By Georgia Osten
Any crisis, any family milestone, MY family really steps up to the plate. Thank God we don’t have too many, but when we do, we sure know we can depend on one another. Our youngest recently flew into town from North Carolina and was picked up by our daughter-in-law. After visiting with the Littles, she was joined by our oldest daughter, and on they came to the beach to spend the night before Dad’s surgery. We had an uneventful night of games and everything decadent we could order from Ocean Grille, fried pickles, onion rings, fried cheese sticks, chicken tenders, homemade potato chips and a 7-inch loaded pizza.
The plan was to wake up by 3:15 to catch the 4:20 ferry. We had to be at UTMB by 5am. Not too bad, we were packed, we had snacks from The Big Store, we had games and cards, Leigh brought all her magazines to get caught up, Maezy was in Ed’s care. Dad was set up in the pre-op room and that’s when Matthew made his appearance, where on earth did he find a mask? Comedy Central proceeded to set in, the giggles and heehaws, Dad already couldn’t control his coughing from a viral infection, please Matthew, get it out of your system, no way you’ll be able to act like this after surgery. They came in and put a hair net on Dad, Matthew called him Mrs. Doubtfire.
Surgery lasted 5-6 hours, we took over an entire corner or the 4th floor waiting room, right by where the doctors come in to tell you how surgery was going, or how surgery went. Of course, every time a doctor entered the room, we’d all look up in anticipation. Matthew said how funny it would be if Dad came strolling out saying “c’mon ya’ll, it’s time to go …”
Long story short, we’re all home, SUCCESS! Many follow-ups to come, that’s okay, we’re blessed, we’re together, God is Good.
GO’s Sand Bucket is only one beach bum’s journal of life at the beach, probably something each of you can relate to. Please feel free to email me with your thoughts, visions and/or feelings of just exactly what the beach means to you. Email: [email protected]
[1-16-2018]
Posted in 
Hi Sipsey..love your article on Tom and your great family!
Best wishes and good health..
Love,
Idgie
Dear Ostens,
We did not know that Tom was ill. However, we are most thrilled that all went well. He is one great person, and we send best wishes for a full recovery.
How will we know what is going on in our community if we don’t have Tom at the helm?
With love,
Marcel, Linda, Emma