Blondie's UPDATES!!!! READ ON!

I come here a lot more than I post, but it's due to the things that I have been living through since 2008 blew in.... Some were wonderful, some where nearly devastating, but I am hanging in there. My father has been "short of breath" since Summer, and finally saw his MD before Thanksgiving. At that time the doctor told him to "come back in after the first of the year" if he wasn't feeling better, and he'd find him a cardiologist. Well 12 weeks later, I decided to take it upon myself (GO Blondie Grrl) to get daddy an appointment with this great Cardio Doc I'd heard about. Three weeks ago we went to our appointment, which turned into an EKG, then sending us to the hospital for a "die test" which was stopped mid-way thru, after the Cardiologist determined dad had 85%-98% blockage on two of his main arteries. My father would not be a candidate for "stinting these arteries" and we would wait until a Thorasic Cardiologist could rush over and "Consult" with us. Three weeks ago, we went in for a painless EKG test, and my dad was admitted to the hospital as their concern was so great he'd not make it through the weekend to be able to return for a Monday Morning Double Bi-pass Open Heart Surgery.... The surgery went fine, but his temperature rose, he retained fluid, his heart began to become Arrythmic, his blood pressure was all over the place.....I never left him....but, I became so exhausted..... Dad could not breathe, and no one would listen to me or my mom. Finally after a week of everyday seeing more issues, his Thorasic Doctor re-admitted him into the ICU.....we thought we were out of the woods.... We waited all day last Saturday, waiting to see daddy in Intesive Care, and finally the doctor came out and said they'd done EKG, Xrays & Cat Scans, and we could go back and see him. We readied ourselves and gathered in the hall....then a security guard and a nurse came to us and wisked us off to a "consultation room".... There it was explained that daddy was crashing and his surgery was performing life saving "measures" to try to bring him back. What we did not know at the time...this incredible doctor crawled up onto daddy and literally operated ON HIM in his hospital room. The doctor massaged his heart and brought him back to life....but daddy was now in a coma. They covered the gapping whole in his chest long enough for us to come in and tell him we loved him....and they would be taking him to the operating room to complete the surgical procedure..... That day was the worst day of my life. My teenager had driven to this town, my poor crippled mother was here, my sister and her family were called in, and Michael came to me. Around 8:30 p.m. the Thorasic surgeon came to me and told me he'd cleared out fluid, infection and blood but couldn't put his finger on why daddy had such a horrible week, and ended up with his heart stopping. I sat in the Intensive Care Waiting Room, for three weeks o fbeing in Jonesboro, AR with my daddy..... I cried for my dad so much, my eyes ended swelling shut on "that" Sunday....I couldn't see...the grief was so intense....I begged God to take care of him and see him through it all.   Daddy is home, and has lost weight, and is weak but good. I am finally allowed to be happy with Mike. Now for some joy.....I met someone incredible, and un-fortunately for him...he's had to go from one crisis to another with my family since the day we met, and he's comforted us all, he's loved me, held me up, when I was too weak to stand on my own....He's driven me to dentist appointments, and gotten my medicine when I was to overwhelmed to get to the drugstore....he's seen me through this recent bout of "Shingles" that came on because of the stress of my daddy's hospitalization, and he loves me. We exchanged vowes on 01/23/08, and we are wearing rings we both got each other now. I can't believe at 40 (I will be 40 in Aug) I found someone to put up with my crazy life.... Tears of joy AND sadness have been all around me for 2008. Thanks for listening. Blondie

Blondie so glad your dad is finally on the mend. Sounds like he has been thru a lot.

Congradulations on your new love in your life.  So what is your last name now. We know his name is Mike and is wonderful . You deserve all the happiness you can find...hope you hear from you more often . love and hugs. Be happy you deserve it.

My goodness Momma Jan, you don't look like "you" LOL...You look absolutely incredible.  Can you laugh, my last name STILL begins w/ an "H"....it's Hawkins.... so my "Sherr-H" plates are still good. LOL.... Got back from Dinner at the parents just now, (Can't remember if I told you guys that Mike is an "over the road" driver for Frito Lay, so he's gone a LOT...He's actually in Nashville tonight, headed to Atlanta tomorrow.   That set up could not be better for me since I have spent most of my life alone....it's nice to "ease" into having a hubby...lol....not that I'd mind if he was here 24/7...honest. lol Thank you for your sweetness.  Mike and I just might come up around your neck of the woods for a couple of days in March....we didn't take a honeymoon since my dad was so sick, and he get's his first of 3 weeks vacation beginning March 2nd.  He wanted to go to Tunica, and I just don't wanna go there...lol We are still kicking a few ideas around. xoxo

OH Blondie bless your heart you have been through it...but I am so glad you have Mike, he sounds like a wonderful person..my prayers are with you and your dad and mom....vesta

My word Vesta, who is that HOTTIE with the blonde hair???? Wow, you look fantastic!!   Yeah, my poor mom's knee replacement went terribly south. Now daddy.....it was just aweful.  Thank you for your kind words.  I  hope you are doing as fabulous as you LOOK!!!! Blondie

{{{{hugs}}}} Honey, my goodness, what an ordeal!!  Praise God your daddy is alive and home and recovering!!!  I'll continue to pray for him. CONGRATULATIONS on your marriage!!  That's awesome!!!!!  

Thank you so much for your sweet message.  I was alone for over 14 years, didn't even date.  He is phenominal! Sherr

Wow Blondie that's too much for one person to carry.   I will keep you and your family in my prayers and daily reflection.   Congratulations on your marriage.  He sounds like a keeper.   By the way, my favorite aunt had the nickname "Blondie"!   Please keep us posted. Yours sincerely, Donna

Hi Donna!   My daddy has called me "Blondie" since all I had was blonde colored baby peach fuzz on my head..lol.... Thank you so much for your kind words.  I am so much stronger since I had my WLS, that I feel like having that burden off me, made me strong for my dad when he needed me.  Don't get me wrong, I still have pain in my bones and I am soooooo exhausted from the last month, but when I lay my head on my pillow....I promise you....I am smiling! Thank you friend,  Sherr