Post-op Appointment

Jon had his first post-op appointment today. The doctor was pleased with his progress, which was good to know. She gave him a different medication to help alleviate the cranial pressure he's been dealing with. Each day is a little better, but he still struggles with headaches. Thankfully yesterday and today the headaches have been less severe.

The doctor also cleared out his nasal passages today, so he can finally breathe through his nose! It was so fun to watch him enjoy lunch. He said he could actually taste for the first time in years. Already he's noticed a huge difference in his health. He no longer has daily allergy-like symptoms that he's constantly fighting. This is exactly what we were hoping this surgery would accomplish, so we are so thankful that it is working!

I cannot say how much I've enjoyed this past week. While I could never wish this on anyone, since Jon had to go through it, I've found so much to be thankful for. Having him home for the past 8 days is certainly the best part. We had such a nice, relaxing family time. We didn't go anywhere or do anything fancy - Jon wasn't up for that yet - but having him home where we could visit with him and the kids could do activities with him was wonderful. I am so glad for this little break in our schedule!

I've also been amazed at how the Lord has met each of our needs - often before we were even aware of the need! It just goes to show, once again, that His timing is, indeed, perfect.

Here are a few things I've learned from this experience:

* I could never be a nurse. Watching someone go through that much pain is just not something I could handle on a daily basis. (Not to mention my aversion to blood, needles, etc...)

* I don't think I'd realized until last week just how much I rely on Jon or how much he does for me and the kids.

* Kaiser really is a good medical facility, all billing headaches aside.

* This was much harder on the kids and me than I thought it would be, but it has also been much more rewarding. I had no greater joy than to help Jon as much as I possibly could.

* When the egg carton falls unnoticed against the refrigerator's thermostat and turns it off, the milk will smell funny the following morning.

*It's easy to get caught up in only what is going on with my own family, but life continues on for everyone and there are still many opportunities to pray for and to serve others even in the midst of a difficult situation.