Dreams, Glitter and Tears

So much has been going on lately. I've been keeping a cliff-notes version journal on my computer and I plan to back-post as soon as I possibly can.

Here at home, things are going well. Emilys surgery on 12/4 was successful.
She is recovering very quickly and has impressed the doctors. She was supposed to be in the "Step-Down" unit (Shriners version of an ICU) for 3 days but she only needed to be there for 18 hours. She was walking 1 day after surgery with assistance, and was even playing her violin again by day 4 post-surgically. She even did a little dance for the doctors when they came to see how she was doing. They were quite amused. She was supposed to stay in the hospital until the 14th
but got out on Monday evening. She is adjusting to living at home pretty well, sleeping on the couch and her mattress on the floor since her bed is a "loft" style, kind of like a bunk bed with the top bunk only. (Her and Laura's computer and desk are underneath the bed. She still wakes every 3.5 to 4 hours for more pain medication but is sleeping less fitfully when she does sleep, meaning that James and I can as well. We have been sleeping on the floor in the living room next to her in case she needs anything. Today I had to leave her at home alone for a few hours while I was
working and I was relieved to return home to find her sleeping comfortably. She will have a tutor assigned by the school come to our home twice a week to help her with her school work but we have to the rest of the time. It won't be too terribly hard with the exception of her Japanese class. James and I speak very very little Japanese. Hopefully her tutor will specialize in Japanese. We expect Emily to return to school mid January. The timing of the surgery really couldn't have been better. Her classes are doing a lot of review right now in preparation for mid-terms. She also has the holiday break during her recovery time so she will be missing less school. We are so happy with her recovery, she has been so very strong through all of this.

In other news, Donnie, my original male rat passed away on the day of Emilys surgery. He was apparently older than I had originally thought. I hate it when James is right. Darnit. My Great Grandfather, Leslie, also passed away, on the 8th. He was 94. His health had been deteriorating and in the last few days, the family that was with him said that he really didn't look good. From what I know, he went peacefully though, so that's all that really matters. He was a great influence in my life.

here is a link to his obituary: http://legacy.com/cjonline/Obituaries.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonID=99248299

He was a really great man.

There's a ton more to write about but I'm afraid I need some sleep as I have to work in the early morning. I'll try to update soon.