Hello there everybody!
It has been a year since I got sick and I am happy to report that I am well into the recovery stage. I am walking again about two miles a day and though I still limp a lot I do not need to use a cane anymore. I have successfully kicked all the painkillers and do not need drugs of any kind except a few pints of Guinness now and then and I think I feel "now and then" coming on soon!
Maeve and myself wish to thank our great friend Peg Dolan for being so wonderful and keeping everybody informed and amused during this rough time, she’s the best! To all of you my good friends and neighbors, I cannot thank you enough for your support and kind words during this time. I am so overwhelmed by your generosity and the huge benefit organized by the wonderful Irish Festival committee.
That which does not kill us makes us stronger and every day I feel the truth of this old adage. At last my brain, which I have missed so much, is becoming clear and sharp again. Drugs may numb the pain, but the price is that your brain turns to mush. My wife Maeve has been a tower of strength and loving support and kept me smiling all the way through.
The Irish Festival was wonderful and even though I broke my hip the day before I really had a ball playing with The Wild Geese. It was like coming home after a long journey. Thanks to all of you for letting me read your favorite books. I read a new book almost every day for the first six months of recovery. I don't believe I can face another one for a while yet.
I am ready to begin playing with the Wild Geese again and our first show is at our favourite venue "Johnny's Irish Pub" on Culver Rd - Saturday, Dec. 13th @ 9 PM. We hope to see many of the old familiar faces there full of the Christmas spirit.
Maeve and I went to visit Dr. Lentz, who saved my life and it was a very emotional experience. He was thrilled to see me up and about and full of life. It must be a wonderful experience to save a life. WOW! Thanks again to all the great staff at the ICU and Rehab Units at Strong and Highland Hospitals for the loving care and attention you gave me. Being ill for so long taught me a lot about people and about myself. I hope to live a much better and fuller life from here on because of it. Thank you all for being there when I needed you most!
Sincerely,
Ben
