Richard's Posts

Hi to everyone. Although Richard passed his 1 year anniversary as others in the same timeframe, I am going to try and not write in Richard's journal about it and how it is going for him --- he really should be the one to do that, and I think he will - it has just been a crazy month for him and I am sure he will write in it soon. I am really writing in response to responses from our recent trip to Florida and our visit with Duane and Peggy. I read all of Duane's latest journal and about our trip to see them and it was so great to read it and see the picture of the 4 of us and although we knew and heard alot about what was going on with him when we met him that Thursday night (he had just found out himself only the weekend before) - it is something to see it all in writing. (By the way, It is nice to see Duane has not lost his lengthy novel approach for his wonderful gift of "well-written verbage" and ability to captivate us all (ha-ha)). We saw wondeful pictures of his children and grandchildren (he loves photography as evidenced by the great picture he took of the 4 of us - (again ha-ha). We had a delightful time and felt as comfortable as if we had known them for years, thanks to Peggy and her great cooking and easy going nature. This heart valve journal is amazing the way it brings people together, isn't it! Dinner was great and the homemade bread and berry pie for dessert were pretty special for a Thursday night after working all day. I can't say enough about our visit with them. AND it was so nice to read the email that Richard got (he called me in his office this evening when I got home from work to let me see his email from Duane and Penny and Cheryl and Theresa and Fran - at least those are the ones I remember). I have to confess that life gets busy and consumes me and I tend not to look as much as Richard does at all the journals but when I do I am always so blown away by all of you and all that you share and have been through and frankly for some of you, continue to go through. I know a group all like Richard and Duane are in that one-yearish timeframe and I have come to realize all over again that a year is not that long when it comes to something like this --- it takes a lot of time and it is for some, not without some setbacks and further issues, but it is still an "amazing journey" as I believe Theresa so eloquently put it and in spite of her denying any words of inspiration - she was! Thanks for the emails, I enjoyed them 100% and I know that the trip to meet Duane and Peggy was a good catalyst (we almost got to meet Fran, but she had company and looks like Cheryl was in the area but on short time - next time). Hey,one of these days a group of us could actually meet somewhere between Scotland/Canada/ME/FL - maybe, who knows! All of you all would be welcome to stop by to visit us in ME (the vacationland). Can you even imagine the image of comparing scars (Richard and Duane did). Love Susan and Richard or a.k.a. Richard's wife, Susan