When my husband was in surgery Tuesday, my sister and mom showed up in the surgery center waiting room, even though I'd insisted earlier in the day that I would be fine waiting alone.

The surgery was not a major one, though Tony was put out for it,  and he was expected to be out in an hour or so.

But show up they did -- with lunch. My sister knows my favorite treat is french fries and she had a bagful for me. So we sat in the waiting room eating a fast-food lunch, talking and laughing and planning out the rest of the busy summer because of many family visitors expected.

Later, I was so happy they had arrived, despite my assurances I would be OK. I was and would have been, but it was kind and comforting to have them wait with me.

I realized that one of the best things you can do for people you know well is hold vigil with them in a surgery waiting room. It also helps to have other "ears" when the doctor comes out with the surgery report.

 

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