After 10 days in Harris HEB Hospital, my wife Lyn is finally home again. She has a painful 8 weeks of recovery ahead of her after open heart surgery. But, Dr. David Carter says she will eventually be as good as new.
I wish I could thank each and every one of you individually for being so gracious and loving to Lyn and my family during this challenging ordeal over her heart attack. I want you to know how grateful I am for such good friends, wonderful neighbors, a great hospital, great doctors and nurses and all of your prayers for our family. God answers those prayers, we are living proof.
This experience has been full of surprises, and the most revealing to me is how the simple things bring joy. Seeing Lyn rise from bed on her own, sit in a chair, shuffling off to the potty by her self all have been cause for celebration over a double by-pass. The biggest joy of all so far this week was putting her in the back seat of the car and driving her home from the hospital. We puttered along slowly, trying to avoid bumps and sudden turns, every little movement seems to make her chest hurt and will until the sternum heals solid. Still, she smiled knowing we would soon pull up in the driveway at home.
She is adjusting well to a new bed and being back in the house. I never realized how warm our master bedroom gets during the day, too many windows are making that a bit uncomfortable for her, but I am working on solving that problem. She spent the afternoon in the cooler den sleeping in her favorite recliner. What a joy to see her peacefully dozing there covered with her grandmother’s quilt. I am soaking in every moment with her I can, I came so close to losing her and I now realize just how important these moments are.
Our girls are so glad to have mommy home again. While she can’t drive them to dance, soccer or harp lessons right now, while she can’t make their favorite lunches or climb to the second floor to put them to bed yet, they are so glad just to have mommy back under our roof. Just being here is enough. The simple joys are enough.
God bless you all for your support. I look forward to seeing you again next week on NBC-5.
Mike,
I am glad to hear that your wife is doing better. I am 41 years old and just had open heart surgery on August 15th. Recovery is rough, but she will turn a huge corner around the 5th or 6th week. I am doing cardiac therapy 3 times a week now and feeling better every day. There are a few things to watch out for, regarding her mental state while recovering, but the worst is behind her. If there is anything that I can add, I would be more than happy to correspond via email.
Best regards,
Bruce
Mike and Lyn,
Many prayers have been said for Lyn and you and I am so thankful that she is on her road to recovery. I have really enjoyed reading your blog and keeping up with Lyn’s progress. I am especially happy that the girls have their mommy back home. There is such a special bond between a mother and her children and you are right….the simple joys are enough. One of the simple joys I received from reading your blog was the actual conformation of what a thorough and well trained doctor my son is, because Adrian Church is my oldest son. Of course, in my mind he is the best doctor EVER…but reading in print that he has made a huge difference in someone’s life is very rewarding. I am so glad that your paths crossed at the time they did. Thank you for the accolades you have sent Adrian’s way. You are in our prayers and tell Lyn that another “Lynn” is thinking of her everyday and wishing her the best.
Dear Lyn,
Welcome to the Sisterhood of the Everlasting Cleavage (aka emergency double bypass heart surgery). I have been a member since Nov. 2004 at the age of 48. Recovery is a goal that can be attained! If I can do it, you can do it too! Drop me a line, paragraph, novel if you are feeling blue or would just like to ask a few questions about what is going on with your recovery. Remember, it really isn’t a scar; it is just a big old fingerprint from God’s hands working in your life. I am very glad to hear that you are home now. Keeping you & yours in my prayers,
Pat Barker
Glad to hear things are progressing in a positive way. Lyn will be in my daily prayers. Hope that she is feeling better and better every day. I know your “little ones” are very thrilled for Mommie to be back home!!!! God Bless you and your wonderful family. I will be happy to see you back on the air.
Mike & Lyn:
I was shocked to hear of your news tonight. I have met you, Lyn, a few times in your children’s store in Colleyville. I want you to know you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Having two young daughter’s myself, I couldn’t imagine what it would be like to be in your shoes. Please know I will be praying for your recovery.
Mike & Lyn
I am so glad to hear that you are on the road to recovery. I am so sorry that we were not aware of what had happened. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. I know the girls are so glad that mommy is home. If there is anything at all that we can do please call on us; if you need help with taking the girls to their activities I would love to help you; lord knows it is my turn to repay you and your family for everything all of you did for us during Mom’s illness and passing.