Rockstar Evening Rian

Evening is a Rockstar. I'm not talking a REO Speedwagon frontman type of Rockstar, but more of a Mick Jagger or Bono type of Rockstar.

Sunday - Evening had a pretty rough day. Struggling to eat, and was pretty upset. Though come Sunday night she picked it up. She ate much better throughout the night, rested well and come Monday morning she had her chest tube and IV out. Throughout Monday she continued to improve and eat well. In the afternoon, I went with her down to have an echocardiogram to verify how the surgery had gone. Later at night she was transferred to the step down unit (step down in more ways than one - lower level of care, lower quality facilities), but a sign that she was closer to discharge. Ruthie and I kept an rotating all night watch with her and she did fantastic. After some final reviews this morning - she miraculously was discharged - just 6 days after open-heart surgery. She truly is amazing.

The days of the last several weeks blend into an emotional cocktail - especially the last few - but I will never forget the following items from the hospital stay.

DAY 1 - Wed. Oct. 11 - Bringing Evening in and handing her over for surgery and waiting, waiting, waiting. Hearing the fantastic news from the surgeon, seeing her on a respirator and a collection of support machinery. Checking in to the Ronald McDonald House.

DAY 2 - Thurs. Oct. 12 - Sitting by her bedside in the PICU, staring on the monitors, having her breathing tube pulled at 5:30PM.

DAY 3 - Fri. Oct. 13 - The big snow storm in Rochester, snow on the hospital rooftops, Evening continuing to improve. Some IV's removed.

DAY 4 - Sat. Oct. 14 - Many more chances to hold her, while negotiating the tubing and wires, eyes still on the monitors.

DAY 5 - Sun. Oct. 15 - Tough day, no appetite for Evening - in the private PICU room. Really starts feeding well at night.

DAY 6 - Mon. Oct. 16 - Pulling of the nasty chest tube, continued good feeding, walking her down to the echo area. Transfer to the step down unit.

DAY 7 - Tues. Oct. 17 - Huge morning, great test results, having the chance to get her out in the air and away from the hospital.

It's really tough to put into words the sense of joy we are experiencing in bringing her "home". We so much appreciate her, our tremendous friends and family and faith for giving Miss Evening strength. I've learned so much from her these first 6 weeks regarding strength and patience - and am committed to savoring each moment with her. We can't wait for you to meet her - we thank you so much for your thoughts.

Ruth and I are exhausted, but in many respects are better than ever. We are currently resting in Ruth's mother's home in Rochester. The three of us have a series of follow up appointments, but look forward to transitioning back to Ithaca a little later on. Look for more pictures and updates shortly. Be well.