Thoughts on Greg’s surgery

I’ve been trying hard not to think too overly much about Greg’s surgery. The whole house is jittery about it. Our biggest concern is that Greg will look fine in terms of hydrocephalus in the hospital, but in a couple weeks (months?) end up getting it. And since there is no neurosurgeon where we live, who knows what would happen. Helicopter ride to the nearest neurosurgeon? Or to The Neurosurgeon? (The Neurosurgeon is farther away). We plan on playing 20 Questions with The Neurosurgeon at the pre-op, and all of us know logically that the hospital is not going to release Greg until they are satisfied with him; but still. The surgery should only take 20 minutes, but it is first thing in the morning. Greg will be kept in the hospital overnight for monitoring.

Just like my mom’s DBS surgery, this is a time in which I am incredibly grateful for Faith. It’s a comfort knowing that Someone has this all taken care of.

In the time between now and the pre-op, we’re coordinating and making plans and whatnot. I guess it’s a good thing, because writing up care instructions for the cloth diapers and Elise’s routine has been nice and distracting for me. I’m planning on reading this book and this book while I wait for Greg, and in those times when I can’t visit him (I’m assuming he’s going to be in the Intensive Care Unit for a while, and no one under 12 is allowed in) or when he’s resting up.

In the end, not a lick of worrying will change the outcome of the surgery; so rather than sit and brood I try and distract myself and be constructive with my time and energy. And of course, pray. I plan on starting a novena to Our Lady of Lourdes tomorrow, and stay close to the Sacraments. In the words of Padre Pio: “Pray, Hope, and don’t worry.”