ready for what happened. He needed to hear from us that we would be o-kay if the worse occurred ad we would be but he was very confident that he was going to be o-kay and he would see us when he is done with surgery. We all had a great cry and had a great time of prayer with him.

He then went to pre-op for about 2 hours before they took him into surgery. We were able to see him right before he went into surgery and had one last prayer and cry as they rolled him off. My mom took it really hard knowing that his heart was extremely weak and there was a chance that he would not make it through the surgery. She had a really hard time and finally let it go, she has been so strong for us but she needed to let it out and just cry.

Over the next 4 hours we prayed and waited anxiously for the hourly phone calls from the nurse in the O.R. and she kept reporting that he was doing really well and that things were going good. He had 5 bypasses and is now recovering in the CCU, when we went in to see him he was awake and was able to squeeze our hands and smile. He is now talking and remembers when we came in and visited with him. The doctor says he is doing really well and we will know soon if the surgery was able to strengthen his heart. Please continue to pray as he gets stronger and that his heart will continue to strengthen and he will have a fast recovery.

This has been a great time for us to come together as a family, we have grown so much closer and it has been really neat to see 2 people who have been madly in love with each other for over 41 years to strengthen their love and still show that they depend so much upon each other.

"Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is he, this King of glory? The LORD Almighty— he is the King of glory."
Psalm 24:7-10

"Thank you God for all the comfort that you have provided for us during this time. We still do not know what the future holds but we know that you are guiding us through any and every thing. We do not deserve the grace and mercy that you give us but You give it to us lovingly and generously. May we learn and grow from this experience and use this to bring us and others closer to You and Father may we always remember that we are and need to always be disciples for You. Amen. "

Pop's heart surgery

Today was the day before my dad's bypass surgery. We were very excited and encouraged from the latest news from the doctor about his left ventricle. His heart is weak but not as weak as they once thought, which is good. He is scared, as we all are, but very optimistic.

I wish that I knew the outcome of the surgery now! I spilled out my heart to God and let Him know how I feel and how I am not ready to handle the worst. I still need my dad and I am not prepared to deal with the lose of him. I finally broke down and just cried, I needed to do that and it felt good to get it out. I am so glad that Stephanie is here with me and just having her has helped me a ton. I will need her tomorrow morning when I see my dad off to surgery and knowing that I might have seen my dad alive for the last time. Just thinking about it is hard but I know that God is in control. I keep quoting Psalm 24 over and over again. It is my favorite Psalm and have turned to it for strength.

"God I know that everything is in Your hands and that You know exactly what is going to happen tomorrow. Help me and my family find the strength and security that you provide for us and come under the comfort of your wing. Oh God I need you and I ask that you be with my dad and my family as we go through this time. I love you and I know that you are the God who is above all other gods and You will be glorified and praised. I thank you for my family, my bff, and friends who are here and praying for us. Thank you for your grace and mercy that you give to us. Amen."

Merry Christmas

I just wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and I hope you have a great New Year! I can't believe that 2007 is almost over adn 2008 is fastly approaching! I am looking forward to what 2008 holds and to see where and what is going to happen!

Hello Fall

So it finally feels like fall outside. I love how the leaves are changing colors and falling off of the trees. I ilove the smell of the fireplaces that are lit around you! I love the feel of the crisp cool air when it hits your face. I just love cooler and cold weather. I am a hot natured person and sweat way to much so the coming of cooler weather is always fun by me. Here is something to try, get a cup of hot chocolate and go sit outside in the coolness of night (perferably below 50) and let the inside of you be warmed by the hot chocolate balance out the coolness of your skin by the temperature.

Summer of 2007

I can't believe that summer is almost over. It has been a great summer and a pleasant one, climate-wise, and I am ready to get the Fall going! There are many things that I wish I would have done this summer but there are a lot of things that I was able to do this summer that I absolutely loved. I hope you have a great week!

WUWE 2007

WUWE 07 was amazing. Thank you all for your participation and prayers. Thank you to Mark Matlock and Pearl Merchant band for the great sessions. May God bless all of you!