Jackie's husband Charlie

I can't be on much because my power is out - am typing this from Mike's dad's house.  But, just want to say that I still have you in thoughts and prayers. I know what it's like to be worried about the one you love, and I hope that everything keeps going in the right direction for you guys.

Gee Callie -- I shoulda changed the title with my end of page 8 post.  Sorry!

I got some good sleep last night and feel like a human again.  I was a zombie yesterday and probably shouldn't have driven myself home last nigt.But I'm a tough old fart and just keep reminding myself I can't get sick or hurt because Charles needs me.  He wasn't feeling well yesterday but the docs say he will have bad days and not to worry. Like that's possible.  I got a bunch of cards yesterday and can't wait to show him.  You guys are just incredible.  I'm heading back to the hospital in a few minutes but wanted to update.  I feel blessed in so many ways. 

I lost it last night when I brought in the clothes he was wearing the day this happened.  They were laying on top of the dirty clothes basket and all three dogs wouldn't stop smelling them till they had sniffed all they could of his scent.

 So glad you got some sleep last night!  Sorry to hear he wasn't feeling as well yesterday but I know with any significant trauma it is common to have some good days and some worse days.  You know we are all praying for very few worse days!

It is also probably good that 'you lost it' it is important to let that happen from time to time and may have helped you to sleep.

I imagine the pups were 'reading' his clothes, not just his scent but everything he had been through.  

I sure wish there was something I could do to help you all - just know you are in my thoughts constantly and always in my prayers

Karen, DH & the beast

Thanks for keeping us updated

I'm so glad you got some good sleep! We're sending our continued love, prayers and healing energies.

My first thought this morning was "I wonder if Jackie got any sleep yet" ....thankfully you did!  Sorry to hear Charles is feeling a little under the weather.  I'm sure when you show up he'll feel lots better.

You've got my continued thoughts, prayers and healing vibes.  Were all thinking of you both.

Johnny

So glad that Mr.Jackie is doing better! and that Jackie is sleeping and now human again 

Poor puppers, they must be so confused with whats going on.

Just like Charles, you'll have good days and not so good days too. I'm glad that you got some much needed sleep. I know that when I've gone thru something similar to this, I felt the trauma of it all for a long time. Not to be dramatic about it, but it's a bit like PTSD where you keep replaying it all in your head and imagining the what ifs of the whole scenario. Letting yourself have a meltdown now and then is probably pretty cathartic. I too wish I was closer and could do more to help, but I'll just keeping thinking good thoughts and saying prayers that you and Charles have more good days than bad. (((HUGS)))

JackieG

I lost it last night when I brought in the clothes he was wearing the day this happened.  They were laying on top of the dirty clothes basket and all three dogs wouldn't stop smelling them till they had sniffed all they could of his scent.

And I'd be willing to betcha they know MORE than you think they do.  Take in a washcloth or two -- and put one under his shoulder for a while THEN take it home.  This will let the dogs "keep track of" what's going on with Charles -- that he's had surgery, that he's not well but getting better.  They WILL get it, Jackie -- truly they will and they will *understand* SO MUCH by that scent. 

When he gets home it will really help.  It will help them understand now more of what's going on and it will help them NOT freak out by medicine smells, etc. when he *does* come home.  But it will also help you "count the days" with them --

I know from our experience when we adopted Tink -- animals tell SO MUCH by scent -- it leaves our mere noses SO behind it's not funny.  And there is something about "sleep scent" -- scoff if you will, but it helps with bonding.  In this case you simply want the dogs to understand Charles has not only been sick, but he IS getting better.  But that he NEEDS to be at the hospital now.    But it will be like brining  them home a Charles-type newspaper.

Jackie, hold on to your positive vibes and lean on us and your family and all those who support you and Charles.  Our candle is lit every night because we know he's not out of the woods, and you still need strength and support.  It feels like an eternity, because of how much has gone on in only a matter of days.

Getting pretty bad when my very first thot when I wake up is not getting the coffee started, not peeing, but "I hope Jackie was able to get some rest"!    You're on our hearts, my dear, and we're holding you and Charles in our thoughts and prayers.

For goodness sakes, it's GOOD for you to break down, loose it, or whatever, now and then.  The stress for you is incredible and you are only human.  Yeah, I know us tough old farts are TOUGH, but we are still human and have those darned basic human needs.  So pay attention to those, for your sake, and for his.

And know that we're thinking about you, praying for you both and sending mental hugs throughout the day!

I'm very late seeing this thread -- but I wanted to offer my best wishes for your husband's continued recovery and to also send you lots of good vibes to help you stay strong during the upcoming days and weeks.  I can't imagine the range of emotions you've gone through in these few days; you must be exhausted.  When we're running on fumes, the support of friends and family is what keeps us going, and you surely have lots of that here!  I hope each day brings more good news from the doctors and that you're all home together as a family very soon!