Hi there. I'm 3 1/2 weeks post-op and thinking I'm about right where I should be. The weekend was good, I tend to be a little more active (forgetting I'm still recovering) and the last couple days my body seemed to handle things ok (with the exception of some general chest soreness/stiffness). I went to church with the family for the first time in over a month. It was exciting to get out and do something, and I thought going to church was a very important thing to do if I was going to be "out and doing stuff". I did alright the first 15 minutes or so. I didn't prepare myself for the emotional drain attending church would have on me. It was so very nice to see so many friends I haven't seen in a while but the homecoming was a little overwhelming. However, the stronger drain was celebrating God. Sound strange? My faith has been such a prevalent force in my life lately. I've had many conversations with God each time my abnormal heart rhythms are strong, if I feel a strange chest pain which doesn't subside or even just because I want to say "thanks" for another chance at life. I broke down in tears when we sang the opening songs during the service and excused myself to the restroom where I rested on a couch while Marisa got me a cup of water. I have learned a lot about the emotional aspect of my recovery. I think my physical recovery is mending faster. I have always been an "emotional person" - crying at each of our child's births, every sad movie and heart-wrenching commerical I've seen as well as every home video we've ever watched. I cried when Marisa said she wished it was 15 weeks from now because I would be all better and she could hug me again. I cried when Dominic covered me with my blanket the other night as I slept in the recliner and then said, "Goodnight Mom. You're doing alright." I cried when Natalie drew me a picture - me with pigtails and hearts circling my head - Dave brought it to the hospital and taped it to my tv so I could always look at it. I am still an emotional wreck.  But being aware of that and taking things day by day has helped. I do know I am not ready to handle "big things" yet. I'm not supposed to drive until 6 weeks after surgery, and it's interesting -- right now I have no interest in driving nor do I feel that I could manuever myself on the road well. My senses are still off. I can send emails, have nice phone conversations, watch pg-13 movies and read books with very light themes....but that's about it. But that's alright, this will only make me stronger later, right?                                                         Other things in life are good. Dave's dad continues to do well and came home on Friday. We keep up with our nightly "camp outs" and with the recent 100 degree days, the pool has been awesome for Dave and the kids. I've dipped my legs in, but would just as soon stay in the AC rather than be out in the humidity. Well, I've done another good job and rambling.....I hope you are well and that things in your life are just the way you would want them. Take care and try to stay cool. Love, Michelle                             ps. how do you like them Tigers?!