We could use some prayers and positive thoughts!

So, there is this amazing person in my life that I have briefly talked about but never FULLY introduced you to. He is my hero, he loves me unconditionally, and he is my dad. However, he is not my biological father. I am one of those people

That TRULY believe that anyone off the street can be a biological father, but it takes a real man to be a dad. A dad is someone who worries about you. A dad is someone who teaches you, guides you, protects you. A dad is someone who leads by example. A dad is someone who will never be too proud to tell his children he made a mistake. A dad is someone who will absolutely never turn his back on you, will never give up no matter how many times you push him away. A dad is someone who will have a glimmer of pride in his eye as they watch you get a diploma, and a glimmer of tears as he walks you down the aisle. A dad is someone who will love your children as much as he loves you, because they are a part of you. A dad is someone who worries about you and checks your oil/tires/whatever to make sure you are safe. A dad is someone who wipes away your tears and brushes back your hair to comfort you. A dad is someone who hugs you so tight you can feel the love. A dad is someone that makes you KNOW you matter to him.

My dad is actually my stepdad. But I have not thought of him in any other way than just dad for a long time. He is truly a wonderful person. He accepted me (and my sister) without any judgment, any hesitation, and with a lot of perseverance. I pushed this man away.....a lot......but he never let me go. He is a hard worker, he loves my mom and treats her well-which is important to me, and he is a genuinely kind and caring person.

So where is this going? Well, my dad has been living in SEVERE pain for many many many years now. When I say severe, I am saying that this strong man who never stops for anything will not be able to move. I've seen his hands shake from pain. I've seen him have to regretfully put down my kids when he wants to do nothing other than play with them because he just can't hold them. The pain is in his back. And after many doctors, many tests, many dead ends, they finally discovered what was wrong....and the surgery to fix it. This is a long surgery that will be, in the extremely short version, replacing discs in his back. He will have metal rods in, there will be pain, and of course there is always risks.

I will be spending today at the hospital while my dad has his surgery. Please, please, please send us your prayers. We need prayers that the doctors will be steady, wise, and aware. That my dad will get through the surgery with no permanent damage. That his recovery will be speedy. That soon, he will be able to live a full life and play with his grandchildren and hold them as long as he wants to. That he will be able to give me those big bear hugs where he lifted me off the ground and made me laugh. That he will know days without pain. That he will know a full nights sleep again. That he will be able to live a normal life again.....and for a long time.
And please pray for my mom. Give her (and all of my family) strength during the surgery and the days following. Pray that she has patience for the changes that will come for the next months as she helps my dad heal. And pray that she will keep her job in these rough times, and that she can simply deal with this challenge at this time.

I don't usually ask for prayers, but this is important to me, and to my children who absolutely ADORE their grandpa. It is so very important to me, I can't stand to see this man in pain, and I am so worried about him. And even if you don't pray, I am sure he can use some positive thoughts! I will keep you posted when I have time.

Thank you!