Today is the first day that Annie has been able to talk. Between the pain and breathing and nausea, talking is sometimes very unpleasant post-op. She came home from the hospital Thursday and had a death in the family on Friday. She is in a lot of pain right now. Those of you post-op know how unpleasant the first few weeks are, but how rewarding it is once they are past. Those of you pre-op, don't assume you can imagine how unpleasant the first few weeks post can be, just commit yourselves to maintaining a little humor, being pleasant to those helping you, prayer, and focus on getting through it. Finally, PLEASE continue to post Annie messages here. They are helpful and encouraging - whether you are pre-op or post-op - and reinforce the idea that the "other side" is better. Thank you!