November 25 – “Bustin’ Out”

Early start with the manual labor yesterday.  I had one thing that had to be done before Chris came home.  Somehow I had to figure out a way to get the grease from frying turkeys out of the pots and back into the grease boxes they came in and into the trash – all before the trash truck arrived.  A daunting task to be sure.  The biggest issue was getting the funnel to stay in place while I used both hands – and every muscle in my body – to lift the pots and do the actual dumping.  Corey and Janell and Brennan all volunteered to help, so the plan was to call them, as long as I could get it done before 8 a.m. since they had to log onto work.  Whew.  But then, as I was getting everything prepared, I actually stumbled across the extension piece for the funnel that would force it to stay in place.  I texted over a quick thank you to the Gerans for their offer and got to work.  I managed to get everything done in plenty of time to beat the garbage guys.  Chris should be happy.  So should the parents of little guys who like to play in our back yard. 

 

I made it up to the hospital just in time to say hi to Cathy and Lauren.  They popped in to say hello before starting their day at work.  And after the pleasantries, Chris dropped the bombshell on us.  “I might not get to go home today.”  There was some apparently significant swelling going on at the site of the incision, and the resident wanted the faculty supervisor to make the final call.  Wonderful.  Another night at the Hilton.  But in the meantime, Cathy and Lauren assured her that they would pick up the slack in Chris’ preparations for Bethlehem Street Market.  That was a real load off of Chris’ mind, and a stress reliever. 

 

Not long after Cathy and Lauren left, the faculty cardiologist made his rounds with the baby docs in tow.  As we waited for him to complete his exam, the tension mounted.  Finally he checked the surgical site – the cause of immediate concern.  And … gave it his Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval.  He said to give them about an hour to get the paperwork done, and she could go home.  Music to our ears.  Of course there are the requisite restrictions.  No long walks.  No lifting of anything heavier than a gallon of milk.  No walking up and down stairs.  Basically, take it easy for the next two weeks (and beyond).  Follow up in a few weeks.  All followed by, “You know the routine.  We’ve done this before.”  Yep.  We do.  And so the process began.  So did the waiting.

 

All that flurry of activity took place around ten.  At 12:30 we were still waiting.  We shared Chris’ lunch tray.  Salisbury steak and mashed potatoes. 

 

We finally busted outa da joint around 1:30.  Back home by 2.  We both crashed.  Those early morning and late nights took their toll.  We’ll do our family Thanksgiving feasting tomorrow, so today Chris and Cailyn will be making pies while I do some fire station visits.  Happy Thanksgiving!

 

1 Chronicles 16:34 says, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.”

 

Father, thank you that Chris is home.  Please direct the healing now taking place in her body.  Amen.