The morning was a typical one, considering that I'm currently working on borrowed time and have no idea of what could be next. But I had just finished placing an order for my prescription refill when I received a call.

It was my father. I had just spoken to him yesterday about his fiance, who would be undergoing a cardiac catheterization. This was something I'd had my own experience with, and I know it's no picnic, so of course I was concerned about how she would come out of it. But when I picked up the phone, I could already tell by his voice that something was up.

What he said next took the wind right out of me. He told me about how they'd spoken to the doctor, and after seeing the results of the catheterization, the doctor recommended no less than immediate open-heart surgery. To be more precise, because of the severe blockage of two main arteries, they suggested a double-bypass operation. Now, you try hearing that and see how easy it is to remain standing.

So I just kind of grabbed my things and rushed off to the hospital. I could tell my dad was getting choked up, and it wouldn't help that he was there all by himself. It's hard enough to have to hear that kind of news, but to having to sit there by yourself waiting for an outcome...it must be maddening.

It wouldn't be for another three hours before the doctor would emerge from the operating room and tell us the news. When he said the words "she did great", man, that was like the sweetest sounding music we'd ever heard. Not only did she make it through the procedure, but she did it with flying colors. Apparently, one thing that this type of surgery calls for is to actually stop the heart, depending on the patient's health and age, and luckily for her, the doctors didn't need to do that. And because of that, the recovery period should be shorter than normal. What a relief.

Now, twenty four hours later, things have started looking even better. After being moved out of the ICU and into a regular room, we were told by the doctor that she could expect to go home as soon as Friday. Of course, she wouldn't be able to do much and would have to make some changes to her daily routine. Nevertheless, when you're going home, it can only mean good things.

Not dramatic enough? Well, here's the kicker. Her and my dad were to be married this Saturday, only three days from now. While the scheduled ceremony and celebration is definitely postponed, we're hoping they can still be married in the hospital. Now would that be special or what?

There just might be a happy ending to all of this yet.

**UPDATE: Yes, there was a happy ending. My dad and his fiance were married, at the hospital, with friends and family and one wonderful doctor present for the ceremony. They're back home now, six days gone by, and enjoying a much-needed, much-welcomed vacation.**