Sam is in pre-procedure status this early morning while I am delegated to the waiting room with all the other “drivers” and designated surgery waiters. 70’s soft rock plays in the background, glaring fluorescent lights overhead are the pre-dawn light, and nervous patients wait for their names to be called as they go over the pre-op paperwork.

I am grateful for the admissions cheerful wearing the Chiefs sweatshirt behind the plexiglass. She arrives at 5:30 am to greet those of us who arrive at 6 am, a little less cheerful.

I am grateful for the diversity in this room. Spanish is spoken on my left, French is spoken across the chairs, and I am guessing to my right I hear Hindi. Add in the mix of English, and it is a very pleasant, small world. We are all experiencing the same anxieties this morning.

I am grateful for a Monday morning to wear comfort clothes while I work in a waiting room.

I am grateful for a lightweight laptop that holds all my progress so I can work from anywhere.

I am grateful for Sam’s circle that prays, even for these less challenging procedures.

I am grateful for a brother and nephew who dropped everything to help move furniture for us yesterday.

I am grateful Sam loves to have fun and thought it was a priority to be home by 5 pm yesterday…because HALLOWEENERS, Rhonda. His big bowls of candy were ready by 3:30 pm, and he answered the door for every costume, excited to engage with the Harry Potters and football players and Minnie Mouses.

I am grateful the board shows he is now in his procedure and sleeping under the care of an anesthesiologist.

I am grateful for an internal visual of God’s palm, and Sam in the center of it.

I am grateful we no longer have 90 minute drives or 5 hour drives to face when medical issues arise.

And I am grateful the sun is beginning to light the morning and we will be headed home in just a few hours.