Morning, May 17

(e-mail from B. Parady)

First morning after surgery.

The report from Shelly is wonderful. Sabina is as alert as she has ever been. She is "very very alert." She seems to be watching the television and paying attention.

She is still sedated from the surgery, and is still on the respirator for post-surgical recovery.

They have her scheduled for a shunt on Monday. They plan to watch her during the next 3 days and decide whether to implant the shunt. If not, they will simply cancel the Monday surgery. Expect her then to take a quick trip to Helen Hayes.

So given the news, I decided to include a photo of the bridge over the Hospital from Joon for your enjoyment, in spite of the fact that it will clog your email.

My thanks are offered in prayer to the staff of Columbia Presbyterian.

Surgery Update, May 16

(e-mail from B. Parady)

Surgery is complete. It took 4 hours under sedation. Sabina was terrified going in, and is now resting peacefully. She is so heavily sedated that they have put her on the respirator in case she forgets to breathe. They expect to remove it when sedation is lifted.

Sabina now has a tight head bandage which will be on for 2 days. There are drainage tubes and lots of scary-looking tubes coming out. They will make a call on whether to install a shunt in 2 days. Right now it looks like transport to Helen Hayes no earlier than Monday.

Sabina has already had visitors from the dietetics compatriots.

Currently in New York there appear to be tornado warnings with very high winds and black skies at the hospital. The kind of day where no one bothers with an umbrella unless they want it destroyed. So no storms for Sabina, the weather is taking that role.

Our prayers now for her comfortable, and complete surgical recovery.

Evening, March 29 (Extra Report)

(e-mail from B. Parady)

Well, someone remembered my birthday. As I had finished my evening email, Susan, Elaine and Louise arrived holding this beautiful cake, saying happy birthday.

The card was really a great gift. Nice to see the signatures of Sabina's longtime friends and New York "family".

Matt and I decided to dig in before Shelly came and enjoyed popping down a couple of big slices. Shelly came later and give it her Home Ec major seal of approval. I hate to say it but birthdays have been many, way too many, but never mind. Let's say if you put candles on the cake and removed them, there would be no frosting left.

So to all who helped me celebrate yet another birthday, my thanks for a cap to a perfect day with Sabina and her mom.