Special reason for posting it with this blog because ... today marks an anniversary.
Five years ago today doctors saved my life. It was the day of the triple bypass for my heart.
Hello, glad to be here.
I feel fine, although, well, five years older. Still exercising, but not quite as much as before the 2019-20 discomfort down my left arm told me that -- maybe -- something wasn't right.
But no issues now, other than sore knees and sore feet from my walks and exercise classes. Yes, still walking 2-3 times a week (and for those of you who know, still picking up loose coins and sometimes even paper money).
I weigh more than I need to because the ice cream, cookies and cake I so like much take up residence around my (expanded) waist.
Don't like thinking about it, or looking at it. But it doesn't keep me from activities ... or eating.
Life's good, although it has its issues. Staying busy here at Trinity Terrace, our seniors residency in Fort Worth, but did give up "recruiting" for The Country Store volunteers and stocking between store shifts. Six years was enough of that.
Still organizing our weekly Thursday afternoon Social Hour, lining up program guests -- speakers or music or special events -- and, without panicking, trying to find replacements for the occasional late postponements.
That's fun.
Trying to spend more time with my best friend and roommate of 48 years, the beautiful and intelligent Beatrice. She is facing some challenges. Please excuse that I don't want to go into much detail.
So appreciative and proud of our family -- the kids (Jason and Rachel, and son-in-law Russell) and our spectacular and interesting grandkids -- Josie, 17; Jacob, 16; Kaden, 14; Eli, 10. My gosh, they are growing up.
Plus, the extended Van Thyn/Wellen and Shaw-related families.
And we've gotten so much love and support from the friends from far back -- Shreveport-Bossier/North Louisiana/Louisiana, in general, all the way to Israel, Belgium and, of course, the Netherlands, where it all began for me.
Also, the friends we've made over the years in athletics and newspapers, and since our move to Fort Worth in late 2001 and especially Trinity Terrace in June 2018.
Maybe it's corny to say, but my heart is full. And it works.
It is difficult to learn of the deaths of so many friends these days, especially those from way back in Shreveport-Bossier and the more recent ones here at Trinity Terrace.
Back to May 2020, when the pandemic kept me from having any visitors during the eight-day hospital stay. Let's say that the first month after the surgery -- before starting rehab -- was as painful and difficult as I have ever faced physically.
After a couple of weeks, when every move hurt, Bea and I went for a walk in a nearby parking lot. It was slanted, and going downhill was slow but no problem. A couple of steps uphill, and nope, time to go home.
Soon, I was stronger and the six weeks of rehab actually was kind of good. Still, I would prefer not to have to do it again.
Kept my little blue pillow, which pressed against my heart area, eased the pain for the first month after surgery. It's right here next to my desk. Just a reminder.
An older man here, learning of my triple bypass, told me then that he had his triple 15 years earlier. So it's now 20 years for him ... and he just turned 100. So there.
No guarantees, of course, but 100 looks a long way off. I'll take 78 in a less than a month.
And if I'm lucky, I will write about the 10-year anniversary five years from now. Stay tuned.
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From five years ago -- the triple bypass adventure:
https://nvanthyn.blogspot.com/2020/05/its-heart-that-counts-most.html
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