A very big day...

Dear Nicky,

Well, my boy, tomorrow you go to the hospital for open heart surgery to correct a problem I cannot perceive using procedures I cannot contemplate in order to prevent or ameliorate troubles I cannot understand. Yesterday we were at the hospital for the better part of the day, but today was a quiet day. No Stepping Stones, even. (I don't know who's more grateful for that--you or I.) I hope today was a nice day for you. The weather was nice, and we went out together for a while, something we hadn't done for a while because of the weather and a number of vaccinations and whatnot. It was very pleasant. Later this afternoon, you became quite fussy and whiny because you didn't nap much during the morning or the middle of the day, also you were a little stuffy, which I hope the surgery will ameliorate, among other things. We did have some laughs on the bed as I tickled you. Your laugh is becoming more like a big kid's laugh every time. You did fall asleep on me a few times, and I hope I wasn't too impatient and short with you while you drifted off. Forgive me. I'm scared to death, my boy, my little son, at the thought of what lies ahead for all of us. I'm hoping for the best and that's all I can do. I don't want to look into your bright little eyes and see a trace of fear and pain. I'll just remind you of what we spoke about on the park bench this afternoon: your father is always with you.

Love,
Dad