Let me begin with some math.  The length of time between 5:20 a.m. and 11:20 p.m. is how many hours? Just enough, I think.

Yesterday Marilyn and Annie and I went down to Pittsburgh for Jack’s surgery. We left here at 5:20 and arrived in time to visit with Jack at the health center before they took him to the hospital in Oakland. The ambulance personnel were excellent — almost insisting that I follow them down, which I did. And while I know Pittsburgh well, for someone who hasn’t lived there for almost 30 years, I was glad I followed them. They knew some shortcuts.

We spent most of the day waiting. Waiting for them to do the prep work. Waiting for the surgery. Waiting for the surgery to be completed. Waiting to go in and see Jack. I took a brief walk down to Forbes Avenue to buy Tim lunch. It was great to see him. I offered to take Marilyn and Annie with me, but as I was walking back up Cardiac Hill to the hospital carrying my backpack, I realized they were the wiser — staying at the hospital. When I returned to the hospital, we waited some more — all afternoon. Finally, around supper time, we were able to speak to a doctor. While the surgery went well and the doctors were pleased with what they did, it was difficult to realize the challenges that are still ahead. After waiting more so that we could see Jack, we finally were able to do so. He looked good and seemed relatively comfortable.

Eighteen hours after we left Curwensville, we rounded the circle in front of the parsonage. Annie and Marilyn finished their journey to their homes.

Along with the many others connected with Curwensville Alliance, please pray for Jack and Marilyn — that the follow-up treatment will be effective and without significant discomfort.

~Pastor Steve