Hello All. It has been 2 months (and 3 days) since John’s surgery. Hard to believe.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so I will let the pictures below speak for themselves.
(You need to click on the picture to get the full picture)
The US Open golf tournament has a new place in my heart as it was a huge part of John’s recovery. Last summer we signed up to volunteer to work it. The way the first 3.5 months of the year were going , our being there was looking pretty unrealistic . The first few days following his surgery, John was uncommunicative, and removed; wouldn’t watch t.v., wouldn’t engage in conversation, wouldn’t answer the docs’ and nurses’ (repetitive, annoying 😉) questions. I was concerned and starting to become a little impatient. Then we received a huge God wink when I opened an email from the USGA volunteer committee chair with our assignments: afternoon shifts on the 18th green on Thursday and Friday, and on the 14th green on Sunday. I read that email to John, and he was back 😍; talking about the 14th hole and green etc., and all of a sudden he had a goal and inspiration. Two months later to the day, he was standing at the 14th green (all day - 9:30 - 5:30). We were there six days, and he did great every day; the bus rides to and from the course, all the walking, the long shifts, and the cold ( yes, we froze on 18 but what a view!! ). Every time I looked at him I was amazed, and so grateful.
He is off all meds except a few he will continue indefinitely related to his heart health, walking with me and Grace practically every evening, back to work ( we continue to negotiate hours 😉) and will be starting cardio rehab in a few weeks (the delay is very frustrating for him as he is more than ready but has to wait for a spot to open up). I’d say we are moving back to life as it was before, but there is a difference; there is a new appreciation and gratitude for every day, every “able to....”, every blessing, and for each other.
I will sign off on this last post with sincere thanks again for all the love, prayers, meals and other forms of support from so many, and if you will indulge me, a Bible verse that John and I leaned on during this journey, and a quote that speaks to me. The first from Isaiah 41:10; “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” He was, He is and He did. The second from Albert Einstein: “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.”
Embrace all the miracles in your life, and be grateful. God bless. Enjoy the pictures! (click on the pictures to get the full picture) Much love, Sue and John
