Tuesday my Dad had back surgery. Now this is not an uncommon occurance in the world. Most men the same age as my Dad (79 last November) have had several hospital visits in their time. But this was his very first hospital stay.
So, we were all understandably a bit on edge. The repair that was planned involved two tiny incisions, and the surgeon was the same one who did my back repair a few years ago and did a great job with me. That helped, of course.
The procedure went beautifully, and Dad did well. But the surgical schedule was backed up badly on Tuesday. He waited several hours longer than expected before surgery; he didn't go into the operating room until nearly six hours after we arrived at the hospital. Then, because his procedure was finished so late he had to stay the night. (He'd expected to go home after surgery.)
Needless to say, Mom and I spent a LOT of time in the waiting room with family and friends that day. And it was slow going getting him released from the hospital the following day; we didn't get him home until 2:00 p.m.!
What kept me sane during all this waiting, wondering, and worrying? My beloved sticks and string! I didn't dare work on anything more complicated than "plain vanilla" socks, but keeping my hands busy kept me calm and collected. I actually believe that Mom was able to deal with the situation better because I was calm.
It wasn't an experience I want to go through again soon, but Daddy's doing well, and I'm thankful for that.
I feel sorry for people who have to go through that without knitting in their hands!
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