June 18 – “Allie Update”

Allie update … we went to Houston yesterday to check on Allie after her scoliosis surgery.  She had two rods inserted into her back and screwed to her spine.  Ouch.  All I could think about was the intense nerve pain I felt after my last neck surgery.  And hers went up and down her whole back.  Again I say, ouch.   Allie is doing well.  She did have quite a time getting the pain under control right after the surgery, though.  First she would toss and turn and writhe in pain when it was pretty much imperative that she lie still.  So they increased and changed combinations of pain medications.  But then she would calm down to the extent that she would actually stop breathing and have to be "reminded" with a shake.  It certainly made for some tense Mommy and Daddy moments, as you can imagine.  The transition now is to oral pain medication.    She has been a real trooper as far as rehab is concerned.  The athlete in her definitely kicked in the first time she took a walk.  She made it all the way around the unit – quite a distance.  She was exhausted when she finished, but she did it.  Her Mom said that her cell phone has been a lifeline.  Even when the pain was intense, Allie never forgot to answer texts.  While we were there she kept it right next to heart while she dozed so she could feel the vibration.  Can't miss a one that way.  Ah, the resourcefulness of the communication generation.  If all continues to go well over the next few hours, the doctor will release her to go home this weekend.  Allie's parting words to us were, "I'll see you at church next Wednesday before y'all leave for camp."    We had a few errands to run on the way home.  Since we were going to be in Texas we had made out our list before we left home.  Chris picked up some quilting stuff that was on sale at Hobby Lobby.  I didn't mind that since Hobby Lobby is right next to Spring Creek Barbecue.  Great place for lunch.  I especially like their free little loaves bread that they bake right there and give away as fast as they can pull it out of the oven.  Hot, steaming homemade bread.  Mouth watering.    The final Texas stop was Sam's.  We had to pick up some supplies for the church since Sunday in Third Sunday Dinner on the Grounds.  You know, forks, garbage bags, soap and the like.  We also got some water and juice to take on the vans for the youth camp trip next week.  And then it was back onto the Island.  Oh, and we managed to make a WalMart trip as well.  How can a week go by without a few of those?    Proverbs 15:30 says, "A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones."   Father, thank you for Allie's good news.  Keep healing her and drawing her close to you.  Amen.