It’s been a crazy couple of days around here, and I have to say, I am very impressed with how well Miss Cadence is handling it because, let’s face it, when it comes to sudden changes in routine, 2-and-a-half-year-olds are not generally the best at adapting. In fact, something as simple as forgetting to bring a fruit snack when I pick her up from preschool has sent Cadence into a fit of hysterics that I was certain would require an exorcism to set right again.
Since Mom reported that both she and Dad had rested well Wednesday night after Dad’s surgery, and that he was really having a good day so far, I thought it might be okay to take Miss Cadence to visit her Papa. First, we had lunch with Mom in the hospital cafeteria, and then headed up to Dad’s room for a visit.
I talked to Cadence a little bit in the car when we arrived at the hospital, telling her that her Papa had just had surgery, and that he would have a lot of wires and tubes on him when she saw him. I also told her that Papa wouldn’t be able to talk to her yet, but that the doctors were going to make him all better soon. I asked if she understood and she said, “Yes, I go see Gramma and Papa”. So, we went.
I was surprised at how much better Dad looked. You could see the difference right away when you walked through the door. His color was better. He was sitting up straighter and seemed much more alert and responsive than the night before fresh out of surgery. Cadence did stop and give her Papa a long look when she walked in (though she may have been just as surprised to see him shirtless as she was to see all the wires and tubes), but then he waved, and she waved back with a hearty, “Hi Papa!” And he held out his hand for a high five and bump which she promptly delivered. That brought a big smile to Duane’s face, and Cadence and I spent the new few hours at the hospital, keeping her Grandma and Papa company.
I have to say, I was a little surprised at how good Cadence was, content to sit and chit chat and play without complaint. Even without a nap, she was on her very best behavior. I was so proud of my little girl, and made sure that Cosette got a full report on how well Cadence had behaved when we got home. After forwarding the good report along to Santa, Cosette made sure she showed Cadence how proud she was by leaving a little present for her to find and play with this morning…
And, of course, Cadence was thrilled with the little gift from her favorite elf! Thanks Cosette! 🙂
Lori Romano 