View from the top

 



View from the 10th floor of the McLeod Medical Center
from Elder Lovell's room

  

We've had a great view for the past week, not by choice, but if you have to be in the hospital, the 10th floor is the place to be. Elder Lovell has not felt top notch many days, but on Monday, July 4, he celebrated with a continual, big bang in his abdomen. We finally went to emergency in Dillon where they did a CT scan and found all kinds of yucky things - later to find out not such a big deal as the PA made it sound. He did, however, have a very large gallbladder. They stressed seeing his family doctor immediately! We saw him on Tuesday, the surgeon on Wednesday who scheduled his surgery for the next Tuesday. Thursday he had another major attack so we went to emergency in Florence where Dr. Lee works. They admitted him and surgery was performed on Friday.

Pres. & Sister Holm (our new Mission President)
sent an "Edible Arrangement". Notice Sir Koff-a-Lot (bear)
loaned to us by a friend. He's a great help after surgery.

We have seen many of the Lord's tender mercies in this bump in the road. Because of past surgeries and some test results, Dr. Lee said he would have to do the surgery the old fashioned way and not lathrascopic which means longer hospital stay and recovery time. However, he said he felt there was divine intervention as he didn't need to do the other procedure he thought he would have to do and everything looked good and healthy (except the large gallbladder - indicated it was about the size of a grapefruit) and that he was sure Elder Lovell had been working out because his abs were so firm. ; ) We told him that we were sure of the divine intervention as family and friends not only prayed for Elder Lovell but they also prayed for him. He smiled and very appreciatively said, "Thanks, that's good to know."  He is a wonderful doctor!  On our first visit as he left the room, he said he wish we were the last patient as he would love to stay and just visit with us.  Just after midnight, Tuesday night, he came into the room after working since early that morning, and after telling him he could go home, he stopped at the door, hesitated, then said, "I have really enjoyed having you for a patient."  He took the time to be personable and has made us feel we're not just a patient, but a friend. The hospital staff were very friendly, helpful, and a lot of fun. They were concerned for my comfort as well as his - making sure I had snacks, juice, and towels and soap for the shower. We came home Wednesday morning, and in spite of a few down times, he is really doing quite well.  We realize the recovery will take time, but we have already seen many blessings as the members have been a strength and a support for us.  



A typical southern rain storm looking from a different view
than from the ground.



And the storm passes! Severe lightning storms were reported
in the evening and I hoped to get some pictures then but
They seem to come and go in a
 very short time - it just passed on.