Our weekend looked very promising at the beginning of the week, but plans were quickly changed. Thursday night, Rick and I were sitting in the family room and he mentioned he was going to be home Friday because he was going to the doctor. I was a little surprised because one, Rick NEVER goes to the doctor. AND two, I didn't know anything was wrong with him. He said his side had been hurting for a couple of days, so he was going to have it checked out. Honestly, I didn't really think much of it. That night I climbed into bed and noticed he had a fever, then a few hours later he was sweating really bad. Yes, that convinced me something was probably wrong. He woke up Friday and seemed better. No fever, had a good breakfast and seemed okay. In fact, he was considering cancelling his appointment. He decided to go, and I was off doing mommy things. He called me and said he saw the doctor and they were sending him over to the hospital for a cat scan, then he was to go back to the doctor. Well, Rick isn't always the best at telling me the details, so once he was finished with his cat scan I met him over at the doctors office. It didn't take them long to tell us that he had appendicitis and we were to head back to the hospital. They had already made arrangements with the surgeon to have his appendix removed. Well, this was a little bit of a shocker!!! So we headed home to drop off his car and take care of a few things - then off we went to the hospital.
Since he had eaten breakfast that morning, they were trying to wait a little bit before taking him into surgery. Before he got into his hospital gown, with much convincing I was able to steal a shot of him.
Since we had a little time we were able to make some arrangements for the kids and most importantly call some good friends to give Rick a blessing before his surgery. There is just something so awesome about two men, wearing white shirts and ties, who hold the priesthood, giving a blessing. I watched them place their hands on Ricks head and give him a wonderful blessing. I wasn't even the one going in for surgery and I felt so comforted. It made me realize what an amazing gift the priesthood is, but also how blessed we are to have people in our lives that are willing to stop their daily routine to come and help. Thank you so much John and Troy!!
Rick was sent back to surgery and I was off to the waiting room.
Hospitals can be a crazy place. You can see all kinds of things and meet all kinds of people. While I was waiting for Rick I met a sweet little old man who was in with his wife. I met another gentlemen that was there for his father. Hearing both of these mens stories, again made me think of how blessed I was. The doctor came to visit with me and said things were a little worse inside than he thought, but that it all went well. They had to do a little more pulling and tugging because it was a lot more inflammed than they had thought. I was just glad, all went well and I would be able to see him soon. About an hour later he was wheeled into his room. Originally, the doctor had thought he would be able to go home that night, but then decided he needed to stay overnight. Rick was in a lot of pain and very uncomfortable. He kept asking for more pain medication. I had to remind him he had just had some 30 minutes earlier, but I was sure to stay on top of the nurse when the time came for him to have another dose. It was really late, and I decided I should head home to be with the kids, and I really was hoping Rick would be able to get some sleep.
This morning I was back at the hospital bright and early and walked in to Rick eating breakfast and looking much better. Once the doctor came in and checked him, we were given the all clear to go home. It has been an okay day...he is very sore and tired, but doing well.
What have I learned from this unexpected situation....I will be really glad when Rick is 100% again. Life without his help is very exhausting! Plus, I really don't like seeing those I love in hospitals and in pain!! When things like this happen, it sure does make you appreciate them!!