Surgery Day 6:00-7:30 a.m.

We arrived at the hospital at 6:00 a.m. after a reasonably good night sleep. We were immediately taken to the pre-op unit where we began preparations. Nate was in good spirits and claimed he was a "3" on the nervous scale of 0 to 10, 10 being the most nervous. I asked what he was comparing to, and if he'd ever been a 10. He said he had experienced a 10 on August 1, 1996...the day before we got married. Ever the joker!



We got to stay with him for over an hour while the surgical team prepped him. Dr. Lambert came in to talk with us and we were able to have a prayer with her. I'm so thankful for the power of prayer. It was a very calming experience for us. I know that Nate is in Heavenly Father's care today.

The anesthesiologist was getting ready to start his epidural and arterial line when we said our goodbyes. He did confirm that Nate will probably remain intubated until tomorrow morning. We said goodbye right at 7:30. It seems that they were a little ahead of schedule, but it'll still take some time to get everything set up in the O.R. I won't start the countdown until 8:30 or so.

Even though we were nervous, we both feel at peace. We know we've been led here, and we trust in Dr. Lambert and her skills. I know that she'll be guided if needed. We are in Heavenly Father's hands.
I'll have a prayer in my heart all day long.