After sulking most of the day I finally listened to Dad's message he left this morning. Kept thinking how awful I would feel if it was bad news and I missed saying goodbye to him. He doesn't react well when coming out of sedation. Was just an update that his back surgery went well, had a lot of gunk drained from the cyst and he was waiting for the anesthetic to wear off to see how he really feels.
Relieved that he's okay and already in less discomfort/pain. He sounded pretty alert and more like himself.
Still don't know when I'll be able to visit him. Certainly not til after payday on Thurs. Next weekend is a 3 day holiday for New Year so hope to head down then, maybe even stay overnight. Will be able to take Sam as there won't be a house full of visitors.