Sending cyber hugs and love.

Kari, my father had a stent put in years ago, on like Dec 21st under somewhat urgent circumstances (from stress test to gurney, pretty much) and it's been TOTALLY FINE, NO PROBLEM!!
I'm going to email him with what he would suggest for someone else in that position, and I'll forward you his suggestions.
(Probably something weird, like DVDs of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.)

Less helpfully, the first thing that comes to me is a book on tape. Preferably one he's read before, so he can zone out without missing anything.
BUT that's electronic. Maybe instead you and/or the boys could take turns reading out loud to him? Maybe A Christmas Carol!

What about cards? Does he play solitaire or hearts, etc.? In the same vein, maybe some simple board games like checkers that come in travel sizes.

My dad had open heart surgery when I was 10. I wasn't as keenly aware of how he must have felt, but I will say this: visit, visit, visit. First of all, the best thing is for loving family to be with you. Second, it shows the staff that your father is human and that makes it easier for them to cheer him up, too. Third, there's a good chance he'll be on enough morphine to not care much about anything. Apparently the week+ my dad was bedridden, he cracked jokes with the nurses pretty constantly. They loved him. Fourth, it will put your mind at ease and you can keep asking different nurses for answers until you find one who knows.

The hardest part was seeing how frail my father was, doing even the simplest tasks, like walking. However, this is made better by the company and celebrating the little accomplishments. I remember when he could finally walk around the whole hospital floor without sitting down. It was a huge victory. (Unfortunately, I was sick at the time, so I couldn't really visit him.)

As for entertainment, does your dad draw, do any crafts, or write? Would he be willing to learn? This could be anything to keep his hands busy - pencils, knitting -- hell, even one of those gummy stress balls.

As for your fears, maybe it's a good thing to focus on them for a while. Really reach inside them and address them. Let them wash over you until you know them inside and out. Then, you'll know what tools you need to overcome them. As a 10 year old, I didn't have that introspection, so I've been coping with this fear for 15 years now. What has eased it for me is honesty with my father about how scared I was/am, honesty from my father about how he feels (physically and emotionally), and straight forward coping with worst case scenarios.

I realize this last idea doesn't work for everyone, but it's working okay for me.

My thoughts are with you and your father. Whatever happens, things will be okay. I promise.

I have zero experience or advice, but want you to know I'll be thinking of you & your family.

I am so sorry to hear about your dad, Kari. This is my husband's former area, he used to design stents and he knows all about heart surgery. I'll ask him...haven't had personal experience (knock on wood), but working at the company they also had to learn all about recovery. They really do amazing things with surgery. My thoughts are with you.

I know how you feel. My friend Mikey summed it up very well "You can be as old as the hills, but if your parents get ill, your inner five year old starts throwing a temper tantrum and demands your parents are super heros and never get sick."
Sending you good thoughts!

My uncle had surgery a year or so ago and my Mom sent him one of those arrangements from Edible Arrangements. He loved it, since it was fresh fruit which hospitals tend not to have a lot of and it was good for him and his heart. You all will be in my prayers tomorrow. Good luck.

Prayers for your father and the rest of your family. It will take time but your dad will be up and around in no time.I am sure that the only thing your dad will need at this time is to see you and your family. As he gets better he will tell you himself what to bring him :)

BTW remember Clinton had a triple by-pass and he just walked Chelsea down the aisle. Everything will be fine.

How much time can you spend there with him? I love April's idea of playing cards with him. Or Scrabble or another board game that you know he enjoys.

But really, just being there when you can. I bet he would love that.

(My grandfather had open heart surgery in his sixties after an aneurysm in his aorta. Scary stuff, but he was fine afterward.)

Thinking of you... {hugs}.

Kari, we are praying for Dan and your family. A quite a few of our friends have gone though what he is and the most important thing they wanted was family around them. Have the guys make grandpa D lots of pictures and cards.

Your Dad is a special person and will be more worried about his family than himself, so you will have to help him by just being there for him and your Mom. I know it is hard but think good thoughts.

I was researching a little. A Patient's Guide to Heart Surgery: Pain Management and Medication After Heart Surgery (http://t.co/i6etCJ1) says: "Before surgery, your doctor and anesthesiologist will discuss with you regarding your comfort level and tolerance to pain. Honestly tell them your concerns, and they will tailor a specific pain treatment plan that will work for you." It is an open heart surgery and it will obviously be painful, but with the right pain treatment your father's pain should be minimal. I can recommend you to read all you can about the procedure. That way you will be prepared and it will make you feel better. I will pray for your father. You will see everything will be alright. God bless you both.