What a difference a day makes...

On days that Dad is feeling good he loves to talk to the nurses and staff that come into his room (with the exception of the physical therapists...sorry, he just doesn't like to get up and walk around when he's feeling so yucky!) I'm sure the hospital staff gets a kick out of the "jokes" that he tells to just about anyone who'll listen. He has named his blue "throw up bucket" Freddy and all of the nurses know that when they take Dad anywhere they need to make sure Freddy goes with them. I've overheard him telling at least two or three nurses the very same joke. When they ask him if there is anything else they can get for him, his reply is usually, "yes, go on down to the cafeteria and see if there is a new stomach that you can let me borrow for a little while." The nurses are usually pleasant and will smile or even give a gratuitous laugh, but lets be honest, it's really not very funny! Today we have so much to be thankful for, I feel like Dad was given a new "stomach".

Dad was taken into surgery early this morning after an anxious and sleepless night. The family texts started pouring in around 11:30am with the great news that the surgery went "perfectly" and that it went as well as it possibly could. Apparently, the surgeons removed about a foot of Dad's intestines that were damaged with scar tissue and knots from the radiation treatments. Wow! Dad came out of recovery and was alert and aware and looking "fantastic"! What a difference a day makes! Last night the mood in Dad's room was somber and quiet, we were all so worried and needed so much comfort. Today, Dad looks so great! He was talking as if he had been given a second chance at life and was so anxious to get on with his work. I was so touched and impressed at how he had made it through the night. He told me that he spent the night trying to mentally prepare himself for the day. I can just imagine in my mind the beautiful conversation he must have had with his Father in Heaven. Dad's testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ is so strong and I know he loves his Savior. I also know that my father is one of God's chosen servants with a great mission that he has been sent to earth to fulfill. He was fully prepared to go through this surgery today. Dad was so excited to tell me that he plans to get stronger so he can go to the Distribution Center and pick out a white suit so he can serve in the temple. I just held Dad's hand and was so grateful that he was so full of faith and determination. I couldn't stop smiling, I felt that my heart would burst from so much joy!

I know that Heavens were opened and that there were choice guardian angels sent to help guide the surgeon's hands and help my father get through this difficult surgery. I know that heart-felt, tender prayers were certainly answered today. Our family is so blessed, we have so much to be thankful for.