Today was a very long day with my Dad’s surgery. It’s been a week since Dad was rushed to the hospital, and it’s been an emotional rollercoaster the entire time. Today’s surgery went as well as it could considering the delicate nature of removing a mass from someone’s brain. There were no surprises or complications and we’re very thankful for that. Within an hour of the surgery being completed, Dad was trying to talk. I think he needed to prove something to himself since the tumor was located right by his speech center. And while it was very difficult to understand him most of the time, he insisted on trying to talk…for over an hour. He asked that we make sure we call everyone and let them know how the surgery went. He mentioned every family member and personal friend by name. He asked about my daughter’s visit to the hair stylist for highlights and how it turned out. He said he wanted to go to Bob Evans to eat when he got out of the hospital. And he said how much he wanted to go out to take pictures with me again (Dad was the one who got me started with photography when I was a kid).

 He also expressed his love for each of us, and for God…and he cried alot…we did too. As you can image the stress has been tough, especially for Mom who felt so helpless as the man she’s been married to for 46 years was fighting for his life. But Mom is strong when she needs to be. Cherokee women are like that.

So now begins recovery. Dad’s not out of the woods yet, but the journey toward wholeness has begun. We still have to wait for the pathology report on the tumor…cancer or not…and of course, there’s the recovery time. But in the end, all the prayers from around the world…from you…have made a difference, and my family and I are eternally grateful. Saying thank you seems so small, but for now, it’s all I can offer. So, in anticipation of a family meal at Bob Evans and some great Fall photos…

Thank you!

Tony Laidig
The Public Domain Expert

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