It has been over a month since I last made an entry in this CaringBridge journal … and I intend for this to be my last.  Why?  Well, I have progressed quite a bit.  I do still tire more easily than before this adventure … and I get winded fairly easily when walking uphill or climbing stairs.  But, I have gone from walking 8 minutes (in two stints) the day (11/28/2021) I got home from the hospital to 81 minutes in one stint (1/16/2022).  I began formal cardiac rehabilitation in Wilmington on January 10 (I have about ten weeks to go) and have now exercised all but three days since late November.  (Those who know me well know that I keep track of things like this.)

So, I am on my way back to normal!  I have been fortunate!  Jean, Hank, P.J., Maribel and Jennifer watched over me … and watched out for me!  And, Hank, P.J., Maribel and Jennifer did the same for Jean!  Although the health care community has been under great stress (obviously), for the most part, the doctors and nurses and support staffs of the Reading Fire Department, Winchester Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) were able to take wonderful care of me (both medically/technically and compassionately).  My surgeon, Dr. Serguei Melnitchouk, is absolutely amazing.  Not only is he renowned for his mitral valve repair expertise, he caringly visited me more than ten times, asked key questions, listened carefully to my answers and took notes. And, the nurses at both hospitals: WOW!  Jean and I have had wonderful support from all of you!  Your prayers and best wishes continue to provide enormous encouragement … and, for that, I am very grateful!  Thank you!