Uncle Karl's Surgery

We got together with family last night at my Uncle Karl's home the night before his planned surgery to remove one of his eyes, and we gathered together to have a family prayer and blessing before the big surgery. I love this Uncle of mine so much -- and I love, love, love how much my kids and sweet husband love on him too. There's so much laughter and so many fun traditions when we all get together. I love watching my two sweet, kind boys as they can't seem to get enough of him, and play all the same games I did with Uncle Karl as a kid. I love that each of my kids will make sure to get Karl's famous Eskimo kisses multiple times -- that my boys can't stop laughing at the hugs and squeezes Karl gives and go for another one again and again and again. I love that singing Happy Birthday to me was one of the highlights of Karl's night. I love that the only thing that beats the Happy Birthday song is him getting to hold babies. I love that before we left for Karl's, Greg ran upstairs after realizing that he wasn't wearing lace up shoes -- and Karl loves to untie shoes, so Greg made sure to change shoes before we left. And that Ellie excitedly wore a hat that Karl could steal off her head, which never ceases to make him laugh. I love watching my family interact with Karl -- watching my kids love him in all the same ways I always have. I even love that he asks for Greg before he asks for me! We're praying that the pain and pressure in his eyes is relieved and his recovery is quick. And I'm grateful to have a family who comes together in ways like this.

Then bright and early this morning my Mom and I, along with a caregiver from Karl's home met at the Eye Center downtown for his surgery.  My Mom was able to talk to the doctor ahead of time and explain how much pain both eyes have caused him and it was agreed that it's best to remove both eyes.  The surgery went smoothly, and they don't anticipate him being in much pain -- and the pain from the swelling and issues with his eyes will be noticeable immediately and will really add to his quality of life.  In recovery afterwards we thought he was still asleep, but when my Mom leaned down he was quick to give her eskimo kisses.  He went home to rest, and my Mom and I stopped in to visit Grandma and give her the update on her baby boy and show her all the picture from the day before (the pictures from above.)