Endless Possibilities

Hi Cousins,

Dad has been sharing the e-mail updates about Uncle John and I want to touch base and say how familiar this all seems.  I remember the stress, worry and strain of Walter (Dad) going through his open heart surgery.  Actually the shock of his surgery and healing are very real in my mind as I read your updates and write this note.

I suppose that I am hoping to give you assurance that you are on a track that is somewhat “normal” after such a serious repair.  Dad doesn’t remember, but Jerri and I distinctly remember his dark periods after his surgery when he sort of curled up inside of himself and didn’t want to try.  He simply wanted to be left alone.  No pushing, no trying, just let me be.  Nothing could budge him on these days. 

There were days of frustration and dissapointment, days of fear and tears, days of leave me alone.  Ins and outs of the hospital for various fine tuning again accompanied by more fears and tears.   The good news is that his memory of all of this is rather vague.  The bad news is that the rest of the family has the wear and tear of being hyper-alert and deeply concerned.  Feeling the impact of every small decision/resistance/set back, and perhaps too stressed out to recognize the healing. Fortunately the body can make progress in spite of depression, pain, fear and worry.

I pray for you each night, and I hope that the “gains” carry you further than the “setbacks.”  I really hope John gets to come home soon, as I think this will be deeply comforting to all.  I pray that soon he will be able to report that he can feel the benefit of a stronger, healing heart.  

Know you are loved and not alone.  I hope that this message conveys my love to each of you.