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My Dad's surgery was successful. The aneurysm was clipped and the doctor declared it "dead", meaning there's no blood flowing there anymore. With two days down, the next ten will be the most critical in his recovery phase as he could still have a stroke. Blood and fluid is still being drained from his brain.

His head is wrapped in bandages and his eyes are tightly shut but his sleep is very restless. He will move his arms and legs and because he's propped up on his bed he's constantly sliding down. He also has his hands in restraints to keep him from accidentally hurting his head. We won't know how he'll be affected by all this until he wakes up but I just hope that he's healing properly. It's so hard to see him the way he is right now.

Life has been a little different since last Friday when we had to take Aidan to the hospital due to a rash caused by either a viral reaction or because he was allergic to the antibiotics he was taking for his throat infection. I was so scared something much worse would happen to him but thank God he's OK now. He still has a runny nose and a little cough but he's able to be his normal self playing and jumping about. Christmas was almost ruined for him. There was a short time when I was wishing that the holidays were over and life could be normal again.

As the New Year rolls around, I wish all of you good health and happiness. Don't take anything or anyone for granted and open your heart to all that's good in the world. Thanks so much for your prayers for my Dad too. HAPPY NEW YEAR, everyone!