Chris is having two hernias repaired today. His surgery is scheduled for 10:15 AM and we both understand this to be a fairly routine and simple procedure. Other than not being able to lift anything heavy for six weeks, Chris is prepared to be sore for a day or two and allow the repairs to heal. I'm prepared to do all the extra lifting around the house that Chris typically does, like... It doesn't matter. I'm sure this will be an opportunity for me to learn to appreciate all the subtle, quiet ways he assists me during a day.
Dad called from Arizona last night to make sure we had everything under control. He's very sympathetic when it comes to surgeries and procedures. He's had major back surgery, a kidney removed [cancer -- he's fine now], knee surgery and shoulder surgery. He also has a serious case of man-sympathy.
"Chris isn't going to feel well when he comes home tomorrow, Chrisy."
"I know. I'll get him to bed so he can rest."
"I'm serious. He's really gonna feel crummy. You have GOT to keep those little boys away from him. They can't jump on him..."
"I know. I'm going to take all three of them to Oldest Boy's saxophone lesson later in the day. I've talked with Oldest Boy and Middle Boy. They want to be helpful. I've got soup and 7-Up for Chris. He'll be fine."
"You might want to get him set-up on the couch. He could have a tough time with stairs."
"They said this was going to be no big deal, Dad."
"That's what they always say. I had a friend who had double-hernia surgery and he's fine now, but it was worse than he expected. ... I can tell I need to be there to supervise. Poor Chris."
I've been up since 5:30 this morning, Chris and the boys are sleeping soundly, and I'm getting ready to go for a run. Dad's famous for his make-sure-you-READY-AIM-FIRE-and-don't READY-FIRE-AIM lectures. And this one worked. I just remembered Chris needs to add salt pellets to the water softener and stomp down all the trash in the recycle bin before we leave for the hospital. I can hear Dad sighing 600 miles away.
