“It’s 4am, my colostomy bag just leaked all over my belly,” and I think we have the title for our next great country song! All rights reserved. 🙂

One week down. Wow. This has been a roller coaster. It’s Joe updating today. I need to first thank everyone out there who has been keeping up with us on our journey. My phone has been right next to me from the beginning. Truthfully, I haven’t had the heart to pick it up…or even respond to messages. I did see all of them, and they have helped me get through these first couple days. I laughed, I teared, and just smiled with contentment. The outpouring from people has been immense, and has truly lifted spirits around here. I know Amanda and our family enjoyed watching all the pictures roll in while they waited for me for over 13 hours! When I woke up from surgery, it was the first thing Amanda was showing me, and put an immediate smile on my face. Something so simple to do, yet so incredibly powerful. I couldn’t believe the pictures of entire classrooms from across the country, #joestrong on Soldier Field’s video screen, and all of the great ideas everyone had. The ones of the little kids made me cry some…it was just so nice to see. I ask myself, “What could we have done in our lives to receive a reaction like this?” I mean, I’m not that good of a person. I rarely use a turn signal when changing lanes, I sometimes can’t offer anyone anything but tap-water when they come over, and usually stick cardboard boxes in the regular garbage just to get them out of the house. Amanda must be some amazing woman to pick up all that slack.

7 days in the hospital. The doctors say that recovery is going as well as can be expected. Great news! They finally removed the chest tube, catheter, and a few other uncomfortable toys. The more they remove, the better I feel. As always in a hospital, sleep is difficult to get. I think I got a total of 3 hours in 2 consecutive nights. One night, I swear I died…maybe stepped foot into heaven, and came back. (There’s some whacky narcotics at this hotel). It truly was the worst night so far. The dreams I was having were putting me in a state of panic. I was sweating from head to toe, and couple that with being in physical pain, and not being able to make it to the bathroom from bed… That night, I was begging to stay in my dream forever.

On a lighter note…..

My hair is still falling out, but it is falling out NICELY!!!!

The last 2 days have been better. I’ve been sleeping more. I STILL haven’t had anything to eat or drink. These types of challenges really test your boundaries. Doc is worried that I can’t handle even drinking yet. Once I start eating, and show that I can take care of myself on my own, I think I’ll be free to leave.

Meanwhile, I did feel baby’s feet the other day. She was kicking around like she was riding a bicycle. 🙂

Love to you all!