Mari-
I'm sorry to hear you had to spend another night in the hospital but I'm glad they are taking care of things. I'm sending lots of virtual hugs and energy your way for a smooth recovery. Try not to worry about it (easier said that done!) and know that this time will pass and you'll be back to chasing your boys around in no time. Kim

I'm sorry to hear you are back in the hospital. I'm sure you will be out soon. Did you have any symptoms of this or was the back pain due to it? Hang in there Mari! Jon Farmer

Hey Mari-
Sorry to hear about your setback. This is minor and will be taken care of easily. I wish I saw this post earlier as it is now 11pm Thursday night after our princess get together. I would have loved to have come over to visit you and Friday morning I am leaving for San Jose for the entire weekend. By the time I get back Sunday night, I am sure you will be doing a jig of some sort! Get well soon!
Terri M.

Mari,
So glad they found the reason for your pain and are working on relieving it. Bummer it has to include another hospital stay. Hang in there and know you are in my thoughts.
Nancy

Hi Mari, So sorry for your setback. We have been thinking about you and sending a lot of good thoughts and prayers. Take care of yourself, and know that you are loved by many!

Nancy, Mike and Melanie Harris

Ahhh, man...Mari So sorry to hear about your set back. Happy to hear you're getting the care you need.
More prayers for you!

Sheila Garrison

Mari - So glad you are home!! It sounds like you are going through the natural ebb and flow of recovery. Sending lots of love your way as you move through the frustrating moments to a complete recovery. I picture you in perfect health!! XXOOXXOO Joy

Hi Mari,
You kind of sound like "wonder woman"! I am impressed! Do take it easy, and let people wait on you. There is a lot to be said for beds that you can manuever by remote control, grab the rails to move yourself around, etc. But in a pinch, recliners can be wonderful too! (My mom comfortably lived in one for several weeks when she injured her back.) The recliner will pass, and you will get back to your "normal" routines. And there will be good days and days where you feel you are back to square one. Little steps! You and your family continue in my thoughts and prayers.
Diana

Hi Mari,
John and I are so glad to read that you are doing so well. It looks like the two of you came home on the same day!
His bilateral knee replacment went very well. You will probably be up running around faster than he!
Enjoy the summer with your family! Take it easy and soak up the rays! You deserve it!
Linda

Steady as she goes, Mari. Like you said, it's only been a week post op. These things take a lot of time. At least you get to recover in your own home, not some hospital room. You may feel like the process is sometimes one step forward, two steps back, but gradually the steps forward will become the norm. Patience is hard sometimes, but think of all the daytime TV you get to watch!
Love ya,
Susan

Hi Mari and Phil,
It's so good to hear you are home. What a brave soul you are! We'll look forward to a few rounds of zonk! when you're feeling better. All the best. Angie, Andrew, Zach and Alex

Mari-
Take good care and know that it is a process but you're moving forward! We are all sending lots of good wishes for a speedy recovery and know that if you need anything, we are here to help. Kim Murry

Hey Mari,
I am so glad that you are in the process of healing. You are a tough nut so I anticipate that you will be chasing those boys around in no time. Is it safe to guess that we will not see you on Thursday? We will all be thinking about you and wishing you were with us. Next month for sure, ok?

Get better and follow doctors orders and be a good patient! :)

Love ya,
Terri M.

Hi Mary and Phil. Its good to hear you are at home and the recovery is progressing. Peggy and I, and the crew at the City have you and the boys in our thoughts. Be patient. I look forward to seeing you.

I was suprised that Mary can hear the ticking but Phil couldn't hear it last week.

Post-surgery when you first get home can be a real you-know-what. The long-term results are great, though, so I'm sending you my extra strength tonight. Hugs and big "love yous" from us all. I won't tell you to "hang in there" because you WILL because you are a strong woman and an incredible mom. xoxo susan along with eric, lauren, dylan and alexis

Hi Mari,

Glad to hear your doing so well, Tessa and I are thinking about you and the rest of the family.

Ryan Betz

Mari,
I have been thinking about you daily and so happy to hear how well everything has been going. I hope your week-end at home was good. Let us know when you are up for visitors. Rest well.
Lots of love and good wishes,
Korey

WONDER WOMAN...I knew you would soar afterwards. Nice and Easy is the name of the game. So GREAT to talk with you and here how good your doing. Continue to follow your Nurse's (Mom's) orders, I rely on her advice as my recovery is now into the seventh week. You're doing Great :O)
Love,
Uncle Don

Wow, Mari! I am impressed and thrilled to hear about your homecoming! You are doing soooo very well. Your positive attitude and everyone's prayers and well wishes are working, not to mention your great doctor and medical people's skills as well. Follow doctor's orders and do TAKE IT EASY!!

Love ya Mari,
Susan

Hi Mari,
It is amazing that after heart surgery you are home after only 4 days. But remember slow and steady wins the race. Don't overtax yourself. It will all come. I am sure patience is the hardest part.

Thinking about you and yours.

The Beck family

I am so glad that you are home and feeling better. I miss being at school with you and Jamie. My parents send you their best.---Teddy

Hey Mari-
So glad to know you are home bound and on the mend. sending you healing vibes!

Hi Mari,
I've been thinking you about this whole week...rushing home from work to check for updates. So, I need to plan on taking it slow after surgery? I can't even wrap my head around that notion.... Still wishing you the best. Sheila - Apple Valley

Dearest Mari, you have been in my thoughts all week and I'm so happy to hear that you will be able to go home. I know that the recovery process will have its ups and downs, but in the long run you will be feeling awesome. You are so strong and will just keep getting better. Take care and much love, Pam

Mari and Phil,
As you head home, please let me know if you or the twins need anything! I'm close by and happy to help out. Do not hesitate to call, for ANYthing!

xo Sally

Mari,

I have been reading your journals with interest. I'm a bit older than you and my twins are a bit older than yours... but your story resonated with me. Here's hoping your recovery continues as well as it has begun. All the best!

Steven in Calgary

Mari,
Wow! Getting discharged already! You are such an amazing spirit, your strength and courage will carry you through this. Nothing will feel as good as being home, in your own space and comfort zone. I am just a call away if you all need anything.
You all have been in my thoughts, thanks for the updates!
Nancy

Hi Mari,

So happy to hear how things are going. Sending lots of love and light your way.

Love,
Noa, Lynn and Ken

Hi Mari,

Slow and steady wins this race.

Take it nice and easy...

Keep on tickin!
Adam Pick

You are a rock star Mari! You will LOVE getting acquainted with your home again because as they say....."there's no place like home!" Thanks Dorothy!

Hope to see you soon!
Love,
Terri M.

So glad to read YOUR update. Take time getting outta there, as "being home" can be highly overrated (hmmmmm) -- but it does sound like you are doing really well. Love and hugs, susan sparling and fam

Hey sweetie,
Great news!!!
Sounds like you are doing quite well... Remember lots of patience!!!
We love you...
Aunt Terri and family

Thank you both for the updates. Keep resting and take good care. Love to you!!

So awesome to hear you're already up & about!! You're a champ, sweety :-)
Annie xxx

Hey Mari
Well I hear they got you up for a walk, good to hear. That just means your vacation is almost over. BACK TO WORK !!! Crack that wip, tote that barge, Snap to it youg lady time waits for no one, even my favorite niece. Get well, and strong.
Love ya
Randy

Woohoo! It must feel great to be out of ICU. And you have that room with a view, like I hoped you would, as long as it is not a view of a wall or parking lot. Pacific Grove has so many pretty views and I hope you got one of those. Stay strong Mari and my faith and prayers for a speedy recovery are still with you.
Love,
Susan

SOOOO excited to read your update today. OMG a "short walk today" just about made me yell! We all send our strength, love and big smiles. Dylan said to tell you hello and to get well soon. Hugs from us all (soft hugs) -- susan, eric, lauren, dylan and alexis

I'm so happy to read that you're up and moving.......You go girl!!!!

Sheila (26 more days and counting before my surgery)

Hi Mari
We are soooo glad to hear you are doing so well. It's hard to believe you are already up walking. Can't wait to see you
Aunt Patty & Uncle Darrell

Mari! You studette! Out of ICU!!! WOO HOO!!

Keep up the good work! Sending healing thoughts to you, sweetie!

xo Sally

Good to hear your voice today. Walking is good, hospital food is BAD. Thinking about your family and wishing a speedy recovery!!
Karen, Houston & Emma

Only walking the halls? Tsk, tsk, tsk. Whatever happened to hopping and skipping and jumping? You will in no time!

I am thinking about you daily and hoping for a speedy recovery. You are very lucky to have Phil "lending you an ear" on your chest. What?!?!?! Listening for a creaky door? You are funny.

Get out of that hospital soon! The world needs you!

Hugs,
Terri M.

Great to hear the surgery was a success! Wishing you a speedy recovery. Our thoughts are with you guys, hang in there.

The Corey's

Hey Phil and Mari,
So great to hear that all went well. Talked to your Mom Mari and she said it was wonderful to talk to you. We all had a wonderful lunch with you and your family...Need to do it more often :-) Take care and we send lots of love to you...Love you guys...Aunt Terri and family

Hi Mari glad you're awake & everything went well. Hope you feel better soon:).
Love,
Melanie

Thanks for the great news Phil. I was thinking about you all weekend, Mari. So happy to hear everything went well. Lots of good thoughts coming your way.

Dana

Wow Mari! I read Phil's message and things sound good. We'll have to call you Bionic Woman now. Take it easy (I know, like you have a choice), and heal fast.
Love ya,
Susan

Mari,

I am so happy to read the great news Phil posted. Thank you, Phil!!

I am sending you a gentle hug and happy thoughts for a quick recovery. I loved your sign off the other day...Follow your heart. That is great advice for everyone!

Much love to you!!

Amy

Congratulations!! Yeah....I am so glad things went well. Your young and strong and will do very well in your recovery. I had my aotic valve replaced 13 years ago with a mechanical valve and have had no problems with it.

Shirley Howerton

MARI!!!!! YOU DID IT!!!!!

Couldn't stop thinking about you all day!

So much love coming your way,

XOXOX

Brenda