Charlie has had a very relaxing day spent with family and friends. His brother, Joe, and sister, Karen flew out to be with us. Courtney and Farley arrived. Friends arrive by the dozens.

The doctor told Charlie that this surgery will increase his energy level by 40%. Can you imagine Charlie's energy level being any greater than it already is? He will be unstoppable!

Beginning at 7:30 am tomorrow, dad's heart surgery will take place. Part of is aorta will be replaced, his circumflex artery will be bypassed in two to three places, and the aortic valve will be replaced. Dad loves to think that a pig or cow "part" will be in his chest.

Charlie's spirits are high. The love surrounding him is nearly visible. Charlie and Kevin fell comforted and reassured that the Lord is in control!

Dad wanted me to include several questionable jokes. INSTEAD, I will attach a picture of my mom and dad. They love each other so much!

Day 5 , One day pre-op

Here is dad in the ICU still. He is not quite feeling
as bad as his surgery indicates. He is very tired,
and having very little chest pain. The staff at Aurora
South are continuing to prepare him for OR

tomorrow. Tests, showers, repiratory therapy, and

monitoring are scheduled for today. THAT and rest.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for the outpouring of love for Charlie and our family! We are overwhelmed by the responses we are receiving. We would love to personally respond to each and every one of you, but know that dad and mom are reading all comments and they are immensely encouraged by your words. People all over the world are lifting dad up in prayer. It is amazing to see the outpouring of love.

Enjoy the photos. Dad wanted me to include as many as possible. One is circa 1975!!! Courtney and I snuggled on his lap. Here I am doing it again in 2011!!

Thank you everyone!

Here is dad in the ICU. Looks pretty good, eh? The cardiac surgeon was just here- the famous John Propp! He seems to think that dad will pull through this pretty well. Dad and mom are so grateful that both daughters are here; mom needs extra love and care right now. Visitors and calls are non-stop so thank you everyone!

Day 4 in the hospital

Dad is day 4 in the hospital, awaiting open heart surgery on Monday or Tuesday. He is in the ICU, receiving excellent care from all the medical personal. The orders for dad are to stay in bed, rest, and prepare for battle (as one wonderful nurse, Sarah, stated)! They have him monitored, on oxygen, on blood pressure medicine, and heparin. He is blowing into a breathing device to prepare his lungs and chest for the big operation ahead. His spirits are very high, as you can well imagine. He stated this morning, "What can I do? There is nothing I can do to help this. The whole situation is in the Lord's hands." He then commented on how much he loves mom.

Keep Charlie and Kevin in your prayers!

Charlie arrived in the ER 3 days ago. He was found to have aortic valve stenosis, narrowed coronary vessels, and a thoracic aortic aneurysm.

The beginning