Sending out prayers for Christine and her family. Suzanne-in my experience-she will not know that you weren't there. It will take a week, if not more, for her to be fully awake. My husband was in the hospital for over 2 weeks following the same surgery and did not remember a minute of his stay. She will know you were there in spirit.

cg to husband, 48 Stage 1V head and neck SCC. First surgery 9/07. Radiation and several rounds of chemo followed. Mets to chest and lungs. "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain." Went home to God on February 22, 2009.