Papi!!! Hello dear man and welcome home!!!
I am so beyond happy to see you posting here...
Please, please do not feel bad about not being online here before now, you have absolutely nothing to apologize for. What you went through before and after the surgery, was so traumatic, it is quite understandable, your long absence. What is important now, is that you just concentrate on regaining your strength, your happy state of mind. I posted this before, but am doing so again because I want you to know you are not alone in what you experienced. When my beloved Daddy had his heart surgery, when he came out of hospital (also too soon), his once cheerful disposition and outlook on life, seemed to vanish. His doctor explained to us that between the apprehension before, the general anesthesia and subsequent medications, a chemical imbalance resulted, which affects one's mood severely. This is appaarently fairly common, so please don't feel bad sweet Papi, we are all still here for you, wanting you to know how much you mean to all of us here at YT. My Dad's wonderful nature soon returned, and all was right with his world, especially once his energy level returned.(His surgery gave us 10 more amazing years with him.)
Papi, there is one thing I feel so strongly about regarding Patticake.
I do believe a Greater Hand than ours led her to you in preparation of a time when you would be in great need of her healing influence. Like you said, getting up in the morning, taking her on walks, however short, gave you a purpose, a reason to even start rejuvenating those aching bones and oh-so tired muscles. Having her cuddled next to you, or even romping around, must have been like a tonic.
Take your time healing dear Papi, you have so earned your return to good health. Whenever you feel up to it, we are here for you.
With much love and huge hugs,
Lauren