Kurt and Elizabeth off to Washington, DC

Today, Kurt and Elizabeth take off for Washington, DC. I am so excited for them, and pleased that my health situation did not prevent them from taking the trip. I know they both have hesitation about leaving me, but I feel peace about them going. I've hoped for this trip for Elizabeth for a long time -- always wanted to show her many different places. Even though I can't go, I'm so glad that she and Kurt have the opportunity to make the trip. They'll leave late tonight, arriving in Chicago via Amtrak tomorrow afternoon. Kurt says they are having a big food festival in Grant Park tomorrow -- wouldn't that be a blast!

Yesterday was a very good day for my back -- at least through the afternoon. I was able to rest well through the morning. My mom and dad brought Elizabeth back late yesterday afternoon -- and I was glad I also got to see my nephew, Josh, who came with them. Yesterday evening, I experienced pain in my right lower leg, in my shin, much like the pain I had before surgery. And, I had some pain in my lower back. I'm beginning to back off my pain medicines -- and I was on my feet a lot yesterday afternoon. I'm sure both of those factors had a lot to do with it.

I slept well last night -- first night that I didn't have to get up and "walk it off" since I've been home from the hospital. My pain was much better this morning -- no pain at all in my right leg. Hurt some in my incision, but that is typical in the mornings.

I'm planning to be in the office for a while tomorrow morning. Carolyn said she would come by the house and pick me up on her way in. We have to make a stop at the post office to close our post office box. Those of you reading this from Choctaw UMC -- please note, we are closing P.O. Box 100. All mail will be forwarded to our new mailing address: 1200 N. Choctaw Rd. Forwarding lasts for a year.

I'll be in the office tomorrow and Thursday. How long? I'm planning to see how I do. When I feel good, I really do feel good -- but it doesn't last long yet. I'm sure it will take a while for me to build my stamina back to normal levels. I've had nothing but encouragement to take it easy, and take the time I need to heal. I deeply appreciate the understanding and support.

Our family certainly appreciated the wonderful meal that April DeQuasie and her girls brought over last night -- brisket, YUM! Thanks to everyone who has offered words of encouragement -- and certainly, thanks for the prayers. Peace and grace!

This Holy Mystery

Yesterday, Joel brought me Communion -- the remaining bread and juice from the 8:30 service. He prayed for me and offered me the elements with the words of blessing, "Christ's body broken for you and Christ's blood shed for your salvation."

At the 2000 General Conference, the United Methodist Church approved a study stating our understanding of Communion. It was called, "This Holy Mystery." That title reflects my belief of what happens when we receive Communion. It is a mystery. Joel and I share a belief that through a mystery we can't understand or explain, Communion represents the body of Christ (the Church) to those who can't physically be present. When I've taken Communion to our members who couldn't be present in church, I've said, "This is how the church comes to you when you can't come to church."

I hadn't thought to ask for Communion. I really hadn't even thought about missing Communion -- even though I look forward to that at the 8:30 service every week. Joel, as one of the leaders of our church, followed a prompting of the Holy Spirit. As Joel prayed for me and I received the elements, my spirit was filled and nourished. Thank you to Joel -- and thank you to Choctaw United Methodist Church for continuing to be the church, even when I cannot be physically present in leadership.

Today is a good day. Kurt is trying to finish tasks at work so he can be gone on vacation. Elizabeth is with my mom and dad in Talala -- because her cousin, Josh, is there for a few days. So they are enjoying each other's company for a day. Elizabeth returns this evening. I am helping as much as I can so they can be ready to leave. They will take off Tuesday evening -- around 10 or 11 pm -- driving to Newton, KS. The train is scheduled to pick them up at 3:01 am in Newton. They will ride the train to Chicago, arriving Wednesday afternoon. They will change trains and head to Washington, DC Wednesday evening.

Kurt and Elizabeth are very hesitant about leaving me, but I feel okay about it. Surely I will miss them, but I think this is going to be a wonderful trip for them -- and I want them to enjoy it. I know I can take care of my basic needs, and I know I have a whole host of folks I can call if I need help with something.

Peace and grace!

Following My Dream

This morning, I watched St. Luke's on KOCO, Channel 5. I miss church so much. I just needed to connect with worship this morning. I am grateful to St. Luke's for making that possible.

Bob Long's sermon (from last week -- sermons are tape-delayed a week for TV) was appropriate for Father's Day. He reminded me that our Heavenly Father wants to encourage our dreams -- just like our earthly fathers should do. Dr. Long reminded me that God wants me to dream BIG dreams and God wants to open the doors for those dreams. God wants to be an encourager in my life.

There have been times when I've connected with my dream -- and other times when I've run away from it...but the dream has been consistent. I dream of being a pastor, shepherding the flock that God has entrusted to my care. I dream of being an intercessor, helping God's people find God and hear God speaking to them. I dream of being a vision caster, sharing the vision God has for God's people and planning for the realizing of that vision.

Thank you, Bob Long. You helped me connect with my dream again. Since the day my back started hurting, the dream in my life has been fuzzy. (Ironic, that my pain began the day after Easter.) Thank you, Dr. Scott Robertson. Because you connected with your dream of healing people, I was given another chance. I truly feel like Dr. Robertson gave me my life back! Thank you, Choctaw United Methodist Church. You've assured me again and again that you will do what needs to be done at church so I can have this time to heal. Thank you.

I miss being at church this morning -- I miss it desperately. I hope and pray that God will be present to you this morning through the gathering of the faithful. Even though I can't gather with you, God is certainly present with me this morning. Hallelujah!

Health wise, it has been a hard morning. I've had more pain than usual. Most days, mornings are my best time. I'm grateful for pain medicines -- and I'm grateful for small victories. Things are "moving" again, if you know what I mean.

I hope to return to the office for a few days later this week. I've not been cleared to drive yet, so I'll be calling the list of folks who said they could drive for me.

May God's grace and peace be with you all today!

Slowly, but surely

I feel like the pace of my recovery has slowed a bit in the last several days -- but it is still definitely going in the right direction. I may not be getting better by leaps and bounds -- as I did in the first few days -- but each day does bring improvement.

I am learning what things I can do -- and learning to be okay with the things that I definitely cannot do. Last night, a realization sunk in for me. My back is still very much in the healing process. Yesterday, while at the doctor's office, I asked the nurse to show Kurt the piece of equipment that hooks my L4 and L5 vertebrae together. It is small and looks quite insignificant once I realized that is the ONLY thing holding those two vertebrae together. There is pretty much an empty space where the disc used to be. It will be several months before bone will be there to provide stability. I took a big dose of humility pills yesterday as that reality sunk in for me.

While at the doctor's office, they gave me a new piece of equipment called a bone stimulator. It is basically two rectangles that fit over my stomach and back -- held together by two straps along the sides. It emits an electrical field that is supposed to help stimulate the bone growth and promote the fusion of L4 & L5. I have to wear it for 2 hours every day for nine months. I was reading over the information provided. Studies have shown that without the bone stimulator -- fusion happens for 2 out of 3 people. In people who use it as directed, the fusion possibility goes up to 9 out of 10 people. I will find a way to fit 2 hours of wearing that silly looking thing into my schedule!

Yesterday, I was reporting to Dr. Robertson's nurse how the last eight days had been. I got another big dose of pills, but this time it was gratitude pills. I realized that the pain in my feet, legs -- and even my back -- is SOOOO much better. I can walk without limping. I can sleep at night. I told her that the pain of surgery is minor compared to the pain I felt before surgery. So, even though I feel discouraged sometimes that I can't just snap my fingers and be back to my old self and routine -- I am still deeply blessed.

It is going to take time to recover and heal from this surgery -- probably several months, if not a year. And even then, I will still have to be careful. But, now I have so many more possibilities than I had before surgery. My heart overflows with thanksgiving and praise to God! Tomorrow, even though I won't be with you in person at church, know that I will be worshipping and raising my hands in joyful surrender to an amazing God! For those of you who have the privilege of belonging to a community of faith, worshipping with your brothers and sisters in Christ, don't take that privilege for granted. Soak it up!

I am looking forward to the day when I can worship with my church family and offer my prayers of gratitude with my brothers and sisters in Christ. Until then...peace.

Good News

Returned from my follow-up visit to the surgeon. The word is -- my incision is healing nicely and the rest of my recovery is coming along as expected. The staples will come out next week -- it is still too early to risk re-opening the incision. The surgeon's nurse was  very encouraged when I told her how much relief from pain the surgery had provided. She said I might expect even more improvement, considering that nerves heal at the rate of about an inch a month. The nerves that were and have been damaged by the bulging disc might still heal over the next several months. My pain is so much less than it was before surgery -- and the limp I had is gone. She felt very encouraged by that news.

We discussed a not so wise decision on my part to stop taking my pain medicine as of last night. I was sure that was causing the slow return of "movement" -- if you know what I mean. About 3:30 this morning, I discovered that the pain medicine is serving a definite purpose. Dr. Robertson's nurse assured me there are other ways to deal with slow movement, but the pain medicines will probably be necessary for another few weeks, at least.

So, it looks like it will be a while before I can drive. I have to be off the pain meds -- which I'm sure everyone on the road will appreciate. But, after that car ride, I don't want to get out much. Riding in the car is just difficult.

I did feel good enough to stop at Panera for a salad with Kurt and Elizabeth after the appointment. Now, it is time to rest. Peace and grace!

Patience Prayer

Yesterday I said that I normally try to avoid praying for patience. Today, I know why. God is giving me plenty of opportunities to learn. There really is a spiritual discipline in waiting.

Today, my pain comes and goes. It was worse during the night last night and not so good this morning. But, as I've moved around, it is improving. I've been working on some household tasks long neglected -- taking breaks as I need them. I've been able to go without pain medicine all morning, so I count that as a victory.

I still have not ventured out. The heat is as much a deterrent as the pain. Around the house, I know what I can and cannot do -- and it is easy to rest when I need to. Tomorrow will be my first trip. I go to the doctor for my first follow-up visit.

A special thanks to Angie and Jake Howard for bringing us a wonderful Mexican calzone last night for supper. It was yummy! Elizabeth finished the last piece for her breakfast this morning. And, thanks to all who are praying -- what a gift to feel my church family lifting me up. I also received several cards in the mail -- thanks so much for thinking of me. Some mentioned in their cards that they wanted a chance to sign up to help, but the sheets were full before they could put their name(s) down.

I truly hope that no one feels upset or let down because they didn't get a chance to help me. For the past five years, I've been amazed at this congregation's willingness to do whatever needed to be done. I know that I could call several not on the list -- and at a moment's notice, you would do whatever I need. Right now, I need time to heal, more than anything. The best gift you can give me is to continue to support our church -- be there on Sunday mornings when I can't, call on Fern Hefley, Judy Rollins, Amy & Forrest Johnson, Gladys Sinclair (and others I don't even know about) -- let them know we are praying for them, welcome a first-time visitor over the next three Sundays, call Carolyn in the office and see if there is anything she needs assistance with. As you support and care for our church -- you are supporting and caring for me.

I'll check in again tomorrow after my doctor's visit.

One Week After Surgery

Today, I'm one week out from surgery. I'm amazed with my progress when I think about the fact that it has only been a week. I'm also impatient, wanting it to go more quickly.

My first follow-up doctor's appointment is Friday morning, June 26. Thanks to Sharon Lessley for taking Elizabeth and me. I MIGHT get my staples out. The doctor told me after surgery that he often leaves them in for two weeks because abdominal incisions have a lot of pressure on them as we move. We'll see. I'm also supposed to get a bone stimulator -- to help the bone in between the vertebrae grow more quickly. I have no idea what kind of device that is. I'll be curious to know what that is like.

Yesterday and today have been a bit more frustrating. I'm still having pain at my incision site and in my lower back. I'm sure this is normal and to be expected, but I'm ready for it to go away! The pain medications do really help -- I just don't like the way they make me feel.

I also have a particular function that has not returned -- don't want to be too graphic. In the hospital, Dr. Robertson told me to expect this. He said the abdominal surgery means that all your insides get moved and disturbed -- and it is often hard to get things back on the right track. So, I wait.

Elizabeth has been at my mom and dad's for the day. She is glad for every step toward normal we take. She has been a wonderful help and has shown tremendous patience for a nine year old. Like me, though, she is ready for this to be over and for our world return to "normal." She and Kurt are getting excited about their trip to Washington, DC. They will leave next Wednesday -- catching the Amtrak train in Newton, KS. Kurt's cousin lives in DC and has invited our family to come stay with them and enjoy the sites. Kurt and Elizabeth arrive in DC on July 2 and leave on July 9, taking the train back to Newton. They should be back in Choctaw late on July 11.

I'm planning to make a gradual return to the office during their vacation. Thanks to everyone who has volunteered to help me while they are gone with household tasks. I'll be calling on you, I'm sure!

Once again, I appreciate all the prayers and thoughts. Today, I'm praying a prayer I normally try to avoid -- I'm praying for patience. I've found that when I pray this prayer, there are plenty of opportunities to learn it. Please -- pray with me.

Ups and Downs Each Day

Sorry for missing yesterday. It was an up and down day. Overall, I'm much improved. I can manage many more tasks for myself -- probably too many. Kurt reminds me often that I shouldn't be cleaning the dishes off the table or reaching for something in the cabinet.

Kurt sure has been a gift in my recovery. He moved a tall table in by the bed so I can keep the things I need easily accessible. He keeps a clear path on the floor so I don't trip over anything. He helps me change the dressing on my incision site twice a day. He helped me develop a schedule for all my medications so I don't miss any. It's all the little things -- and he thinks of them all.

Thanks to Vickie Hankins. She brought over a wonderful chicken & rice dish and a carrot cake so we could celebrate Kurt's birthday last night! I do have my appetite back now. I'm grateful for this sign of recovery, but am fearful of the consequences. Everything tastes so good now. Before the surgery, I had pretty much stopped eating.

The signs of recovery are good. I'm still having pain at the incision site, and an ache in my lower back -- but overall, the pain is much better. I'm finally able to sleep the whole night. That feels wonderful. I do still have some of the pain in my right foot -- and my left thigh is still numb, but it is SOOO much better than it was before the surgery.

In the mornings, I feel good enough to run a race -- but a few hours into the day, I'm slowing noticeably. I have been very faithful about using my back brace -- it actually feels better with it on, but sitting is uncomfortable. I haven't left the house yet, and don't feel in a hurry to get in the car. The trip home from the hospital was misery enough for a while.

Kurt and I agreed last night that the surgery really was a good decision for me. Even now, I am better than I was before surgery. The days do have ups and downs, but we are looking forward to more ups. Today, I'll be calling the doctor to schedule my first follow-up visit. He said I'll see him around 2 weeks post-op. If everything is coming along, he'll take the staples out. I have 26. Elizabeth counted them for me!

Slower on Sunday

Today felt "slower" than yesterday. Since my surgery, I've had noticeable improvement each day -- sometimes I'll even measure improvement by hours, instead of days. My mom reminded me yesterday that most people experience a plateau after surgery -- a slowing down. That has been my day today.

I'm experiencing more pain today at the incision site and some soreness in my back. I've had to be faithful about taking my pain medications to stay ahead of it. My doctor told me to expect this before we left the hospital. His said we need to do what is necessary to keep the pain under control, so I can heal better. I knew the medication would make me sleepy and groggy -- that has been the case today.

I'm holding on though. Dr. Robertson said I could expect two weeks of full-time recovery. I'm trying to see recovery as my "job" right now. My mom is coming tomorrow. She'll spend the night and take Elizabeth back to Talala with her on Tuesday. I'm so glad she is willing and able to spend this time supporting our family.

Kurt goes back to work tomorrow also. Little by slowly, we are returning to "normal."

Sure did miss church this morning!

Missing Sunday on Saturday night

I already miss seeing everyone -- even on Saturday night. I have much to praise God for and I wish so much to be in worship and sing my heart out. Today has been a good day. I've been up and around a good portion of the day. I can make my "laps" around the house and feel good at the end of it. Just three days post-op, and I feel like I'm stronger than I was before the surgery. Yea!

The surgery really has been a miracle in my life. I feel like I have my life back. I'm looking forward to each day now,  just to see what God will do next. Before the surgery, I dreaded each day because I never knew what to expect.

Thanks to everyone who has supported, cared and prayed. I will miss you tomorrow. I LOVE church. I look forward to that beginning of my week. I'm excited to know what word from the Lord Joel Clay will bring tomorrow. Even though I can't be with you in presence, know that I am with you in Spirit. Peace be with you all.

A New Day

Every day, I feel better. This morning is no exception. I am able to be on my feet and make my way through the house -- for longer stretches each day. Hopefully soon, I'll be able to take walks outside.

I still have a slight bit of pain in my lower legs, and persistent numbness in my left thigh. But, the pain has improved SOOOO much. Last night, my family and I agreed that my limp is gone. I still look a little funny when I walk, but my gait is much more natural now. And, I don't have the weakness I had before the surgery.

I'm on my best behavior right now -- taking medications as directed. They leave me feeling very fuzzy, which I hate. But, they really make a huge difference as far as pain goes.

Looking forward to seeing everyone soon.

Drowsy But Better

Charla continues to improve. Her nausea is totally gone, and her back-associated pain is significantly reduced. Her surgery site is causing some discomfort, but her surgeon seems to have figured out a combination of medication that keeps that pain at bay. The medicine has put her in a fog, but we'll take that over pain. We are still amazed at how she is feeling, just two days after major surgery. Charla felt like she was stable enough for Elizabeth and Kurt to take a brief break today to pick blackberries (see photo).–Kurt

I'm feeling good enough to be at the computer this evening. Praise God! We did get to come home this afternoon. I'm so grateful. No more tubes and machines to be hooked up to. The nurses at Bone & Joint were so wonderful. When I said I wanted to come home, they did everything they could to make that possible.

My own bed feels really good. That is the most comfortable place for me right now. When I am on my feet, I have to wear a hard back brace, so sitting is not great. Plus, it seems to make the pain in my abdomen worse. But, the pain overall is SOOOOO much better than it has been. I can walk normally now. I have one area of numbness on my left thigh, and a few occasional twinges in my feet and calves, but I am so much improved.

Kurt has been a blessing beyond words -- through everything -- but especially during my stay in the hospital. He even slept there with me last night with couch cushions on the floor. I am humbled to see how gracious he is.

Well, time to lay back down. I'll keep everyone posted as often as I can.

Peace and grace!

Heading to Choctaw

IF (and it's in upper case for a reason), Charla's x-ray on her back looks OK (she is in radiology right now), she is being discharged. The nausea and vomiting has passed. She had a colorful, yet liquid, breakfast this morning that stayed down. Her pain is also under control, and she has walked a good distance. All those things mean she can leave the hospital. We are looking forward to being home, and we will continue to update the blog couple of times a day as the recovery continues.–Kurt

Nausea Lingers, Otherwise OK Night

Charla is still fighting with the nausea and vomiting (N/V), but it does seem a bit better. She was able to get up early this morning and take care of one of the three "musts" before discharge. The only one we have left is eating. She is still on the IV, and she is likely to have it until the N/V abates. She did get some sleep last night between the bouts of nausea. We are grateful for the improvement in her leg and back pain, and we are confident the tummy issues will resolve soon. We're assuming we have at least one more night in the hospital.

We're thankful for all the people who are keeping us in prayer. Kurt is also grateful for the folks at KGOU covering his duties this week. The next post will probably come around noon time.–Kurt

Nausea Improving, Walking Better

I'm a bit late with this post, but the news is generally good. Charla took a walk down the hall this evening. To quote her, "I'm walking better now than when I came to the hospital this morning." She is still having nausea, but the episodes seem to be less severe. The hospital is full, but the nursing staff has been on top of things. Elizabeth is spending tonight with Charla's parents and brother at our condo. It looks like we may be spending at least one more night in the hospital, but that is yet to be determined.–Kurt

Nausea, But Better

Charla continues to experience periods of nausea and vomiting (N/V). She reports the pain she has been experiencing in her legs and feet since Easter is gone. She has some soreness in her lower back, but she says it is somewhat different from the pain she had prior to her surgery. The surgeon says the pain she is experiencing there is likely due to the surgery and the "stiffening" of that area of her spine. We think the (N/V) may be coming in part from the IV pain medicine she is receiving. This afternoon the doctor told us he was very pleased with the surgery, and he will discharge Charla when she can "walk, eat and pee."

We've been blessed to have Charla's parents here today, along with her brother, Chuck, who drove up from McKinney, Texas. Also, we appreciate the care the Lessleys and Emily Green gave to Elizabeth last night and today. I'll post another update around 10 p.m. Thanks for the continued thoughts and prayers.–Kurt

Charla Has Walked

While it wasn't on water, Charla got out of bed (with a bit of help) and walked to the door of her room. She reports the pain in her legs is much better. She is still hurting from the surgery and has been given a hefty dose of medication to help with that. She is resting now. I have to leave the room to post to the blog. I should have another posting up before 6 p.m.–Kurt

Charla is In Her Room

Charla is in her room and doing well. She reports her back, leg and foot pain is better, but she is still somewhat sedated. She is having pain at the incision site in her abdomen. We'll try to have another update in a couple of hours.–Kurt

Surgery Over; Charla in Recovery

Dr. Robertson just reported the surgery went as expected. He said the disc was very loose, and he expects the procedure will "tighten" that area. He said there were no surprises, and Charla will be in recovery for about another hour before going to a room.–Kurt

Surgery Started

I just received a call from the surgery nurse and the operation has started. It is expected to last 60–90 minutes.—Kurt

Surgery Should Start Soon

Charla has been taken to the staging area for her surgery. The surgeon, Dr. Robertson, just came to tell us the surgery should start in about 30 minutes, and then last for about 90 minutes. Our good friends, Revs. Paul and Jeni stopped by. Rev. Dan Pulver is here along with Jim Houk, care minister at Epworth United Methodist Church. We know lots of you are praying for Charla and the medical team caring for her. We'll keep you updated.

At Hospital

We made it to the hospital just fine. Charla's parents are with us. The nurse just took Charla to prep her and get her checked in for surgery. Thanks to everyone for the thoughts and prayers.

Up early this morning. Not much sleep for pain. Looking forward to the possibility of improvement. God has brought me a deep sense of peace this morning. To Him be the glory, great things he has done...

I finished all the pre-op procedures this afternoon. Thanks to Linda Hill. She was my chauffeur today, driving me all over the metro area. The technician told me my EKG was completely normal -- good to know. The X-ray tech told me I would not have to lay down on the hard metal table -- after he saw the look of absolute horror on my face when I saw the table! Really, it wasn't so bad -- just the trip and waiting and sitting -- not my favorite activities right now.

Tonight, my family and I will share a meal and pray for God's abundance in the next few days. I check in at 7:00 am in the morning. No food or drink for me after midnight. :-( The surgery will be in the morning sometime. Kurt will be posting as soon as we know anything from the surgeon.

We are expecting 1-2 nights in the hospital before they let me out! You can tell how I feel about hospital stays. Hopefully, I'll feel like I can check in on the blog while in the hospital and let you know how I'm doing. But, Kurt will be making regular posts.

Thank you -- thank you -- thank you to everyone who has been so supportive. I covet each prayer that is offered. I have peace about the surgery. After my pain today, I know this is the right decision. There is hope of a brighter tomorrow. I look forward to preaching without pain!

One day soon...

Thanks to everyone who is praying! The sign-up sheets were over-filled yesterday. I am overwhelmed by the generosity and support of our church. 

I am amazed that the pain continues to worsen. I keep thinking it cannot get any worse, and then it does. Last week, surgery seemed too close. Today, I'm glad it is just a few days away.

Monday (today) will be my last day in the office. I'll be taking care of last minute details.

Tomorrow, I'll be visiting the doctor and hospital for all the pre-op arrangements. 

Again, I'm so grateful for our lay leadership stepping up to fill responsibilities while I'm gone. I also appreciate our staff's willingness to step in and fill the gaps. And, I'm thankful for everyone who signed up to support our family during the time of my recovery. I'll be working on a way to make sure you get notified, in case you can't remember when you signed up.

I've never blogged before, but I'm hoping this will be a good time to start. I appreciate the kindness, concern and grace shown to me and my family during the weeks my back has hurt. Everyone has been more than wonderful!

I'm glad I can start my week with worship. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone tomorrow and praising God together. I'm sure I'll need the encouragement and taste of the Holy Spirit in the coming week.

Plans are for surgery at Bone & Joint Hospital -- downtown -- on Wednesday morning, June 17. We don't know what time yet, just that I am the second person on Dr. Scott Robertson's schedule. He has prepared us for the surgery by telling us it is a fusion of the 4th and 5th lumbar vertebrae. It involves removing the disc and putting in a bone graft -- then connecting the two vertebrae with a metal plate. Over the course of 12 months, the bone graft will grow, eventually completely fusing those two vertebrae together. The surgeon will go from the front, making a small incision in my lower abdomen. He has a vascular surgeon do this part of the surgery, making sure everything is safely out of the way. Once the spine is exposed, he'll remove the disc and insert the bone graft. Then, they close me up and I'm good to go!

He's said I'll probably spend one night in the hospital, going home on Thursday. If I could make one request -- please, no visitors in the hospital. I'm sure that will not be my best moment, and I'd rather just focus on recovery and pain control while there.

Dr. Robertson said I'll be recovering full-time for two weeks -- probably on pain medicine, while everything heals. I'm hoping to return to work for short periods around July 1. The doctor said once I'm off the pain meds, I can go back to work. He said my pain will tell me when I've done too much. He also said I will have to wear a back brace for three months to keep me from bending and putting the healing at risk.

I'm certainly not looking forward to surgery, but I so want to feel better. As I've experienced the debilitating nature of this pain -- and seen my function and mobility deteriorate by the week -- it has been humbling. As I hope, I'm looking forward to being able to enjoy a dinner out with my family, being present for worship services, and even unloading the dishwasher.

Hope with me. Pray with me. God is good. I'm sure that God will make it possible for me to keep Kingdom Building!

Peace and grace, Charla