Calling All Angels

This last weekend, Ted, Finley and I took an emergency trip to Rochester, Minnesota. Ted's dad, Papou, was not recovering well from having hip surgery. He had a heart attack just after the surgery (3rd this year), and the blood thinners that the doctors used to stabilize the heart were slowing down the healing process for his hip. When we showed up on Saturday, we found Papou in a state of exhaustion and hopelessness. He was enduring a great deal of pain from the surgery and was physically drained from all of the procedures. The doctors were not promising any end to the dilemma. Papou's leg was not healing, risking the possibility of infection, and his heart was damaged from the trauma. Poor Papou. I wish they had an "easy" button for people in I.C.U.

The doctors then made the decision to undergo another surgery to inspect for any infected areas, clean out the incision, and reduce the chance of further infection. There were no certainties on how Papou would hold up during the surgery. Even the doctors were preparing us for the worst. It was an emotional morning, preparing for the surgery. We were all saying our goodbyes in case we wouldn't get another chance. I found myself wishing time would go by a little slower. I kept taking pictures of every minute. I wanted to remember everything about him...the way that he held my daughter's hand, the kiss that he gave his wife, the words that he shared with his son. I could tell that he desperately wanted to stay alive, just for the people in the room who loved him so much. We were all in tears. It felt like I was watching a movie...a really redeeming one about family, loyalty, and undying love. My heart ached...yet, in a weird way, I knew we were somehow blessed...blessed to have known someone so special, and blessed to have a chance to say our last thoughts. I found myself saying, "we love you" over and over again. Then, after Ted said a group prayer, they wheeled him away.

These are the moments when you have to trust that God is attentive to your prayers, and is ultimately in control. Lots of people were praying for Papou...which was pretty evident when the doctor found us to report the good news. The surgery went great! His heart was still pounding, and his hip was freshly sewn. The doctor said that as Papou came out of sedation, he turned to him and asked, "am I in heaven?" Not yet buddy! Seems like God still has a purpose for you here! We are so thankful!!!