Off in the distance, an edge of the vast Maine Medical Center lurks. One year ago today, I awoke confident(from a prep day) on the 4th floor(it was my first night EVER in a hospital), but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a bit hesitant about the clock reaching noon that day. At the appointed hour, E- and J- bid their emotional adieus, and orderlies wheeled me into the operating room for heart surgery to the sound of Springsteen and the E Street band off in the distance. I looked above me at a clock that read 12:08 PM, and that was it. The next thing I remember, it was 12 hours later, and I was begging for slices of ice from a nurse named Katie. She called me by name and said she'd be with me til dawn. I was very uncomfortable ( I felt I was twisted like a pretzel) but on my way to recovery. Today, I've reached the 365 day mark, and I continue to push on, upbeat and positive. As the sign on your rear view mirror reads... "objects may appear closer than they are". Live for tomorrow and for those you love!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Rear View
Off in the distance, an edge of the vast Maine Medical Center lurks. One year ago today, I awoke confident(from a prep day) on the 4th floor(it was my first night EVER in a hospital), but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a bit hesitant about the clock reaching noon that day. At the appointed hour, E- and J- bid their emotional adieus, and orderlies wheeled me into the operating room for heart surgery to the sound of Springsteen and the E Street band off in the distance. I looked above me at a clock that read 12:08 PM, and that was it. The next thing I remember, it was 12 hours later, and I was begging for slices of ice from a nurse named Katie. She called me by name and said she'd be with me til dawn. I was very uncomfortable ( I felt I was twisted like a pretzel) but on my way to recovery. Today, I've reached the 365 day mark, and I continue to push on, upbeat and positive. As the sign on your rear view mirror reads... "objects may appear closer than they are". Live for tomorrow and for those you love!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
A beautiful post Birdman. For me, it will be 2 years in Jan the 10th. And it was not the heart but something else. But the feelings are the same. Life must keep going on.
ReplyDeleteWish you the best.
Costas
Keep On Keepin ON!
ReplyDeleteWow! I can't believe that it's been a whole year that's gone by! You've done a great job and keep up the good work - gee, should I have a party in honor of the one year mark????
ReplyDeleteInteresting music for your send-off. It must have been scary! I like your advice...one never knows. Glad you recuperated well and are entertaining us with your humour and your many excellent photos.
ReplyDeleteThat is good advice too. I have had similar experiences and am happy they ended and I am back and getting along.
ReplyDeleteThis is an anniversary we are all delighted to observe. You've worked hard this year to get your moves back, Birdman, and we are so grateful for all the effort on your part and on the part of your excellent support team. Happy First Birthday.
ReplyDeleteSuch sage advice. My dad had heart surgery and it really was a wake up call for him and changed his life in many ways.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you are doing well after the heart surgery. Someone I know just had one three weeks ago and is slowly on the mend.
ReplyDeleteI found this blog months after your surgery, so I was not aware of what you had gone through. Congratulations on your recovery, Birdman. It must have been a scary time. I have been in-hospital a few times for relatively trivial stuff, never something that made me wonder about waking up. Glad you are here and moving onward and upward. That optimistic spirit is important.
ReplyDeleteVery good. Glad to hear your surgery was a success. I can say, 'been thar dun that'. Born with issues, first surgery 60 yrs. ago and final biggie was 50 yrs. ago this past July 7.
ReplyDeleteDid a heart cath a few yrs. back, I've had many and in some strange areas like the inside of the elbow when I was 13 and two in the left wrist which were the last ones done, but the strangest audio my doc had going once was Jimi Hendrix followed by the Beatles. All played very loudly.
Good luck and don't look back.
I hope you have many more anniversaries to come! And may your new year be filled with love, joy and continued good health.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all -- your photo. The colors in the photos are so earthy and the building so powerful looking.
ReplyDeleteWonderful that you have reached day 365. I agree with you to live for tomorrow and loved ones. May I add -- to live for today and yourself. Combined mantras would, to me, make for exquisite days. -- barbara
Huzza, huzza, keep on keepin' on . . .
ReplyDeleteHappy to hear that you are celebrating your first anniversary of your first stay in the hospital and that everything worked out. Keep up the good work and keep posting!
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to believe it's been a year! I know it wasn't an easy recovery, but you're back and as good as new, right? And 2011 beckons with all kinds of good things!
ReplyDeleteYou write so very well - I wondered if you ever thought of writing of your experience in some form or other. It could be most helpful to those about to undergo the same experience.
So you didn't know Mrs. Claus was a hottie, heh?
Thanks for sharing. I am glad you made it to 365. Great shot, too.
ReplyDeleteBirdman,
ReplyDeleteAns a wonderful Rear View...
Always like to read your writing and thoughts...
Best regards and have a good day,
Wong
You are so adorable.The important is to go on and keep the positivism and that wonderful feeling of youth inside the heart!
ReplyDeleteLéia
A wonderful post Birdman! I love the advice at the end. So happy your here with us today to share you wonderful city.
ReplyDelete