‘Twas the Night Before Surgery

'Twas the night before surgery, and all through my house,

All the people were prepping, especially my spouse;

The laundry was hung to be dried by the air,

Fresh bedding was placed in the bedroom with care

The kids picked up toys and made up the beds,

While daddy made sure we were happily fed.

Pharmacy refills and first aid supplies,

Snacks, drinks, and pillows on hand to be wise

Hibiclens in the shower, a serious scrub

One time, then two times, I’m unsure it’s enough

Pack a bag with the things that I think I will need

But they just want insurance and driver's ID

I will bring a stuffie to help keep me calm

And an extra long charger to keep my phone on

I lay down in bed, try to sleep, close my eyes

And find myself counting the sheep - no surprise

"Now! Sheep one, now! Sheep two, now! Four, Five, Six, Seven,

"On! Forty, on! Fifty, on! Hundred to all them;

"To the apps on my phone! to shadows on the wall!

"Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"

Alarms start to sing as I just fall asleep

I'm tired & nervous, but get up, brush my teeth

In the car I sing songs to get out of my head

I smile and talk but inside I feel dread

The doctors have told me of what can go wrong

"Stop thinking like this", tell myself and sing songs

We park and check in and I pee in a cup

I put on cute hospital clothes to dress up

Socks with slip grippers; no falls to be had

A bonnet and gown that is scantily clad

The nurse gets me pillows and blankets so warm

And asks so many questions, she says that's the norm

Then comes my doctor; oh! she is the best

She puts me at comfort - I feel I can rest

I'm just gonna go in and take a good nap

Cool! 'cause last night's sleep was absolute crap

Count backwards from ten. I didn't make it to three.

Next thing that I know I'm in recovery

Next steps won't be easy. Hell, it will be tough.

But I did it, I’m strong & I’ll push through the rough.