Looking Forward

Ashley is back in her room looking good after a successful trip to the OR this morning. They placed a new central line in on her right side. The old one removed on Saturday was on the left side about where the shoulder and neck come together. I think the new location looks like it will be a little more comfortable and hopefully easier to keep clean and dry. I am thankful we were led in our decision as to which transplant center to choose. I know that God chose Omaha, not us. He just let us think we made the decision. The nurses, surgeons, techs, housekeepers and everyone else here has been so great. They have really done a great job of making our stay as comfortable as they can.

Blake, Allie and I will be leaving in a few hours to head back to Texas. We have had such a great time here. This trip has definitely been our best one up here. Having the extra time was what we all needed. We have a long layover in Dallas so I know what I will be doing this evening. The kids will have me riding Skylinks, moving sidewalks and those really long escalators. I'm certain we will find a Taco Bell at some point too. After our sledding adventure last night we got to bed pretty late, around 3:00. We got up at 5:30 snooze... and 5:39 snooze.... and 5:48 snooze... and 5:57 snooze... and 6:06 snooze... and 6:15 snooze... and finally got out of bed at 6:20. So with just 3 hours of sleep the kids were a bit grumpy on this New Years Day. We arrived at the hospital just before 7:00 and while we (Mom and Dad) got Ash ready and took her down for surgery, Blake, Allie and Nan each found their own couch in the family waiting room and are still all sleeping like babies.

I am looking forward to a few things in 2007. Today I am looking forward to a safe flight and riding around on the skylink with some crazy kids. Tonight I am looking forward to some good sleep. I say that but in reality I don't sleep really well at home with the empty spot next to me and the empty cradle beside the bed. Tomorrow I am looking forward to sleeping in. Now this I don't have a problem with, the empty spots don't bother me so much in the mornings. Tomorrow I am looking forward to taking the kids treasure hunting, aka geocaching. Wednesday I am looking forward to getting back to work and seeing the patients I have come to love as my own family. After that we will just see. I look forward to getting good report on Ash. I look forward to Trish and Ash getting to move to their Omaha apartment. I look forward to Trish and Ash moving home to Texas with us. I look forward to time spent as a family all under one roof. I look forward to graciously accepting whatever it is God has planned for my life in 2007. I look forward to seeing His work in my life. Right now I look forward to going in the other room to check on my little Gherkin so I will say goodbye for now.

DAVE