First Update

Whoever had the brilliant idea of putting wireless in this hospital was brilliant. I only had enough reading material to make it through the morning! All 5 of us piled into my car this morning at 7:30 to head to Towson. We arrived by 8:30, walked in and got started. My mom and dad went back to begin the prep stages around 8:45. My sister, brother and I played Uno, flipped through some magazines - basically did anything to kill time. 

Around 10:45 a nurse came out to get the rest of us. We went back to the surgery prep area, met up with mom and dad, and joked around. As a matter of fact, we joked so loudly, we were asked to quiet down twice! Regardless, we were having fun and no one was thinking about the situation. Until, the chaplain came in. I had to excuse myself and walk away.  After I could hear the remaining family members back to joking, I returned. She prepared us for what to expect after, and asked if we'd like to say a prayer. We all stood around dad on the gurney and put a hand on him. I didn't look at my brother, but I know the rest of us had a tough time staying dry. 

They wheeled him off around 12:45 and we gave "hugs and kisses" (as they kept referring to it) and said goodbye. We headed to the cafeteria and had some lunch. Made a few more jokes and walked around. The food wasn't too bad, but now, all we can do is just sit and wait. A nurse just called us to let us know that surgery is under way and things are going well.  It took about an hour to finish prepping him in the OR before things even began. We are expecting to hear the (excellent) results within the next few hours.