As the week is drawing to an end, I am once again faced with the issue of packing for another week to ten days in Durham. Even though I dislike packing, and try to put it off until the last day, I somehow manage to get it done. Lee teases that I have learned to get it all together in about 10 minutes!
I want to thank all of you who have responded to the news that my blog is open once again. It is comforting to know that you are there whenever I sit down to write. You are there for that conversation I need to have with a dear friend who is also my confidant. The outpouring of love and promised prayers and positive thoughts lift both of us up allowing us to face each mounting obstacle that Lee faces with a renewed conviction toward winning the battle.
Lee is quite the warrior! He arms himself with positive thoughts, a strong-will and determination unlike any I have ever witnessed. Sometimes in the face of another battle to be fought, I find myself sinking into that black hole of utter despair. The thoughts of my life without him is a burden that is becoming increasingly difficult to bear. He usually recognizes my worry and immediately reminds me of all the good things in our lives, the wonderful moments with our families and that in spite of all he has gone through.................life has been good to us!
He is, of course, right. He has used his time post- lung transplant to become a representative for Life Shares of Carolinas. He has made numerous appearances at churches and civic groups in support of becoming an organ donor. He has utilized many conversations with family, friends and others to encourage support of this wonderful organization. He asked our children and other family members to remember him on special occasions and Christmas with a financial gift to Life Shares and to fore go anything else. Lee has worked hard these past four years giving back to others in gratitude for what he has been given.
Our schedule for next week is as follows:
Monday: Travel day to Durham
Tuesday: Pre-op for surgery on Wednesday. Moh's surgery out-patient @ 10:00
Wednesday: Admittance to Hospital for surgery (early) ? time
We anticipate the surgery will take seven hours with skin grafts as before. He will be in the ICU the first 24-48 hours, then to the surgical nursing floor until discharge. The protocol for skin graft with microvascular anastamosis is five nights. Discharge will not be until then.
( For details on the surgery, read former blogs of June 2014 )
I will be posting daily or as often as I am free to do so, and will keep you updated on his progress.
Thanks again for joining us on this amazing journey....................................
More Later................................................................Brenda
Hi Lee and Brenda,
ReplyDeleteThanks to Paulette - was made aware of your journey. I first met Lee at Kenworth School and was known as Rita Robinette. Left Hickory at an early age and was not in touch with classmates. I cannot express my admiration at Lee's ability and optimism to withstand this - but, also to you Brenda (which I haven't had the pleasure to meet) - you are an awesome woman. I write with tears in my eyes and asked that God bless and keep you strong. Both of you and your family will be in my prayers daily. My love to you all - Rita