What a ride! Just under six weeks ago I was strapped to an operating table having two valves replaced in my heart. It has been a rollercoaster recovery, but not the “fun…let’s do that again” kind. No this was more like a trip to the dentist who used a jack hammer to remove plaque. I should mention that my surgeon sold me the “lifetime” guarantee…I know…I know…Clark Howard says to never buy the additional warranty, but hey…come on…it’s heart surgery and I was already spending a few grand anyway! Although…they don’t offer the “try before you buy” option, which I found inefficient. I must say that the timing was impeckable! I was scheduled to have my surgery on Feb.14! (I’ll save you a trip to the calendar…that’s Valentine’s day, Romeo.) So…this year…that last minute, frantic, “I hope CVS is open” panic was diverted. I was safe. I lovingly looked my wife in the eye and said, “Honey. I have it all taken care of. I got us a room at Crawford Long hospital” Somehow…the gesture didn’t make her all tingly inside. I guess I should have looked at the room first. Maybe it was the bill. Now that I think of it, it was a bit pricey for the size of the room. She didn’t feel the romance having strange women coming in almost everyday to bathe me either. I think she felt left out. Oh well…at least I remembered.
Once we returned home and I was in charge of my own pain medicine…well…it was like Woodstock 2008 in my living room! I had the ipod, heating pad and a big ‘ol smile! Bring on the Doritos and pink elephants baby! Steve’s takin’ a trip! Mr.Hendrix says Hello! One word to describe pain pills…DUDE! (no bonzai trees were harmed)
Well…after my wife caught me 6 weeks later laughing at Tom and Jerry cartoons while sitting in a pile of Dorito dust, I was stripped of my “take home gift” from the hospital. Therefore…my recovery had reached the final weeks and I had to face reality again. The awesome part was…today we met with the surgeon and he released me to do most of my normal activities, like picking up my kids, driving and playing music! Which I did all three tonight!!!!Hung out with my kids…drove to band practice at church and played music with my boy Byron and the crew! It was donkey fresh!
On a serious note…I make jokes about the pain pills, surgery and recovery, but the truth is…God prepared my heart, performed my surgery, and blessed us with a church family that is indescribable! I love these guys as my own family and almighty God has his hands on us all. All we have to do is ask. It may sound as a cliche’, but whatever you are facing, remember…Let go and Let GOD! To HIM be all the glory and honor!!!!
