TAKING THE FAMILY TO OKC

We all piled into the car this morning and began our trip to Oklahoma City. From Nixa, Missouri to Oklahoma City - we made only one significant stop. My two boys were excellent travelers today. It was an easy 300 miles.
Upon arriving in Oklahoma City, our first stop was to the Oklahoma Heart Hospital, to visit my dad. My mom came out to the parking lot to greet us. She had kept up with our progress and location through the GLYMPSE That I had sent her earlier in the trip. (such an awesome smartphone app). After a short pitstop near the lobby, we ascended the elevator to the second floor. Grandma A & Aunt M greeted us just outside of the elevator doors. What a pleasant surprise to see them! Dad was sleeping at the time, so we visited in the common area for a while.
Mom escorted us in, as Dad was wrapping up a nap. He was so pale when I first saw him, but his color and healthful appearance came back as he fully awakened. I was relieved to see that. He was glad to see all of us, especially his grandchildren. My boys were simultaneously disturbed and fascinated by the large incision mark on my dad's chest. Since they couldn't hug him, we let them squeeze his right hand.
We visited until the boys' energy couldn't be muffled any longer. They had been remarkably well-behaved for all of the sitting they had to do today.
The Holiday Inn was more luxurious than I remembered & expected. Regina got a good deal on Priceline. $50/night. This is the regular Holiday Inn, not the Holiday Inn Express, as we have down the street. Having stayed at both varieties in the past year, I'd think I would know what the difference is between the two, but I don't. The mystery continues.
After we had dinner (supper), I dropped my wife & boys off at the motel. I went back to the hospital to spend a few hours with my dad.
Mom & the others were in Shawnee, so it was just me and Dad. When I got there, he was finishing up a sirloin tip dinner, with cheesecake for dessert. He was in good spirits. We went for a slow walk twice around his pod. He seemed to do well until we got back to his room. His temperature rose and his post-surgery pain re-emerged with a vengeance. He repositioned himself several times, mostly leaning forward in his recliner. Although he was giving every effort to wean himself from the pain drugs as quickly as possible, he had to punch the button to request some pharmaceutical help from the nursing staff. We spent some of my visiting time in relative silence. That was alright with me. I enjoyed just being with my dad, even though I felt bad that he was suffering. Hopefully his current pain will result in improved quality of life later.
I decided to take off for the night as I saw sleepiness settle into my dad's eyes. Regina took the boys swimming while I was away. They had showered and brushed their teeth, but I brought them some ice cream sandwiches anyway. Mama didn't mind, since I brought goodies for her too.
My brother & I are anxious to see each other. He is still in Shawnee. Grandpa Bailey is there too. Since my dad's condition & release is uncertain, we are refraining from setting any particular plans.