I just wanted to write something for you all to hear from me. I am shocked by this diagnosis and surgery. It still seems surreal. Multiple doctors seemed equally shocked at how bad things were. I am grateful to God I am alive! And to think, 22 thousand steps with our eighth graders in DC just a month ago!
I had many substantial blockages in my heart and three 99 percent blockages in differing vessels. I am grateful for the surgeon and all the doctors and nurses who cared for me at Blessing and St. John’s in Springfield. I am thankful for my parents and siblings and family that was with me and have been taking care of me. For now, the doctors are limiting my visitors to guard against infections.
I am beyond grateful for your prayers and love. It has been felt this entire time. Quadruple bypass surgery is probably the most invasive and aggressive surgeries one can endure. The recovery is immensely painful and very long and slow. You don’t realize how much your chest moves just from breathing, coughing, laughing, etc.
I am making progress. I see it. It’s actually way ahead of the game. I am still on oxygen at this time. Hearing from you has meant the world to me. Please keep praying. I was finally able to celebrate Mass Sunday and Monday for the Holy Day. I miss you all so very much. I miss being at home at St. Francis. Know of my love and eagerness to return, but I know it will be some time before the doctors release me to return.
Thank you to Fr. Bruce Scott and Fr. Ken Ahanonu for their tireless work. Being gone at this time of year is really difficult as you all know I love the Christmas season! I won’t really get to sport my Christmas suits at all this year!
Please hug your kiddos for me and tell them how much I miss them. May you continue to have a blessed Advent and know of my prayers and offerings of sufferings for you and our parish. I look forward to seeing you again. Until then let us pray for one another and see each other in the Eucharist.