gadgetman
January 20th, 2006, 09:17 AM
Most of you have heard the saying “what a difference a DAY makes”. Well, I’m here to say WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES.:D This time last year I was getting ready to go under the knife.:eek: Per Dr. McGiffin, I did not have much time left, if I wasn’t too late already. Life was not good. I couldn’t walk more than 5 or 6 steps without stopping. If the building did not have an elevator or escalator, the First Floor was IT. I couldn’t sleep. I was swollen all the time. I just felt BAD ALL OVER. I remember one day around Christmas time 2004 sitting in my chair and looking at my wife and saying “I really don’t want to have to live like this”. Of course, the alternative was not as attractive either. As a Christian, I knew my real reward awaited me but I had a great (sometimes SO-SO:D :D ) wife, two wonderful children with their loving spouses, three active and adorable Grandkids, a Mother, a Sister and her significant other, my wife’s family, friends (especially here at VR.COM) and even people I hadn’t met yet that I would miss dearly.
Just as I started this walk we make, I was laid off from work. At the time it didn’t seem to be but it turned out to be a blessing (God knowing what was best of course). Probably by November I would not have been able to keep up the pace of working anyway. But knowing me and my nature I would have pressed on, probably making things even worse than they turned out. I would have gone into that OR probably in worse condition (if that was possible) than I did.
With the help and support of those here and others I did not face this alone. I always knew God was with me thru this. He provided the peace and comfort when we needed it. My wife and I talked at length just before our trip to UAB and we NEVER had the feeling of worry or concern. Sure, we drew up the necessary Will, Power of Attorney, etc. and made the “what if” plans, but we both felt in our hearts that this was just a formality. We were apprehensive of what the outcome might be but the Lord didn’t let us dwell on that aspect. However, I didn’t realize how helpful it is to have all those other folks kicking in their support too. As I accept this AWARD I must first thank my lovely wife who put up with the mood swings (before and especially AFTER surgery), ate those lousy meals in the hospital, sat by my bed through it all, and was my advocate during my stay in the Hospital. She slept in what surely must have been the most uncomfortable sleeping arrangements known to mankind thru all hours day and night. I thank my Sister-in-law who held my wife’s hand and offered support through this. I thank those who spoke to God in my behalf. Last but by far not LEAST, I must thank those here at VR.COM. You are now my extended family. Without your information, wisdom, recommendations, guidance, love, humor, patience, shoulder, and company I don’t know how I would have gotten through this. You were there 24/7 to read and offer comfort (or the occasional SLAP:eek: :D ) when it was needed. I hope to repay in kind all the things I have received from this site. God has richly blessed this place and will continue to do so.
I am also here to tell those in the waiting room that, though it was no picnic in the park, things were never as difficult as I thought they would be. The dreaded breathing tube was a fleeting memory. The extreme pain never showed up thanks to the wonderful DRUGS they can provide. The drain tubes and other various things sticking in and out of me were just minor annoyances. It was not a vacation I would recommend to anyone but it was never as bad as I had let myself imagined. I was fortunate in avoiding severe complications that some here have endured and for that I am grateful.
So, if you are still here with me, I can truly say that this year has been very kind to me. I can walk as far as I want to, breathe, do just about anything I used to do and enjoy life to its fullest. As I’ve remarked before, I can tell I am better because I now take for granted a lot of the improvements from last year. And most of all, I’ve found a new family of friends here.:D
So I offer this as encouragement to those in the waiting room, those just coming out of surgery and those just starting their recovery walk. There is a life on the other side of the mountain. Maybe some of us turn out to be more fortunate that others but we must play the cards we are dealt. God does have a plan for our life; we just may never fully understand it.
May God Bless,
Danny
Just as I started this walk we make, I was laid off from work. At the time it didn’t seem to be but it turned out to be a blessing (God knowing what was best of course). Probably by November I would not have been able to keep up the pace of working anyway. But knowing me and my nature I would have pressed on, probably making things even worse than they turned out. I would have gone into that OR probably in worse condition (if that was possible) than I did.
With the help and support of those here and others I did not face this alone. I always knew God was with me thru this. He provided the peace and comfort when we needed it. My wife and I talked at length just before our trip to UAB and we NEVER had the feeling of worry or concern. Sure, we drew up the necessary Will, Power of Attorney, etc. and made the “what if” plans, but we both felt in our hearts that this was just a formality. We were apprehensive of what the outcome might be but the Lord didn’t let us dwell on that aspect. However, I didn’t realize how helpful it is to have all those other folks kicking in their support too. As I accept this AWARD I must first thank my lovely wife who put up with the mood swings (before and especially AFTER surgery), ate those lousy meals in the hospital, sat by my bed through it all, and was my advocate during my stay in the Hospital. She slept in what surely must have been the most uncomfortable sleeping arrangements known to mankind thru all hours day and night. I thank my Sister-in-law who held my wife’s hand and offered support through this. I thank those who spoke to God in my behalf. Last but by far not LEAST, I must thank those here at VR.COM. You are now my extended family. Without your information, wisdom, recommendations, guidance, love, humor, patience, shoulder, and company I don’t know how I would have gotten through this. You were there 24/7 to read and offer comfort (or the occasional SLAP:eek: :D ) when it was needed. I hope to repay in kind all the things I have received from this site. God has richly blessed this place and will continue to do so.
I am also here to tell those in the waiting room that, though it was no picnic in the park, things were never as difficult as I thought they would be. The dreaded breathing tube was a fleeting memory. The extreme pain never showed up thanks to the wonderful DRUGS they can provide. The drain tubes and other various things sticking in and out of me were just minor annoyances. It was not a vacation I would recommend to anyone but it was never as bad as I had let myself imagined. I was fortunate in avoiding severe complications that some here have endured and for that I am grateful.
So, if you are still here with me, I can truly say that this year has been very kind to me. I can walk as far as I want to, breathe, do just about anything I used to do and enjoy life to its fullest. As I’ve remarked before, I can tell I am better because I now take for granted a lot of the improvements from last year. And most of all, I’ve found a new family of friends here.:D
So I offer this as encouragement to those in the waiting room, those just coming out of surgery and those just starting their recovery walk. There is a life on the other side of the mountain. Maybe some of us turn out to be more fortunate that others but we must play the cards we are dealt. God does have a plan for our life; we just may never fully understand it.
May God Bless,
Danny