There’s something about this photograph that almost brings me to tears, but I can’t quite put my finger on it.

Maybe it’s just the emotional impact of the day.

The love of my life had surgery this morning, and is sleeping off the anesthesia and pain about six feet away. Machines attached to her and her bed click and whirr and tick, making sure that she doesn’t get blood clots and does get pain medication. I hate their necessity with a passion, but appreciate their intent. If they were animals, I’d feed them some treats to show my gratitude.

The surgery started a little later than planned, and took thirty minutes longer than we’d originally been told it would take (though it lasted just as long as they thought it would). I did okay until the last fifteen minutes, which I spent watching the timer count down, willing it to keep decreasing. It did, and I spoke with the surgeon, and didn’t lose my composure even once. I’m forever grateful to her for taking such good care of my sweetheart.

I think that’s enough for now. This best-of-all-worlds will continue for a while, now that I know that Donnell is going to be fine. Thanks to all of you who sent good thoughts our way. I’m forever grateful to you, as well.