Today was a very difficult day for me. My father, my hero, the one who is always there for me... I could go on and on... went in for surgery. This was planned, and he was scheduled to go into surgery at 9:30am. He is in California, and I in Oklahoma. I was worried, of course, what daughter wouldn't be? But it wasn't until late this afternoon until it hit me... I had really been in denial. I realized that I had not even let myself consider the possibility of anything going wrong... I just couldn't do it.
We had it set up for my Aunt to call me as soon as Dad came out of surgery.
Of course, nothing went quite as planned!
First, Dad arrived at the hospital at 7:30, as planned. My Aunt dropped him off, as it was supposed to be a relatively short procedure, so she would return to pick him up a short time later. Well, surgery they didn't actually take him into surgery until 12:30pm. My Aunt kept calling the hospital, but they would tell her nothing more than he was not ready to be released. She didn't call me... because she didn't want me worried about what was going on, when she didn't even know.
Meanwhile, I'm sitting by my phone, here in Oklahoma. My neighbors prayed with me this morning. As one elderly neighbor was praying, she asked that my Dad come through this fine so we could be together, but also mentioned that if something happened, for me to have strength, knowing he was in a better place... that's when it first started to hit me. As I sat here waiting by the phone, watching the clock and pacing... I had to keep reminding myself that it was two hours earlier there... trying desperately to reassure myself. The minutes and hours kept ticking by.
A little while ago, a friend stopped by. He and I just met recently, but have spent many hours talking and have a lot in common, so I'm starting to feel comfortable around him... but I wasn't ready for this. I called my Dad's house and got no answer. A bit later, I called my Aunt's cell phone, and it was off! I just lost it! That is when I realized that I had not allowed myself to fully prepare for this. I could not imagine life without my Dad... he is my rock... the one person that was always there.
Fortunately, after crying on my friend's shoulder for a while, the phone rang. The distinctive ring told me it was a long distance call, and I just knew... back problems and all, I lunged for the phone.
I cannot even begin to describe the feelings of relief as I heard my Dad's voice, cheerfully telling me he was fine. I felt so bad, as he felt bad hearing me cry, but they were tears of relief... I have another chance with my Dad. All I could tell him was I am fine now. I told Dad to get some sleep, and in the past hour, I cannot count the number of silent prayers of thanks going up.
What a day!
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Comments: 9
I know you must have been on pins and needles. I'm glad it all worked out well and that your dad is going to be ok.
Hang on to him.
I am so glad he is home & resting.