Riley called

Here's the plan:
Owen's surgery is first up at 9:00.

We have to be at Main Day Surgery at 7:30.  Not too bad. Probably leave at 5:00am.

My mom, Eric's parents and our Pastor will be there with Eric and I tomorrow as we wait.  We'll take Evie as well.   My sister will be here with the other 3 kids.

Owen's surgery should last 6 hours.  I think (I'll know more tomorrow) that he'll come out on a ventilator and remain on that for 24 hours in the PICU.  

I am taking my computer so it should be easier to send out updates since I won't have to trek to wait to use the public ones.

___

I had a good conversation with Owen yesterday about what's going to happen.  He sat on my lap facing me and I asked him questions.
We had gone over it in detail Saturday.  He was able to answer all my questions, except "why he needed an operation".  But he's not so good at answering why questions in general.  :)

I do think he understands what's going to happen.  So that was comforting to me as his mom.

He was very calm.  Gave me a good cuddle when we were done talking about it.  My favorite:  "Who will be with you all the time and always?"  "JESUS AND GOD!"  Says with a big smile.   "And YOU, Mommy!"

I tell Owen he is the bravest boy I know.

____

Liam and Kate have been busy making Owen cards since Saturday when we told them.  So sweet.  I'll have to post a picture later.

_____

I've been packing and doing laundry all morning.
Making lists and typing up instructions for my sister.
Getting the oil changed this afternoon.
I think I'll let Owen go to school today.  Although he has complained of headaches all morning.  We'll see how he is at 11:00.

____

Thank you for your continued prayers.
A few specifics:

- safety as we travel down early tomorrow.
- for protection from fear for Owen (and maybe mommy & daddy too.)
- that God's peace will be abundant.
- for Dr. Boaz., the anesthesiologist and other personnel involved in this long surgery.
- for Liam and Kate and Zane that they will adjust well to this topsy turvy week.
- that Zane will get over this cold.  (I'm hoping it doesn't turn into an ear infection.  He was rubbing his ear today.  hmmm. Seems my kids always get sick when I'm at the hospital.)
-  lastly and most importantly, that God's name be glorified among those who hear Owen's story.  That we will also be a shining light of hope to the doctors and nurses and others we will be in contact with over the next week.