Update

I should've written this post a few days ago but as you can imagine things have been somewhat hectic. First let me say thank you for the prayers and words of support. It's always a tough thing to have to face mortality. My sweet mom started in with chest pains again on Tuesday night/Wednesday morning. In fact, about the same time that I wrote my last post. Anyway, they took her in for another angioplasty and this time discovered another blockage in one of the arteries that was about 90% blocked. The doctors decided that was the artery causing the heart attacks and they were able to open it up and place a stint in to keep the blood flow going. They also discovered that my mom has pulmonary hypertension, or high blood pressure in her lungs. That dramatically changes the picture for her surgery. After discussing the situation with the surgeon, the cardiologist decided they needed to wait to do the surgery. The biggest concern was whether Mom would be able to come off the ventilator after surgery or if she would remain on a vent for the rest of her life. They feel that by opening up the one artery the heart should be getting enough blood and oxygen now. We were all shocked and questioned why they didn't just do the surgery when she started having another attack, but the doctor told us that if they had proceeded without knowing everything they know now, we probably would've lost her. So....the gist is this...Mom was sent home on Saturday. No surgery for at least a month. In about two weeks she'll go back in to the cardiologist at which time the decision will be made whether to proceed with a surgery or whether the risk is just too great. Talk about an emotional roller coaster! I just want them to "fix" her. I hate thinking about what could be or might be or probably will be. Dad gave me the whatfor and told me I had to buck up and think positively. He's right, of course, but it's hard when I see my mom looking so frail and helpless. So, that's the update. Jay and I went to visit her last night and although she's still very weak, she was at least sitting up. Bless her heart!!!! PLEASE!!!!

We're also preparing to send Brinlei's bmom to Hawaii for Christmas and then on to the islands after. It's going to be so sad to see them leave! We have loved having them here and they've just become a part of the family. Even Jordan and Jaxon said they will miss little Sissy. It has been such a great experience for all of us to have them in our home and I think it has validated Brinlei in ways I didn't expect. Her relationship with her bmom is so sweet to watch, almost like they're sisters. I know it's going to be hard for her to say goodbye to them.

The Saturday after Thanksgiving, we were privileged to be a part of Brinlei's mom's baptism. It was such an incredibly spiritual event for all of us. She looked absolutely beautiful all dressed in white. After the baptism we took the family down to temple square to see the Christmas lights. It was a bit hectic and chaotic, but we loved it just the same. It was just a great way to start the Christmas season and share in it with Brinlei's mom and sister. Now if I can just get my decorations up at home, it'll really feel like Christmas.

(Ok, these pictures didn't load in the right order, but oh well!)