Waiting

Dad expected to undergo surgery yesterday afternoon. Meanwhile I had to get work done on the car. I phoned at 10:30 a.m. to wish Dad luck. He called back at 2:30 to say he still hadn't gone in; the surgeon said probably not until 5.

With unexpected energy for housework, I started spring cleaning: threw out old clothes, tidied the bedroom, washed all the dishes and cleared the kitchen table.

When I called the hospital desk at 8:30 p.m. to see how surgery had gone, it still hadn't happened and Dad was sleeping. The nurse expected him to go into the OR around 11. What a tedious day it must have been for him.

At 7:30 a.m. the day nurse had just started her shift and didn't know any details, but said he seemed to be fine. Evidently surgery happened, but that's all I'll know until I get to London. I'm driving down to visit for the day.

Besides an emissions test and new tire, the Sunfire needed brake work. Yesterday was an expensive day. The rear tires still need to be replaced.

Check-in

This is the first time the computer in the hospital quiet room has actually been available when I've been here, so I'm checking in. Dad is doing well. The surgery this time was less invasive, so hopefully he'll recover more quickly. Imagine having your chest opened up and wanting to play cribbage 12 hours later. Dad wanted a game after lunch, so we did.

He hasn't heard from the surgeons yet. The day nurse only heard third-person that they didn't find any serious concerns inside. Hopefully one of them will visit this evening so we can get something clearer.

Dad keeps complaining about pain and weakness in his right chest and shoulder. I suspect a strained muscle, but nobody says anything about it.

Uncle George dropped in a few minutes ago, so I'm going for a break.