A GREAT WEEK

We're working on the next 32 now -- We had a great anniversary! I arrived at the hospital Wednesday night just after Cheryl and Larry entered Ken's room. There I found flowers, cards, a red and white checkered table cloth on the long bedside table and a faux candle that added just the right touch for a romantic dinner. Cheryl had thought of everything. Earlier in the week, Larry had asked Ken what he wanted for this special evening's meal -- PIZZA! You just gotta laugh - Cheryl is a wonderful cook and Ken wanted our favorite pizzeria's vegetarian pizza. Sooooooo-- we had pizza and Caesar salad on white plates, with lemonade and Dr. Pepper in lovely stemmed glassware, and dessert on cute little dessert plates. It was a fun meal and easy for Ken to eat. I had taken the laptop and CDs so we could have a little Italian music and we had the Nashville skyline as our view. It couldn't have been better. Cheryl and Larry had provided a vase of white daises for our dinning table and that sneaky Tin Man had once again managed to surprise me with flowers, along with not one, but two cards signed by him. One of the cards even contained a hand written message, and since we had not worked on holding a pen and writing since being back in Tennessee, I was quite surprised and very touched. Our neighbors, Brenda and Tom provided us with sparkling white grape juice and glasses along with a mixture of chocolate kisses. I just wish I had not left the camera in another bag so I could have pictures to show you. Later I did take this picture of the flowers -- They are gorgeous!!!

My first day back at work was a little strange but good. When you start to do something that six months ago you could do with your eyes closed and now the process is a little fuzzy it tends to be a little unnerving. I finally found all my cheat sheets and got a little more organized and so Thursday was a lot better. I am glad it was a short week however. It was good to see everyone and to feel welcomed back. On Wednesday morning I got up early and went for a walk before getting ready. After that late night anniversary dinner, Thursday morning did not include a walk, I slept instead. Come Friday morning -- let's just say it was a good thing Fridays are casual wear. I do believe Ken and I will have to work out something to where I am not going to the hospital after work every night. (Don't tell anyone, but I'm not as young as I use to be)

This weekend has been good. Josh, Melanie and Jack once again blessed us with coming and staying for the weekend. This one was extra special for Ken - There was a REUNION for Pops and Jack!!! With Ken being out of CCU and in a private room Jack got to visit. It was a much anticipated visit. Ken has seen plenty of pictures, but just ask any grandparent if that is ever enough. Jack came in wearing his Pops' Life Is Good cap to let him see he was taking good care of it. Pops told him "good job" and to hang onto it a little longer. Jack was so good. He just had a good time up on the bed looking at and talking to his Pops. I'll have to remember to bring the fishing game next time so the two can practice the fine art of holding the pole.

Ken has physical therapy at least six if not seven days a week and they are working to get him to stand up. One of the therapist brought in a machine that somehow attaches to Ken and with him holding on to some handles this machine raises him up and then puts him back down. He has not been up for more than a couple of seconds each time, 'but ya gotta start somewhere'. He has not had the swelling in his hands lately so I'm sure that was a large part of his being able to write. The swelling in his legs has also been less this past week. That is very encouraging - something is working, whether it is the amount of fluid removed during his dialysis treatments, his fluid restrictions, physical therapy and getting stronger with mobility or a combination of it all, we are happy to take the results.

My mom and dad will be here this coming week before heading back to Texas on Friday. It has been great having them here, not only for their company, but the help they have been both at the house and hospital. Ken will be having another heart biopsy done Tuesday and we are praying for the continued absence of rejection. I am sure at least one of my parents will be at the hospital waiting for him to get back to his room and that really helps to ease the anxiety that comes from knowing I will not be there.

If you would continue to pray for Ken's mental strength as well as physical that would be great. He is feeling better and so that starts to make being in the bed less appealing. He is ready to come home so that sometimes brings on a little more depression. We are trying to provide things that will keep his mind busy that he can maneuver by himself. It is not that simple to just read a book or work a puzzle. I need to get it where he can access those things more easily on his own and feel more independent. This will be my first full week back at work and would ask that you just pray I would find the balance between taking care of myself and still giving Ken the support he needs from me. My parents will leave Friday morning so please remember them as they drive back to Texas. Thank you once again for your continued love and support - God Bless You and have a Great Week!!