Heigh Ho – Heigh Ho . . .

(If you are in this web site for the first time and want to read about my thoughts about surgery, go to the article entitled “Morning by morning” for that post.)

Yes, it’s off to work I go! Tomorrow, as a matter of fact. No more excuses, no more delays.

Once my physical problem was identified, it was doctors and nurses, medical technicians and assistants, who worked hard and effectively on behalf of my health and well-being. Meanwhile, our daughter Elise disrupted her life and family to come live at our house (assisted by younger sisters), freeing Judy to take care of her man, and our sons determined to be Mom’s escort. All great blessings – all essential to healing.

Then it was a multi-faceted parade of support, coming in the form of prayers, cards, flowers and plants, and meals – lots of meals. That steady stream was a thing of great encouragement and practical help that greased the wheels of the healing express.

Then, while the expressions of love and care continued, it was simply long, quiet days of recuperation, aided and abetted by the policy of an enlightened employer, St. Luke’s, which has taken this into account in its employee management. David, my manager, and Erin, Matt, Tory and Zane, my co-workers, took all of the care and concern away. They managed my e-mail, kept the customers satisfied, moved the office to a new location, and did it all with equanimity and grace.

Do I look forward to work? On several levels – yes. But I mostly look forward to spending time again with my colleagues in a vibrant and satisfying environment. They have carried the load, and I am most grateful. Reunion will be sweet. Will probably involve coffee.

I am feeling very well, thank you. My strength continues to broaden, and my energy level is more robust. Even the problems with my lower back and legs (numbness) are being alleviated by chiropractic care and a lot of stretching.

Mostly, I am simply overcome with gratitude. Gratitude to the many that have simply done what they could to let us know they cared. Thankfulness for the many ways that practical help was given. Joy at the thought of so many smiling and loving faces that represents a cloud of witnesses, as it were.

But over all, under all, surrounding all, is the overwhelming Presence and care of the Lord in my life. How merciful, how gracious, how encouraging He has been in this time. He has ministered a thousand ways, through so many helping hands and eager faces. How can we ever say how grateful this makes us?

So we live for Him!

He's Home!

One whole week ago - the major surgery wasn't until Wednesday - and he's already home! He looks wonderful, is managing the pain well with very little medication, and wants to sleep alot - as he should! I gave him a bell to call me when needed. He has rung it twice - and the children have gone running to him. I didn't even hear it. Over the years, I think I have learned to shut out alot of different noises (for survival reasons). Hopefully, I'll do better tomorrow in the race to see who can get to Papa the quickest!

I spent the last two nights with him at the hospital. Sure glad I did. The hospital was extremely busy, and little jobs just weren't getting done. I know he would not have asked a nurse for some of the things he needed. I had to correct an ICU nurse about the timing of his pain medications. He was sure I was wrong, checked his records, and oops! - I was right!

Kevin will be home for 6 weeks - ah-h-h - bliss! He is a delight to have around, and the children are going to love the time he gets to read to them - after he can stay awake!

I have asked myself "How many people does it take to run a house when a Papa is gone"? I can't even imagine how we would have managed if Kevin Hooper hadn't brought Elise and Eliana to us. They kept to a schedule, and I do believe, had alot of fun! I walked in the house late one night and made myself stop and look around to see what everyone was doing. My favorite tea cups and saucers were in the dish drain. Yes - they are for special occasions - and that means daily use. It was a delight to my heart to imagine the conversation that went on during tea.

Two young men were playing Playstation - probably getting rid of some extra emotion and energy. They were laughing - music to my ears. Caleb was checking out the latest sports information, headphones on and newspaper pages turning. Abbie has had finals and papers due this week. The poor girl has felt badly that all she could do was work and study. We have all encouraged her to just dig in and get done. That was her job this week. She believes that if her grades don't turn out too well this first semester, she'll always have the excuse of her Papa's surgery to blame. We were chatting yesterday about the fact that during her senior year she had testing the morning my Dad died. Talk about one distracted girl. Oh well - those grades got her into Who's Who of American High School Students - guess she's better than she thinks under pressure!

I have seen such maturity and sweetness from all of our children this past week. Poor Dana (who is 3 months pregnant, with very bad morning sickness) has also had the flu this past week and never once got to help out with the children or even go see Papa. Aaron said she was in tears yesterday. I saw two sons embracing as one saw Papa for the first time after surgery - leaving the rooms in tears - crying over what he had seen and also crying because he was so relieved. Daniel and Aaron have been my 6' 2" shadows this past week. Once they determined "from this time on, Mama is not to ever be alone". I tried to encourage them a couple of times to go and get some rest. You should have seen the look I got. I gave up. I was outnumbered - and they are large! Miss Bethany was a little mama, big sister, friend, cook and (I am assuming) Elise's right arm. And then there's Little Miss Madeline - constantly telling me "I miss Papa - oh, I miss you, too, but I really miss Papa". I saw something different this time. She has grown up some. In the past, it has been difficult for the two of us to be separated for any time. She did very well! And that is because her big sister was here, praying with her, playing with her, distracting her, and doing all of the things Mama usually does. What comfort that brought this household. I have tried to find words to thank Elise - they aren't coming - I am just so full of thankfulness to a God who cares so deeply about all of the things that concern us.

And finally, what a blessing and a joy it has been to connect with old friends throughout this - your prayers are felt. Everyone who has given rides, made phone calls, sent meals, and loved our children - you are worth more than gold. We are so thankful.

Soon, Kevin will write to you with his own hand! And we just might include some pictures - if you're very, very good. :)

Until then, please keep us in your prayers, as we keep you in ours.

Judy for the Kircher Family

Thursday and Friday

Poor Mama. She had a whole post written last night, and lost it. She just didn't have the heart to type it out all over again! So we apologize for the delay in updates.

Yesterday could be called "Papa's Day of Pain", as pretty much everything hit him at once. He definitely needed his pain meds, especially for the ache in his ribs, and spent a lot of the day sleeping.

The doctor still felt that his progress was good enough to be sprung from the ICU today, so he is now in a regular room that overlooks the cross on Table Rock - a blessing. He has showered, taken some visitors (family), and is in such good spirits that he's actually been reminded to take his pain meds! He expresses his gratitude often - to be alive, to have such a wonderful outpouring of support, and to have family nearby.

Mama is spending the night tonight - just because she can! He's been downgraded to one nurse, not because he was naughty, of course, but because he is doing so well. I'm sure she feels like Papa should still have more nurses; but I'm positive that she is all he needs - good medicine!

There is definitely a different spirit to the room now that they have left the ICU. Everyone has a new bounce in their step - or shuffle, in Papa's case. (Can you bounce-shuffle?) We're praying for good rest for the next couple of days, and for everything to stay on track for a Sunday release date.

Something Mama mentioned to me that has been running through her mind all day - "How many people does it take to run a household without a Papa?" (I would add "and a Mama?") She's very thankful for Aaron and Dan, who have driven her to and fro, stayed with her so that she was never alone at any time, and shuttled the other children to their classes and jobs. We are all doing just fine at home - keeping up with the schoolwork, playing board games, rolling in the snow (well, not me. Brrrr.), watching movies, and eating yummy meals.

Everyone is anxious to have Papa home again so normal life (and Christmas decorating!) can continue. Thank you all for your prayers, your calls of support, and the wonderful dinners that are about to begin! God has blessed our family with you - may He bless you right back.

Elise for the Kircher Family