Our Rock Needs US!

Saturday I left to be with my dad while he had his second cochlear implant surgery, to replace the existing implant. I spent Saturday in Sioux Falls with my sis in law and beautiful nieces, Izzy and Sophie, shopping and playing. I left for Omaha the next day with my parents and sisters. That night my cousin Amie and her family welcomed us for dinner. It was a great way to forget about what was going to happen the next morning. My Uncles Tony and Terry (Dad's brothers) along with my cousin Tony Jr. joined us at the hospital. It was greatly appreciated by all of us, especially my dad. The man that is always there for ALL of us was the one in need this time and it was wonderful to see two of his brothers by his side! They were also at the first surgery (along with Grpa Ed), so it was special for them to be there again.

I appreciated Faye bringing the girls to Sioux Falls to spend the day with me. Mary and Tina got there later that day.

Izzy and Sophie with their Fairy Godmothers!

(Tina was babysitting Sophie's baby for her)

The man of the weekend, the night before the surgery.

It is no secret how much my dad means to me and how important it was to me to be with him this weekend. He is my hero, my best friend, my biggest supporter, and my teacher! He is never the vulnerable one, never "out of commission", and never asks for anything. It was so hard for me to see him in that hospital bed, not up and telling someone to get to work. But in true T.F.H. style, Dad was up and out of bed ready to leave 3 hrs after surgery. Right after surgery Dad was asking for his grand kids, a beer, and lamb chops! (a good sign to all of us)

I thought I would include this picture so you could see what he actually had done. Surgery was about 3 1/5 hrs long and an hour of recovery. It is incredible to us! We can't thank his doctors enough for this amazing gift that so many of us take for granted! Think about it the next time you have a conversation with your spouse, child, friend, coworker, or GRANDCHILD!

OUR ANGEL aka Dad's nurse

This amazing woman never stops caring for the ones she loves. I know my parents love each other but it is an amazing feeling to watch one care for the other in a time of need. My sister couldn't have said it better, "there is something so comforting about mom's hand stroking your face". We don't show her enough of our appreciation. So THANK YOU MOM for doing what you do best - taking care of those you love with all your heart!

Dad is recovering at the lake right now with his nurse and is itching to see his grandkids in a few short days. I want to thank my wonderful and amazing husband for staying home with the boys so I could be with my dad with no distractions. He sent me a ton of pictures to share with my dad before and after the surgery to help him smile. When I got home Charlie showed me their "project" they were working on for Papa's recovery. Great man!