The real reason I want to post is to say thank you for all the kind comments, texts, cards, visits, calls and food (food so good it was almost worth taking one for the team.....family 😄. Noah must have gained 5 pounds!) and especially prayers that people have sent.   I have been truly humbled by everyone’s generosity over the last 2 1/2 years.  Don’t every dismiss what a simple text, phone call, visit, comment or card can do to lift a guy’s spirit.

Katie told me she had heard a comment “why did this have to happen to Brian. He has been through so much over the last few years.”  I appreciate the concern/sympathy but i know people go through a lot worse and besides if i have done my math correctly (math majors check my calculations 😄)this has only been 6% of my 51 years of being on this earth.  I have been blessed beyond measure in my life and look forward to many more great years ahead.

The one prayer I consistently prayed before each operation was the peace of God to be with me (I figured i had enough other prayer warriors that were praying for healing, smooth surgery etc, that i just focused on peace) and God answered every time.  I remember going into my first surgery, not worried a bit, but amazed at how everyone in the OR was busy prepping for surgery so EARLY in the morning. I was thinking to myself, “These people do this every day and with such energy and alertness.”  It usually takes me half the morning to get going like that. The only thing that threw me for a loop that morning was in the pre-op room.  A nurse came in to shave my chest (which i knew had to be done) but then he read the paper work, it read shave the whole body.  I was thinking “i know i signed up for open heart surgery but a whole body shave.....??!!”  Looking back i know it sounds crazy and it is but that actually went through my brain. 

This last surgery/recovery was proven to be a much harder stay at the hospital.  Even though Duke staff has done a tremendous job of taking care of me each and every time, not having Katie around 24/7 made things tougher. But at least she did get to visit from 1-9 each day.   My heart goes out to other patients over the last several months that were not allowed any visitors.  Having that love one by your side makes a difference.  After my first two surgeries i didn’t care how long I stayed in the hospital (I just wanted to make sure i was good to go before i left their care) but this last time i was done and ready to get home to Katelyn, Noah and yes...even Berkeley 🐶.

I have been overwhelmed by the support from family, friends, co-workers and church family that have given Katie and i tremendous support over the last couple of years. THANK YOU!
As for my last request, just pray that God will give me opportunities to share my story, serve others, and love others the way He has loved me unconditionally.