Yesterday my dad didn't need to use the oxygen anymore to help him breathe. He has been breathing better on his own.

He also moved to the normal cardiac step down floor yesterday afternoon. This was the same floor he was on for the 11 day stay in October when he had all the testing done. He didn't have the awesome view of Chicago this time around. In October he was able to see the whole Chicago skyline from his room.

He had 2 friends come to visit him and he was very happy about that. He said they made him laugh a lot. The positive outlook he has this second time around just amazes me.

Every night that pass he has been sleeping better. Rest is a very important part for his healing process. Not getting enough sleep, gives him more of a chance he could get sick.

My dad had an echocardiogram done on Monday night. The results came back today and his ejection fraction is at 40% which is very average for someone that has had heart failure, has had open heart surgery, or someone who has had a heart attack. He may never get the normal function of his heart back. When he came home after his first open heart surgery in January his ejection fraction was at the same percentage. So that's great. At one point earlier this year it was at 30% which isn't good at all. That's when the surgeons and cardiologists became very concerned and had him come in October the do all the testing he had done. Then they determined he would have the have his second open heart surgery sooner rather than later.
*Ejection fraction
**In a healthy heart, each beat should pump out at least 50 percent of the blood in the left ventricle. Therefore, your ejection fraction should be between 50 to 75 percent to indicate the heart is pumping well and able to deliver an adequate supply of blood to the body and brain.**

He also will be coming home with the life vest I previously talked about in the last CaringBridge post. It's a defibrillator vest. We will find out later down the road if they will do surgery and put in a permanent pace maker.

Early this afternoon he texted all of us in a group message telling us that he is getting discharged today! What an amazing thing! He is home in time for the weekend and for Christmas. We are just so happy he is home for Christmas. And I know he is too. He has been determined to get out by Christmas the whole time he has been at Christ. He got out of the hospital sooner than we all thought he would be. He was only in for a total of 9 days. It's his shortest stay yet at this hospital. It hasn't been the same without him at the house. 

My mom went to go pick him up today from the hospital, and he is currently at home. I'm sure he is going the sleep a lot better without hearing beeping all day/night long, getting his vitals constantly checked, and being able to sleep in his own bed.

He can finally relax and start his recovery process at home. He will eventually be starting his cardio rehab shortly in about a month or a little longer. He will also hopefully getting back the work by the end of February or early March. Fingers crossed. The doctor has to approve when he goes back to work.

Diane, Sean, Jimmy, myself and my dad appreciate everything you all have done for this family the past year. From the donations in January, to all the food/dinners people have made us, for the prayers through texting and calling us, facebook and this CaringBridge page, for the people who have let us cry on their shoulders, or anyone who has just been ears and to just listen, and much more. We can't even put it into words. The prayers from you all is absolutely amazing. God truly is great and works miracles. I didn't believe in miracles until this happened. Thank you to the surgeon's for steady hands and a successful surgery, the nurses for taking care of my dad every single day 24/7, the physical therapists and occupational therapists, and to his cardiologists at Christ and at Rush Copley. If it wasn't for them, my dad wouldn't be here today. They all have saved my dad's life.

Hands down 2018 has been the toughest year for every single one of us. I have become stronger than I ever thought I could be. Sometimes I would think I couldn't get through a day, let alone a week. And let me tell you, it wasn't easy. Depression and anxiety is real, I even experienced a panic attack at one point. It was very scary. Never would I think my family would go through something like this. We aren't promised tomorrow, so always tell the people that are close to you that you love them. I believe that now more than ever. We are ready for the new year, and hoping for happier and healthier years to come.

I won't be posting much more on my dad's CaringBridge site until we hear any other news after he has his follow up appointments with his cardiologists, when he starts cardio rehab, and when he goes back to work.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts once again. We love you all and are so happy to have every single one of you in our lives.