Fear

I couldn't understand why the phone was ringing so early in the morning, I mean she knew I was at the lake. I decided not to answer it, but when the one call turned into three I knew something must wrong. I got out of bed stumbled around trying to find my glasses and then tried to find my phone because it was somewhere in my bag. I finally found it and called right back not even listening to the voicemail. It was one of my worst fears. She said, "Come home. Your fathers' in the hospital." 

I didn't even know what to say everything was a blur after those seven words were uttered. My mom tried to sound calm, but I knew she was scared. They didn't know what wrong with him, but he was in a lot pain. He was sedated for now but I needed to get there and fast. She said to be careful. She didn't have to say it, but I knew in her voice what she was trying to tell me, I can't lose my husband and my only child in the same day.  I packed up my things as fast as I could I knocked on my friends door and said I had to go. She understood. She always does. 

That hour and half drive was the longest of my life. I couldn't get there fast enough, not knowing what was going on. I texted some of my best friends to let them know what was going on and ask for their prayers, but at times I could barely see the road I was crying so hard. In retrospect I should have pulled over but we don't think of these things until after the fact. I finally get to the hospital and I find my mom I ask her if they know anything she says they still don't, but the pain has subsided and he's asleep. It's his side again where his kidneys are, they have done a CAT scan like last time, but nothing is showing up. (He was in the hospital last year for this same thing, but they never found anything.)   

I finally muster up the courage to walk into the room and he's sleeping, but he wakes up and tries to crack a joke and I smile but there are tears in my eyes and he just squeezes my hand. I move to the chair and stay there for hours while he sleeps. He may not know I'm there but I do. I relieve my mother as she has been there since 2am and is exhausted and needs some sleep and food. I have a book with me from the lake that I have started so I break it out. Several hours later I finish it but if you ask me what it was about I don't think I could tell you because my mind is somewhere else. 

It's now night time and it's time to leave, my dad is aware and is feeling better, the doctors have come and want to do another CAT scan this one a little bit more thorough. My dad is in better spirits more like himself. I go home and yet I don't want to think about anything. I read blogs, watch TV, play on youtube and facebook. I do everything until I can no longer keep my eyes open. 

The morning comes and I'm back at the hospital. They have done the second CAT scan and they figure out what is causing so much pain that is making him almost pass out. It's his gallbladder. Something so simple. It almost makes me angry. Surgery is scheduled and as we wait for the doctor he starts talking to my mom and I. He tells us that if he doesn't make it he loves us and he wants us to know it. We tell him it's just a simple surgery, but even as the words come out of my mouth I just break down. I can't stop the tears. I know in my mind that its simple and its common but it my dad and when it's your family member it feels anything but common.  

The doctor comes out and tells us everything went fine and he is in recovery. He also tells us it's one of the worst gallbladders he's ever seen and if he hadn't come in it would have burst and possibly could have been fatal. He also said that it has probably been like that for many years and he is surprised no one has caught it. We just thank him and invite him over for Christmas dinner if he has no place to go. Okay I made the Christmas dinner part up but had it been closer to the time I would have extended an invite. 

He is home now and resting... well slightly.  He is itching to get back to work because that is the kind of man he is a go getter, a thoughtful man, a kind man, and a generous man. He is my father.  

Comments

[Emily]

Oh, Lissa, from the minute I heard your dad was in the hospital I have been thinking about you. I'm so happy that everything turned out ok, and I hope his recovery is thorough and QUICK! This is wonderful news!

Also: It's only 8:38 AM and I've officially burst into tears for the first time today. THANKS.

[Emily Ann]

your sweet, sweet daddy!!!! How I love him so. Great post mah dear.

[Carolie]

Love and prayers from this side of the world. Glad your father is going to be ok, and glad you didn't get mooshed on the road!

[Jennifer]

OH girl that brought tears to my eyes. I'm so glad your dad is okay and the surgery went well.

[Darin Dunn]

Wow. Thank you for sharing. I will say a prayer of thanks to God for bringing your Dad through this... as soon as I hit "post"...

[slynnro]

Glad to hear it is an easily remedied problem. But as someone who is currently dealing with a slowly diagnosed problem, I know how frustrating that is.

[lisa]

I'm so glad to hear he's ok! What a scary time for you and your mom though. You're a good daughter!

[Jemima]

Oh, your poor sweet dad! I'm sure you want to go hatchet every stupid doctor that missed it before, and thank goodness this one found the problem in time. I'm so glad he's going to be okay!

[Ki]

Melissa I hope your Dad is recuping well. You're a good daughter, hang in there.

[seized by hope]

So glad your Dad is ok. Very scary sounding.