People have different ideals for what bravery is. Some people think of firemen, others soldiers, women having babies, etc. I am not speaking of bravery in the sense of feeling no fear, rather bravery as a quality of spirit that enables someone to face danger or pain without showing fear.
As of 7am this morning, I will forever remember Tony as my symbol of bravery. I am so proud of him for the strength he showed for his family and friends as we surrounded him waiting to be wheeled off to surgery.
The entourage of Teresa, Timora, Bill, Ann Marie, Lyn, Jonathan, and myself remained calm up to this point. Then the tears came so Timora and I disappeared for a spell to get ourselves collected. Teresa was allowed into pre-op and shared in prayer with Tony and the surgical team. The wait begins.
Every hour or so we would receive an update:
8:38 surgery begins
Tony is doing fine, we’re approaching the tumor
Removing the tumor, Tony is doing really well
1:30 Closing him up
Then to my surprise the Wizard, uh I mean Dr Robertson arrives in the critical care waiting room. He is pleased. He tells us the 4.5cm tumor is not malignant and originated in his nerves that control his face. Basically he took the tumor out of its sheath. He explained that it was like taking out the inside of an orange while leaving the rind in tact. The reason he explains is that the sheath itself doesn’t grow and removing it would damage the nerves possibly causing double vision, paralysis in the face, etc. His estimate was that the tumor was 10 to 20 years old. Follow up will consist of annual CT’s and any new growth should it occur can be treated with a gamma knife
At about 2pm and in groups of three, we were allowed to visit Tony in the Neuro ICU. He looked like he got in a fight and didn’t do too well. There was about a 10 inch incision from the top of his head to the bottom of his earlobe. He got gypped on the haircut and his hair is woven in and out of the 40 or so staples. In a few months you won’t even notice it. He managed some smiles and was at least able to see everyone before succumbing to the Morphine and falling asleep. No question he’s in a ton (no long o) of pain. We were going to skip the 5:30 visitation and let him rest but the nurse said that Tony kept asking for Teresa and felt it was important for her to return. He didn’t want us to change the channel from People’s Court because it was the same channel as American Idol. He’ll have to watch it alone because it’s not during visiting hours.
So, where did this bravery come from? I’ve seen Tony more nervous going into a wrestling match.
I believe it came from the incredible amounts of love and support that was shown from people around the country, many of whom Tony has never met. I know that Tony is forever changed. In a couple of month’s he’ll be back at work enhancing the lives of the people he works with and forever influencing all those who know him.
With all my love,
Ken
