Christmas Eve gift

It's a good Christmas Eve present! This is the stent that has been causing all the pain...and I'm sure the relief for the past 6 days. Not that any of you should care to see it, I just needed to share it! Hopefully I will never have to do this again. When the doctor told me that I could pull this out when it was time, I was thinking "this guy is crazy!" How in the world does anyone expect someone to be able to do this on his own?! Thankfully my lovely wife, Nurse Becky, had no problem with the task.

Now I have the day to actually go out for the first time in 6 days and do my Christmas shopping. Usually I wait for the last minute, but I have never been this late. Sadly our mall is down to a few stores but I am going find what I need no matter what!

Have a great Christmas everyone! Thank you for praying for me, calling, emailing and sending cards. It's a blessing to have so many friends who care. May the Lord Jesus bless us all this season and give us life.

UPDATE: The pain has come back with full vengeance. Trying to make it through the day without going to emergency and praying for a restful Christmas at home!

6:30 PM UPDATE: Something happened around 4:00 today! The pain prettty much ceased and the flood gates have been opened! I can't tell you how much a relief this is! Still groggy from the medication, but feeling almost human! Now if this only last. We sent our son on to my sisters for Christmas Eve dinner and Becky and I are chillin' in front of the TV. Wish we could go be with our extended family tonight...but if resting here tonight allows us to go over tomorrow...I'm all for it!