Updates...

I have a few minutes before I leave for worship services and thought I would give a couple updates.

1 - My Dad. Today he is finally able to find some peace and rest which has us all breathing a little easier. He still has a lot of "work" to do before he can go home (as soon as tomorrow...crazy!) Even though it is exhausting and he doesn't always want to do it he is being really great about buckling down and getting it done (even though he slips in a few little complaints before).

The past few days have been exhausting for Dad and the family. He was having some chest pain that quickly led to a double bypass. While having to go through that surgery is never ideal, when we take a step back and look at all the circumstances we can see God's hand in it all. If it had to happen the timing really couldn't have been better and we are so thankful that we were all able to be there. So many things came together; I won't exhaust you with the list. The surgery itself went beautifully and Dad's heart is very healthy!

Afterwards Dad had some complications and difficulties, which I'm sure can be expected when going through something as major as open heart surgery. He had some complications that caused him to be in excruciating pain for nearly 24 hours after the surgery. I really hope Dad does not remember any of it, but needless to say it was exhausting for him and so hard for us to see someone you love struggling so much. What can I say, it really was horrible! Luckily, the amazing doctors were able to determine what was causing the pain and get it taken care of. The medication that he was on for pain was also causing some difficult side effects, but again Dad and the family worked through that and we are all in one piece at the other side. Dad is the one that really had to battle through all of this, but it really does take a toll on the family as well.

Which brings me to two additional things that I am so incredibly thankful for:
1 - The Doctors and staff have been so incredible. We are really blessed!
2 - Our family and support system. This has been on my mind a lot lately. I have been a little emotional about it (blame the pregnancy hormones). I could not ask for a better family to bring a child into; I am a little overwhelmed by it. A healthier family...sure (sorry kid...you've got bad genes)...but a more loving, strong, supportive family...not a chance!
My Dad - I am so proud of my Dad. I know this was incredibly scary for him and he is exhausted, but he is making it through with the determination, love, sense of humor and strength that really defines him! I am so sorry that he had to go through this but I admire him more and more each day!
My Mother - wow - what can I say about her. I am so blessed to have that example. She is so strong in difficult situations and incredibly supportive and loving.
My brother and sister - have made me incredibly proud too. Jessica and Jordan, you really have been amazing and Mom and Dad have said that over and over too. (Even in Dad's less than lucid state he has muttered about how great you guys have been.) They are so proud of you! They have been by my parents side every step of the way walking them through some very difficult and frightening moments. I am so thankful that they were able to be physically and emotionally there when my body wouldn't allow me to be. I love you guys!
My husband - I can't thank him enough for being there for me; I can't imagine doing it without him. He has also really been there for my parents. I know we all appreciate him taking some night shifts at the hospital so the rest of us can get some much needed rest. You're going to be a great Dad!
My other brother and sister - Sam and Kelsey have been at our sides every step of the way as well. Thank you for the love and support and I am so thankful my siblings have you! You guys are amazing and we are very blessed to have you in our life and consider you family!
Our extended family and support - so many people have been there with support, prayers, encouragement and really willing to do whatever they could to help out. Even the things that may seem small to you have really touched us all and helped us through! I think it is really a testament to the kind of man my Father is.

Dad still has a long road of recovery ahead of him, but it is looking like the worst is behind us. We appreciate the continued prayers for recovery.

After experiencing this I really want to encourage you to PLEASE please take care of yourself! Be healthy and cherish this gift that God has given us. Sometimes you are up against some hard things (like genetics). Those of you that know my Dad know that he is a pretty healthy guy and you would not expect for him to have to go through something like this. Get yourself checked out, stay active and healthy! Some things are unavoidable and there will be heartache and pain in this life which makes the promise of Heaven all the more sweet!

2 - So quickly - an update on how I've been doing. I had committed myself to 30 days of Paleo and these past few days have DEFINITELY been a challenge! I'm pretty happy to report that I have stayed pretty Paleo. There were times when all I wanted to do was reach for something "comforting" but I had to remind myself that I would just be feeling worse later. It has been rough because there has been a lot of time away from home. I did have some rice and a little dairy over the past few days, but I was able to stay sugar free (mostly) and gluten free. I think doing that has really given me the strength of health to be available to support my family over the past days and I am really happy about that - it feels like a little victory. I am starting to feel better already and I am thankful for that.

Needless to say there has been a lot of stress, but I think I have been able to manage it pretty well and make healthy choices for the two of us. :) I am SO thankful to God for the health of my Dad and the love and support in my life!

One day at a time...

Oh - I also had an appointment this week and Baby Wilson is doing great! We get to find out if we are having a boy or a girl on April 29th! :)