It’s Saturday, and I am at home. It is a good day. I have so many people to thank, but I also have people that never knew I was having surgery yesterday because I neglected to post something on my FB page. I left that work to Jenny, her page and a blog on this abandoned blogger page. And while there were many people mentioned by name, there were many more left to the phrase “you know who you are.” I am not a coward, but I am lazy. I sincerely do love you all, regardless of mention by name.

The device I have been carrying around for 8 years was a simple ICD (defibrillator). The one they installed yesterday does it all. Three leads – one to pace the atrium (typically not doing anything) one in the right ventricle and the important pacing lead in the left ventricle. The guy from Medtronics went on and on about what this thing can do, and I did not have a notebook. My William and Mary friends might be tempted to say “well, that’s nothing new.” 

As I scan Facebook today I feel truly blessed – please see the blog I wrote before the surgery. You all have been there to support and challenge me and more importantly to lift me up by sharing your own ups and downs.

Thanks again everybody. Be blessed.

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to let you know that the defibrillator that has kept watch over me for the last 8 years is due for a change out. By tomorrow around noon I should have the latest technology and maybe an extra lead or two that will improve my existing heart function.

It is something to reflect on the years God has added to my life. I have seen young people I knew in Delaware graduate from college – the most recent being Britta. I have seen younger people grow up – hey Wesley, nice job on the 4.0 average and outrunning your Dad in the 5K (or was it 10?). I have seen people get married and have children – Sarah, Matt and Linsey congratulations on the birth of Nora, Ryan and Jacob. I have worked with some of the greatest colleagues ever – always watching out for me. Special thanks to Antonio, Lee, Ramona, Ed, Sara, Gordon, Wayne, David and Kim. I have seen my boys grow into men. I am blessed to have had two wonderful faith experiences since moving to NC, one at a “mega church” that allowed a rickety old man to mentor young small group leaders (thanks to Brett, Mike O, Chase, and the Platts) and Pine Valley UMC that feels like the home we had in Delaware at Aldersgate (there are too many names to add to account for the wonderful friends at those two churches and you all know who you are).

I have seen my father turn 90 and be inducted into our old high school’s Hall of Fame. I have helped my Mom deal with knee replacement surgery. And I have watched in amazement as my brother has made the best of a stroke suffered 12 years ago.

But most importantly I have shared 8 more years with my best pal.

Thank you to all of you that continue to post something of your lives on Facebook so that I can add your thrills to mine.

It seems like it all adds up to a Jimmy Stewart Wonderful Life if we let it.

Love you all and will post something post op to let you know how things went.