I spent this past week at my father's home in upstate PA. He needed me to be there to care for him while he underwent a cardiac catheterization. The procedure went well, taking a little more time than the usual, and his bleeding a bit more persistent, requiring an extra overnight in the hospital. He is now back in his own home and released to unrestricted activity levels...YEAH!

The test showed the need for bypass surgery and an aortic valve replacement. He chose a doctor and we are waiting on a surgical date that he will choose once the other test results are in, and he can consult with the cardiac surgeon. I believe he is aiming for the surgery to be done close to his home, in one to two weeks.

I will not have computer access from his home, but i did a little research and planning while I was there, and did find an internet cafe nearby. I can take my computer for a short log-in each day that i will be staying with him, and can even take my dvd's for cardio and strength training sessions during the day.

My weight dropped a bit this week, despite the lack of exercise, and it was encouraging to see a positive scale number, just to help out a little after all the emotional turmoil. My dad is my last living primary family member (my mom and two younger siblings have passed away) and it is tough watching him go through this and staying in my family home.

I can't say enough about his courage and strength. We share a strong faith and are really falling back on the Lord's promises to keep us, as we walk through this together. The support of friends and family was wonderful this past week. We had visitors, calls, and constant offers for anything we needed. What a blessing! My childhood friend also lives there, and we had several wonderful get togethers, including photos she shared with me from when we were about ten years old!

I will be here and working my spark program for the next week or so, and then will work on staying connected from my father's.