Many of you may not be aware but almost a year ago ( 27th to be exact ), I became a grandfather ( Pa) . I didn’t get the chance to share the good news because, at the time, I was in quite the predicament.

Through the late fall and into the winter, I had some soreness in my midsection. But, I’d come to accept the fact that when you reach a certain age, you’re sore a lot . Especially if you’re active, which I am. But it kinda came to a head one morning when I sat up in bed and immediately grabbed my gut and let out a groan, which caught Stephanie's attention . She made me go to the ER.

Diverticulitis. And it had gone on long enough that an abscess had developed. They sent me home with antibiotics with instructions that if anything changed, I was supposed to come back.

Within 24 hours, I was vomiting . Violently. So, I was back. This time, admitted for about four days of IV antibiotics. Sent home with more antibiotics.

Initially, I was feeling better. But as I was ending my cycle of medication, the pain was coming back. Back to the ER.

The abscess had actually grown and the fear was of perforation of the bowel . That ended up happening , I went septic and now I was in the mentioned “predicament” .

My surgeon tried to place a drain to alleviate the abscess and get things under control. However, a couple days after the drain was placed, my nasal-gastric tube was removed and immediately after, I had the most violent vomiting episodes I’ve ever experienced. And with every stomach muscle contraction, the level of pain was off the charts. Pain medicine wasn’t touching it and getting rest wasn’t an option.

One early morning, one of my medical team was making his rounds while I was in the midst of one of my bouts and made the determination that I was going into surgery. That morning. My surgeon was going to have to remove that section of large intestine, all together. 01/31/25. My birthday lol.

But !!!…while this was going on my beautiful daughter by marriage had given birth to a very handsome, healthy boy . Leo had come into the world. She was two floors below me, so poor Stephanie was running back and forth between floors. That poor, long-suffering woman. May God bless , protect, and keep her. She was also have to contend with a water heater that had gone out at the house. And she was still running the show for her home health company’s branch that comprises most of SW Oklahoma.

I had a colostomy bag ( called it my ‘Pride Purse’ because irony and sarcasm I find funny ) until I was sewn back together in May .

I’ve been watching Leo for a unique characteristic or behavior so I could dub him with a suitable nickname. Something that could grow with him . Leo and his parents are staying with us for a time as his Dad separates from the Army before he begins school and work. So, I get to observe him a lot throughout the day . Always zooming around the house in his walker all the while making his funny “calls” as he learns to manipulate his voice.

When Leo naps or goes “night night” , he sits in his crib and occupies himself until sleep overtakes him . Then, he just slumps forward. Straight folded.

Meet “Jack Knife “.
I think “Jack Knife “ and I are going to have lots of fun and adventures.
Incidentally, the VA sent me tons of Pride Purses . So , I decided to incorporate them as Halloween treat disbursement. “Trick or treat “…trick or trauma.

Good to hear your gaining ground Grandkids are the light at the end of the tunnel
While i concur you have [placed skittles in there [proper place the snickers deserve more respect

Jeff, in hindsight, I definitely used too many Skittles. And not nearly enough Snickers. I think no-bake cookies might’ve been too much.

Quite the story!
My grandma had the same thing and it nearly killed her. Glad you got rid of the pride purse and they corrected your guts.
Hello darling little Leo

Nice that you got that under control and are on mend. Ive had what I call a
My "Chit Sack" now for I think12 years?? It's really not as disabling as one would think. Just have to learn to make it your own.

Max

I see what you did there!

Glad you're doing better, and I can foresee lots of the "Adventures of Jack Knife and Gramps!"

"Love" in social media speak.

Mac, I had no idea ! Bless your heart. And you're 100% correct. My surgeon had told me , " By the time it's time to remove it, you'll be accustomed to it. ". Thought that was bullcrap at the time , but he was right.

Thank you, partner.

Glad you have recovered and get to enjoy the grandpaing! Stay away from the small seeds.

My two goofy kids sleep on their back with their knees together up in the air. They don't lay down like that but if you go in there when they are sleeping there they are. 22 and 17 now. lol. Goofballs.

Thank you, HT.

.

That's too funny ! Old habits , truly, die hard.

Best wishes, gk are the greatest!

So I’m learning,bud .

Congratulations Aaron, on both the recovery and the grandkid. I look forward to pictures of you two out on the trapline.

Appreciate it, Big Sam. Definitely stay tuned.

Grandkids are parents revenge.

I was in the same predicament 12 years ago. Back then I work 9 months on then three months off. For the last month I was convinced I had a hernia. The pain in my side was brutal but I toughed it out. When lay off came I went to the Doc. He sent me right to the hospital. I spent two weeks in there. Doc basically called me a big dummy. Told me next time I tried diagnosing myself to come see him instead. The diverticulitis could have been dealt with a lot easier if I didn't let it go so long.
I didn't have to get the bag but came very close. I really have to watch what I eat now because my colon is paper thin in spots.

Im so glad to hear you're recovering is going so good.

Grandchildren are another blessing from God. I hope you and Jack knife have many adventures through the years. Take care and stay well

Aaron, I'm sorry you went trough all that and glad your are feeling better now. Jack Knife is a precious gift from God. He reminds me of my daughter when she was little. She would sleep on her knees, elbows and forehead.

Aaron-I have complete trust that Jackknife will keep you smiling! I wish you my best!

Moosetrot