All Systems Go?

Hi Everyone,

(From Brian---I know everyone misses Naomi when I write, but the girl has to sleep sometime!)
We are told that Thursday might be the day for Ruth's pelvic surgery. (Yes, we've been here before, but it's like a fire drill - we have to treat every one as though it's real and someday it will be!)

I believe we told you that Monday, instead of pelvic surgery, was another excursion into the world of the soft tissue in Ruth's hip. Everything looked good and the ortho docs at that point got their first good look at the landscape. They pointed out that the drier and cleaner it can be when they go in, the better. So the delays have only served to improve the outlook. Hopefully today is the day. If not, we trust in God.

Yesterday was the first day I was with Ruth the whole day since she's been conscious (last week I worked half days each day). It was great. She is doing so well: Eating a bit more each meal, swelling really gone (everywhere but her hip), good attitude, working on deep breaths, talking about being home soon, loving her cups of tea. We looked at a bunch of cards (we have been doing some most days since she "woke up"---thank you for them) (if you mean to write but haven't yet, as so many people have confessed to me, don't feel bad. A, you're not alone. B, you have plenty of time. Months.), started a book that a friend gave her and enjoyed the view (she had what the nurses call the Mary Poppins room because it looks out onto old-fashioned UPenn rooftops with brick chimeneys). Last night she needed to have a chest tube removed. The doc was just ready to do it at 7:00 (he's a trauma specialist) but he was called away---someone with a gunshot wound. Kept him busy for hours. When he came back, Ruth was sound asleep. He waited till this morning. The tube came out.

The surgery (whenever they get to it) will be long and complicated. Pray that the doctors will be fresh and alert (they do have very long hours). Pray for success with the hardware attachments and safety with all her systems while she's "under." Pray for no kind of weakness or collapse in her lungs. Pray against infection, fever, low blood pressure. Pray that I'll be able to be there when she wakes up, which means a lot to her. Go figure.

We thank the Lord for getting us this far. Really we feel so cared for because all the news all along has been good (okay, except for the surgery delays). Has that not amazed you? The staff has been touched by her excellent recovery. It's the hand of God!

Thank you for your love, concern and attention. We will let you know asap tomorrow (or rather, later today since it's now 12:34 a.m. Thursday) whether they're able to go through with it.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
praise him all creatures here below,
praise him above, ye heav'nly host,
praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
Amen!

Brian for all the Jackinses