I love you, too

Heather asked when we would be able to see Dad and when she was told that he would be going to ICU tonight after all, the kind recovery nurse saw the concern on Heather's face and made a game-time decision to let us into recovery to see him for a quick, reassuring minute.

He looks infinitely better than when we last saw him this morning.  He absolutely lit up when he realized we were there and smiled over and over again as we each quietly talked to him. As we left, Mom told him she loves him and he whispered, "I love you, too." 

I don't have a word for the melange of intense emotions here: I think it's relief, love, pride, anticipation ...