Lord willing and the creek don't rise.

I will have a NEW heart valve next week.

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Have you heard the expression "Lord willing and the creek don't rise" before?

Phrases.com describes it as meaning barring unforeseen circumstances.

Etymology: Statements of the form "God/Lord willing and " are ancient extensions of simple acceptance of God's will in phrases like God willing and Lord willing. "Creek" originated as a reference to creeks flooding and preventing travel but is sometimes re-interpreted as a reference to the Creek tribe.

I am scheduled for open heart surgery on Tuesday, 7.25. I will have my aortic valve replaced and an ascending aortic aneurysm repair.

It has been a week full of uncertainty. The OR has been booked, but so many other pieces had to fall into place. First, my surgeon was concerned about last week's nosebleeds and procedure. He agreed to move forward, but they are bringing in another surgeon to assist with the surgery. Then we had to wait to hear if the second surgeon was on board. My cardiologist had to weigh in as well. There were so many MyChart messages between us and the Cardiovascular Surgery's Nurse Practitioner. And, yes, I am currently at 5mg of steroids, which was the goal over the last 7 months. There are still details things that are in flux: they call Monday night with my surgery arrival time, I will probably be in the hospital a week, and I will have to do cardiac rehab - which I know nothing about. I think we are ready here at home for when I return - we have an adjustable base bed, shower chair, and I have been gifted a power lift assist recliner.

I feel like there is so much to do before Tuesday. On the other hand, I feel like I am just waiting around for Tuesday. This weekend is pretty chill. My brother is coming in from South Dakota. It will be good to spend time with him prior to surgery. On Monday I have to go into the city for bloodwork. I have my post-op appointment for my nose on Monday afternoon in Oakbrook. Then, hubby and I have a dinner reservation at the new Gordon Ramsay restaurant, Ramsay's Kitchen, in Naperville. They are booked through October, but a thoughtful & kind friend was able to snag an "add-on" reservation for us.

My hubby is quite anxious about my surgery. I think that this open-heart surgery evokes different feelings than my first open heart surgery in 2006, because we know what is coming. Our son was two years old when I had my last heart surgery. He is now a college student. He is self-sufficient and fully aware of what is happening. I tend to be overly optimistic and nonchalant about things. But I do remember certain details about my last surgery (& recovery) that make me cringe. So, I guess I am somewhere in between nonchalant and scared. I have a strong faith and know my time here on earth is temporary, however long or short it may be. "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2: 8-10

Please consider sending an encouraging message or checking in on my hubby and son (if you know them). The hospital has a cafeteria with limited hours, Panera and Farmer's Fridge - if you are looking for a tangible way to help, gift cards to Panera or Farmer's Fridge would be appreciated, especially since hubby is gluten free. These are easy options for him to grab a meal.

Hubby will be posting updates on the blog. Once I am home and settled, we will evaluate our need for meals, help at home, and rides to/from rehab.

I had friends come over this week and we did a craft together. Look at this beautiful sunflower wreath on my front door! So bright and cheery.

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