one day to go

well Im not counting today though. anyway, what did you all take to the hospital with you? I haven't a clue on that score. surgery is bright and early monday morning around 8:30 at St. Francis Hospital Memphis. I have been doing pretty well, the liver shrink diet other than boring as hell has not been al that difficult and I really dont feel hungry at all which is quite surprising. I did finally find a breakfast shake I could drink its a light smoothie by yoplait . same stats roughly as the advantedge. a bit thicker but much more palatable. wrote a few email letters last night to friends and family and did get a bit sad in the thought that this truly could be my last few emails. I dont expect anything bad to happen but really felt being prepared was better than not. I will be looking forward to being able to eat something besides a salad next week even if it is just pureed food. maybe that was the real reason they put me on that shrink diet ... to bore me to tears. recieved this poem a week ago from a friend who di not know I was even going to have the surgery. I like it so thought I would share it with all of you. its a bit sad but the thought is genuine I attached it to every letter I wrote yesterday. Somehow that made it feel much easier. If tomorrow starts without me, > And I'm not there to see, > If the sun should rise and find your eyes all filled with tears for me; > I wish so much you wouldn't cry the way you did today, > While thinking of the many things, > We didn't get to say. > > I know how much you love me, > As much as I love you, > And each time that you think of me, > I know you'll miss me too; > But when tomorrow starts without me, > Please try to understand, > That an angel came and called my name, > And took me by the hand, > And said my place was ready, > In heaven far above, > And that I'd have to leave behind; > All those I dearly love. > > But as I turned to walk away, > A tear fell from my eye for all my life, > I'd always thought, I didn't want to die. > > I had so much to live for, > So much left yet to do, > It seemed almost impossible, > That I was leaving you. > I thought of all the yesterdays, > The good ones and the bad, > I thought of all that we shared, > And all the fun we had. > > If I could relive yesterday, > Just even for a while, > I'd say good-bye and kiss you and maybe see you smile > But then I fully realized, > That this could never be, > For emptiness and memories, would take the place of me. > > And when I thought of worldly things, > I might miss come tomorrow, > I thought of you, and when I did, > My heart was filled with sorrow. > > But when I walked through heaven's gates, > I felt so much at home. > When God looked down and smiled at me, > From His great golden throne, > He said, "This is eternity, > And all I've promised you." > Today your life on earth is past, but here life starts anew. > > I promise no tomorrow, > But today will always last, and since each day's the same way, There's no > longing for the past. > > You have been so faithful, > So trusting and so true. > Though there were times you did some things, > You knew you shouldn't do. > > But you have been forgiven, and now at last you're free. > So won't you come and take my hand, and share my life with me? > So when tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart, > For every time you think of me, I'm right here, in your heart.

Joe!! I was just thinking of you and wondering when your surgery was - I didn't know the exact day! Don't worry - everything will be fine!!! And you are going to be so happy (in about a month or so! maybe not for the next month.....) I've lost 46 pounds as of this morning and my surgery was just Augst 11th! See how much improvement in such a short time???? You are on your way to a new and much improved life! Thats what you need to think about, not about something terrible happening! What to bring? Not much, honestly. A robe and slippers, for walking the halls. Chapstick and a fan were probably the most important things for me. I got so hot!!! Something comfortable to wear home, personal bathroom stuff like toothbrush, maybe some wipes or something to wipe yourself down if you can't take a bath for a day or 2. Maybe a magazine or 2 if you feel like reading. Thats about it! I can't wait to hear from you! Post as soon as you can!! Lisa

Hello Joe, Beleive me I know how you feel. I don't have a date yet, but I am very nervious. Everyone tells me I'll be fine, but I don't want to leave my family behind. My prayers will be with you...that you will have a safe surgery,and that GOD will be your surgeon. GOD BLESS YOU !!

Hello Joe, i don't have a date yet either,but i can feel for you.i love the poem, it did bring me to tears but a good feeling.thank you for sharing and i will be thinking of tommorrow and praying for a smooth surgery and recovery. take care and God bless Eva

Hi Joe, I love the poem, printed it out and attached it to a piece of wood to remind me, when I lose someone, that they are in a better place. God is your surgeon, so you know you are in excellant hands. May you have an complicated surgery and a fast recovery. Love ya Joe, Kathy

Joe, I'm so happy for you. I know that you'll be ok and that you will lose so fast it will make your head spin. You really don't have to take much at all with you to the hospital but a bath robe, slippers and maybe some deodorant. Oh yeah and a tooth brush and toothpaste. You won't feel like reading or anything. The only part of the hospital stay that I didn't like at St. Francis was the swallow test the day after surgery. It is awful tasting stuff.....LOL. I haven't been able to drink lemonade since!!!!! Well Joe, best of luck to you dear and if you need anything let me know. Hope you have an angel lined up. Mine was awesome!!!! Anne