My wife Karen just had hernia repair surgery which was supposed to be out-patient based. Once the surgeon started he found that there were two hernia and they were both larger than he had expected. He also discovered that the mesh from another hernia repair wasn't doing its job and he had to replace it. While removing the mesh he found the intestine had attached itself to the mesh and he went about trying to knocking it loose frm the mesh. He ended up tearing a hole in the intestine and had to stitch that up. So now my wife is in pain, in a hospital room, on a liquid diet and running a fever. I have a virus and she said "Stay away! The last thing I need right now is a cold that makes me cough." I have complied with that wish but I do miss not seeing my wife.

The boys, especially Andrew, seem to miss Mom as well. They go about life somewhat normally but I can tell that they think something is missing. My time for work is being altered so that I can pick up Andrew; Karen used to do that. I had planned for this week to be not normal at work but little did I know that I would be sole parent this long. I knew Karen would need time to heal completely and was ready to nurse her but I had not planned for her absence.

Doing the sole parent thing for more than a day makes me realize what it must be like for those who have to do it day in and day out. Planning, feeding, cooking, washing and more all of which needs to be done regardless but at least it can be shared. Fortunately I can plan for Karen's return home and have comfort that she is available to take part of the load. But those who are sole parents can only hope that life will cut them some slack.

Karen, I know you will be reading this. Know that I do love you and have missed not being able to touch you, hear you, smell you and put my lips on yours. Get well soon and come home.