Th-th-that's all, folks!

Late morning:

The support I've been receiving from friends in the blogosphere has been amazing! The good wishes, the compassion, the empathy have left a deep impact on me, and I'm very grateful to you all.

Last night, I had the pleasure of chatting on the phone with a blog friend from Manhattan. Among the things we talked about were the connections that guide our encounters with people. I agree with John Donne's observation that no man is an island; the connections that link us all run very deep indeed, if we look for them.
I believe these ties exist for a reason. I'm not so sure there's much randomness involved, if any.

So, my housecleaning is more or less done. Organized chaos, rather than complete mayhem, now prevails under my roof.

A big thunderstorm awakened me around 7 this morning, which was a nice parting gift from Mother Nature because I love thunderstorms (and the day may yet bring several more). Thunderstorms and a cup of tea: perfect together.

Understandably, I'm a little uneasy today, but there is no underlying sense of dread. A nervous stomach, yes. Mental distraction, yes. Paralyzing fear, no.

My plan tomorrow, depending on my frame of mind, is to perform Sanchin kata in the operating room, or just prior to entering. My experience has been that the goings-on inside an OR are as precisely regulated as a Swiss watch, but I can't see too much of a fuss being raised about my taking a few minutes to make personal preparations.

4:15 p.m.:

My cleaning is finished. I always knew I would get it done in time.
All I have to do now is shower, pack and leave for my sister and brother-in-law's place in Manhattan.
The hospital called to tell me that I'm expected there at 5:45 Thursday morning, with surgery scheduled for 7.
A nurse also called to answer any last-minute questions I had.
The i's are dotted, the t's crossed.
I'm thankful for being required to arrive early at the hospital. Had my surgery been scheduled for later, it would have meant that much more time to think and worry over it. Plus, I'll probably be a little foggy because of the earliness of the hour, and that's a good thing, too.

I'll be back here soon.
Please keep my seat warm, so to speak.