Hipidy Do Da....

Ok…I promised an update on Russell as he underwent his hip replacement surgery, and I have been just too busy until today to do so, but here we go…

We arrived here in Jackson Hole on Monday afternoon, the 22^nd, and his surgery was last Wednesday, October 24^th (Happy Birthday to Josh), and the surgery itself went off without a hitch. The doctor warned us to prepare for him to have to have a blood transfusion, since, apparently, this surgery in particular is known for a lot of blood loss, but he lost hardly any, so no extra blood was needed. He came out of anesthesia just great, and they had him up and standing later Wednesday night…so, we thought we were in the clear, but his body had other ideas…

By Thursday morning, every time he stood up, he basically passed out...not so good…they took away all his pain meds, but one, since his pain has been really well controlled (something we are extremely grateful for). Finally, yesterday, they added a LOT more fluid through his IV and that did the trick, but for a couple of days, it was not fun.  But, RR is being the PERFECT patient (do wonders never cease??). After all this, he wants to make sure that hip stays where it should!!

We arrived home last night, and are settling into life without all the nursing support. We have transformed the Patrick’s home into what we need for his day to day getting around….and on that note….let me just say…Bob and Kathleen have been THE BEST to open up their home to us (and they aren’t even here), and in a freak-out moment for me day before yesterday (in just thinking about having Russell here at the house by myself), Kathleen changed her airline reservations and will be arriving on Tuesday to help be another set of hands and ears. She’s also flying back as far as Atlanta with us when we fly back to LR on Nov. 8^th (barring any unforeseen problems, which we don’t anticipate at all). To say that I am blessed and grateful for this best friend doesn’t even begin to describe it!

RR starts his PT here at the house starting tomorrow…nice that they will come here and I don’t have to get him out in the cold and snow. Yes, it is snowing here, although today, it is a little warmer, so some melting is occurring…typical for the valley this time of year.

We have been amazed at how many visitors he had during his hospital stay. Old friends and God moments abounded. It helped me to realize that Jackson really is still home, almost as much as Little Rock, if all our family were here. The memories of time spent in the hospital all those times with my kids, and driving past Wilson School, and thinking how blessed we were by that school and the staff there…seeing familiar folks at Fed Ex and the grocery store…it’s almost like we never left. It may be because I know I don’t have to spend the next 7 months of winter here, but I’m sure thankful that he made the decision to have his surgery here…I think it was a good choice for us! Just wish Josh (and Kathi, Brit, Kelly and Cole) were here…it WOULD be like old times! I know you can never go back, and all things happen for a reason, but I am grateful for the life we had here for 21 years, and part-time since…growing up here (with the simplicity of smaller town living) is much of what made our kids who they are today…pretty awesome, if you ask this mom!

So…we are just hanging here and getting TCBITW stronger and ready for the “back to LR flight” on Nov. 8^th. We are so appreciative of everyone for all the prayers, calls, emails and texts of support and encouragement. Please continue the prayers for Russell…that he continues to get stronger and heal as time goes on.

We have definitely had Baby Cole withdrawals…but Brit is keeping us updated with lots of photos and videos…not the same as holding, smelling and loving on him in person, but it sure beats nothing!! I included just one updated photo of him – couldn’t help myself – one that Pop got the morning of his surgery!!!

I probably won’t update again until after we get back to Little Rock, but know that we appreciate, more than you know, your thoughts and prayers…

Love and hugs to all!!!

Translation: "Pop, follow all the rules and hurry home so we can take naps and hang out together! Mommy, Daddy and I have been praying ALOT for you. We love love love you :-) PS: Don't walk around barefoot on the hospital floors (mommy says it's super icky)".

A photo from a hike to the top of Cody Peak (with the Grand Teton in the background) a few summers ago when we were just a family of four.....can't wait to have Kelly, Cole and Kathi as part of a similar picture soon!!