A quick note

Well ... here I sit ... kids our out (end of the school year --- don't you know) .. with Drambuie and Starbucks in hand. I'm gathering together all the clothes I'll need for my jaunt out west. Thought I'd give you a quick update before I leave.

Lots of news to report. Conor had the surgery to remove the bolts from his knee. The operation took about 45 minutes .... general anaesthetic included ... and he walked away from the surgery. I brought the crutches to the hospital as per instructions .. they were shunned by Conor! An amazing young man. In his words ... it felt like his knee had been hit with a wrench .... but pain free (?!) for the first time in six months. If this seems contradictory ... well ... it is! He had the surgery on June 12th ... uncle Johnny was in town trying to get the water at the cottage sorted out ... and can vouch for the fact that Conor was walking after the surgery. They had given him one tablet of morphine immediately after the surgery ... I gave him one more later that night .... then it was on to good old Tylenol. At one point (while on the morphine) he said ... "Is it wrong to enjoy this feeling?"

We visited the ortho 3 days after the surgery and he doesn't want to see Conor again until November. Yup ... you guessed it ... I lost it big time. This is the last doctor on Conor's list. I wrapped my arms around him (no easy feat I might add - orthos are generally very large men) and gave him a heartfelt hug. I cried for a good long while ... and again .. poor Conor just doesn't understand the meltdowns. I get teary eyed now ... just thinking about the end being in reach.

On the Monday after the surgery, Conor had an appointment with the sports medicine specialist. He confirmed that Conor has a Grade I injury to the Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL). He advised that they do not even consider surgery until the injury is a Grade III ... bottom line ... work your buns off little man ... no surgery for you! The smile on Conor's face was memorable ... brought to mind the first time Conor went outside after the accident. We're done ... physiotherapy will continue big time .. no limitations. Conor should be ready to return to work by the end of the summer! No more doctor's appointments until November!

Now that we're at the end of this incredible road .... I realize all the potholes and pitfalls that we've dodged. I am so incredibly aware of the path we might have travelled ... but with the help of God and all your good thoughts and prayers .. we have evaded that dark road. I am so relieved. Being Irish ... I cannot help but be cautious ... and wait for the other shoe to fall! Still ... I am so optimistic. That I have received all this incredible news now ... just before my first child-free holiday in 22 years ... I feel sure it is a sign.

Please rejoice with me. Our present situation is due ... in no small part ... to all of you. I am extremely pleased to share it with you all. Thank you from the bottom of my joyous heart. I will not wrap up the blog tonight ... I cannot. When I return from my holiday ... refreshed ... I will try and do justice to what you have all meant to me ... and to my sons.

Until then ... be proud of your accomplishment! You have made a huge difference in the lives of three people ... three people who owe you a debt that may never be repaid. Bless you all . . .