Thursday, January 03, 2008

All is Well

We're back home from our extended trip to Bellingham. Eric's Dad did amazingly well with his surgery - when we left this afternoon he was chatting away, had good color and was cracking jokes. He got a pig valve yesterday during his four hour surgery, then went into the ICU. They had him sitting up and even standing by the end of the day. Today he was able to sit in a wheelchair for the move to the regular ward. I'm pretty sure he's going to be feeling better than ever once he heals from the surgery.

On the running side of things, I achieved a new milestone this week. I ran two laps of Lake Padden - about 5.2 miles - on New Year's Day, the day after the marathon! That is the first time I have ever gone on a run the next day - I usually take two days of rest. That should tell you two things - one, I felt good, but more important, number two, I managed my blisters well. I had two hot spots after the marathon that turned into small blisters after the five mile run and that was it. I would have liked to follow up with a few more days of running, but wasn't able to fit it in with our time at the hospital. The run around Padden was part of a New Years Day Fun Run and Polar Bear Plunge. I was pretty sure I wasn't plunging, and the ice rimming the lake helped me make that final decision. Eric decided against it as well. We read later that the lake water was about 36 degrees.

I had a quiet birthday, but really enjoyed it. Despite the fact that we were sitting in a hospital waiting to hear from the surgeon, then followed that with hours outside the ICU, it was very relaxing. I think it had to do with letting go. We had no control over the timing or the outcome of the surgery, so we let all our worries go. At the same time, neither of us could think about work, so we let that go too. Instead, we enjoyed the time we spent with Eric's brother, with Bette, and when we could, with his Dad. We left for an hour to wander some shops in town, then we slipped out late in the evening for my birthday dinner at a favorite restaurant from our college days. We went back to the hospital for a final check-in after dinner and then back to the house.

This morning we got there bright and early to find his Dad awake and talking. I don't really know what words to use to describe the feeling - joy? Wonder? Amazing? It was all of those. It was just good to know he was doing so well and obviously feeling better despite the surgery pain. He has an amazing attitude - he said "Every time I look at the clock, and an hour has gone by, I know I am one hour closer to healing." He's cheerful with the nurses - they think he is a model patient.

I'll try to get some marathon pictures up in the next few days. In the meantime, thank you for all the birthday wishes, and for all the prayers and well wishes that you gave for our family in the last few days. And yes, for those who wondered, this birthday was one of those big ones. I am in a new age group and I am officially 50 years old!

22 comments:

Irene said...

Good to hear that Eric's dad is doing so well after everything! It also sounds like he's in good spirits, too.

I've often thought things would get less competitive once I got into more of the "Masters" age groups, but I was so wrong. There's some speedy women in my age group! I look forward to joining your age group next year.

Wes said...

Glad to hear Dad is doing so well! Fifty years young, my dear, fifty years young :-)

Anonymous said...

Welcome to the over 50 club. I'm a little disappointed you skipped the plunge. I've swam a half mile in Lake Padden for several triathlons. Ok, I did have a wet suite and it was July. But you only turn 50 once and should gone for the experience.

Happy Birthday and wishes for many more.

Darrell said...

Back home already is very good news. Glad to hear the Eric's Dad came through with flying colors.

Jack said...

Glad to hear Eric's dad is doing well. Happy Birthday, I wish you a great year ahead!

Thomas said...

Belated Happy Birthday!

That's great about Eric's dad. He seems to be doing amazingly well.

He doesn't have the urge to play in the mud all of a sudden, does he?

Mama said...

Sounds like a pretty decent birthday. I'm really proud of your letting go of what you had no control over. That is big.

I am glad Eric's dad is doing well, I remember Eric's story about the kids in the hospital when Web had his surgery and how quickly they bounce back.

Talk to you soon.
Be Free,
Lorri

iJuls said...

Happy Birthday! A smooth recovery is a great gift.

iJuls said...

"smooth" may not have been the best choice of words, but I meant that it is great that he is now recovering and that the surgery is behind you.

Sarah said...

Glad to hear that Eric's dad is doing well! Happy Belated Birthday! : )

Olga said...

Happy belated B-day and New year!

onepinkfuzzy said...

happy birthday and glad it all went so well!

Anne said...

May we all reach mid-century in as good of shape as you are. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: You are such a great role model for all of us.

Unknown said...

Happy belated birthday. Way to go on the run the next day after the marathon. You should have gone for the plunge as well though :)

Sarah Elaine said...

What, you didn't think a polar bear plunge would be a good way to ring in your 5th decade? I've done it twice and I'm still alive. :-)

Mind you, with age comes wisdom... not sure I'd do it now that I'm ... er... "wiser". Yeah, that's it.

We'll have to start e-mailing about your plans to come to Canada. Woo hoo! My home is your home, by the way...

Anonymous said...

Happy 50th Michelle. Glad everything is going well with Eric's dad. You left an eloquent comment over at Robb's. Would make a great post. Hope you have a great 2008.

Ms Eva said...

So glad to hear that Eric's Dad is doing well. Certainly good news.

Happy 50th and Happy 5+ miler after 26.2! That is great! I hope I am running as strong as you when I turn 50. :) You Rock, Michelle!

Sunshine said...

I appreciated your description of your waiting room birthday. So wonderful that Eric's dad is doing well. I suppose the surgery was routine for the doctors.. but never is for the family and the patient.
You inspire me to make my birthday that is coming up something special.
Good choice on the cold water plunge. Marathons are much more fun than icy plunges.

Anonymous said...

Glad to hear about Eric's dad.

And, congrats for managing blisters and running the next day - that is awesome.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on the marathon and the successful surgery! Good thoughts to you and yours.

Congrats also on the follow-up run and category "upgrade" *grin*!!

Runon,
Heidi

Dori said...

I'm glad to hear Eric's Dad is doing well. We know from racing what a difference a positive attitude makes.

Dori said...

I'm glad to hear Eric's Dad is doing well. We know from racing what a difference a positive attitude makes.