The gift of a smile

Boy, the days go fast. Sunday Tom and I were both disappointed not to go the church. Tom was sure on Saturday night that he would be up to going but Sunday morning it was just too much so we went back to bed and slept some more.

Yesterday, Monday, we were at the UW Med Ctr at 10:00 am for a swallow test. It showed that the separation of the esophogus and trachea is correct. Tom had to swallow some really bitter tasting liquid. The highlight there was having the radiology tech be PK who we had met before. She is feisty and fun, an Oregon Duck working among the WN Dawgs and loving it that they are paying her! At the end of the visit she and Tom were dancing with each other, showing off their moves. That man just never ceasesto amazes me!

Next we went to Dr Merati's office to get the stitches out and get the trach checked out. Getting the stitches out was VERY painful but it's done. The doctor is concerned about 3 sores in the trachea that I will watch very carefully. They gave Tom a shorter tube hoping that it would rub less. We also have an antibiotic creme to use. The shorter tube is much easier to put in. We will also try leaving it out for periods of time.

The good news is that we are getting much better sleep at night. Tom is more relaxed AND we are back to playing cribbage. It's amazing how content one can become in living such a simple life. One of my greatest joys has become seeing a smile cross Tom's face. They used to be a constant. Now they are precious gifts.