After things calmed down and the PLEX was done, I got ready for bed. I was typing out a post for a social media update. My first couple of lines were, ‘Today was relatively quiet, but I think it’s just before the storm. I feel tomorrow is going to be a rough one.’ I only…

This morning, early, when I texted out my first update on the good news, I received a text back from a good friend. He has a specific ringtone, “Neon Moon” by Brooks & Dunn, his favorite song. When it came on, Amanda opened her eyes wide and looked at me. I guess she was ready…

Amanda ended up being pretty zonked after they changed her pain med regimen. I hate seeing her like that, but it’s better than writhing in pain. Once she was settled and out, and they started the PLEX, I slipped out during shift change when it’s always busy. In the ICU with only 1-2 patients per…

Last night, after I finished writing the last post and replied to a few texts, I sat and listened to the music. I was the only one paying any attention; only a few others were there, and they were sitting at the bar. I’d been staying busy, but it was nice just to sit, have…

When I was allowed to see Amanda first, I was surprised to find that she wasn’t in the Critical Care ICU but in the Cardiovascular ICU. You have to get a badge and go through an intake process with the receptionist. I was glad to find I could stay in the ICU, but still planned…

Not long after I made the last post, I went to the cafeteria to get some dinner. As I was wandering around looking for something, I got a call for another update. They said the new heart was in and beating at 100 beats a minute. She was still open, but she wasn’t on any…

I started a post a few days ago to catch y’all up from Wednesday, but that’s scrapped with the good news and my expedited trip to Nashville. I did have part of that post that I will leave. I was discussing why they may reject a heart offer and how it could prolong our wait.…

Looks like our 41 came a little quicker than expected! The doctor came by late morning to tell Amanda the good news. I’m currently in the air on a flight to Nashville.  I had just gotten off work in Houston and was asleep in the hotel when Amanda called. The surgery was scheduled for 2…

This is mostly for me, but perhaps someone else can get something out of it, too. I saw a tattoo and the explanation behind it on Facebook or some other social media a while back, and it stuck with me. Ever since I’ve had an excerpt in my notes to write on this. Amanda and…

I was called to work early in the morning Monday. I went to get my grip, what railroaders call our bags, out of my Suburban, and the door wouldn’t unlock. I thought I had a repeat of what happened with the dead battery. This time I was going to work and not getting off, though.…