Promises, Promises.....

Well, we were promised that Howard would be first in line for surgery today.  But since this hospital is the biggest trauma center in the state of Oregon, by 7AM he was 4th line!  So, the waiting began.  But waiting wasn't a bad thing.  We talked and listened to Howard reminisce.  As Howard was escorted to surgery, Joe and I grabbed some food and proceeded to the 9th floor waiting room.  We found this new waiting area fascinating.  The tram takes off from this floor and the view is expansive.  We settled into comfy chairs which became a grandstand view of the approaching weather that overtook Portland with a tremendous storm.  We heard there were tornadoes in the area so we walked to glassed in walkway to try and catch a peek.  We did some see pretty spectacular lightening strikes!

The surgeon came to talk with us and explained what had been done in today's almost 3 hours of surgery.  They removed both of the external fixators from his feet and inserted a plate in his left foot that will be permanent.  The doctors will fix the other foot next Monday along with his left wrist.  They just found that break this week and it will need a plate as well.  Next time he flies in an airplane, everyone at the security station will know he is made of steel.