Update

Greetings all,

I continue to get a little better each day. The doctors have given me permission to begin picking up the tasks that made up my life three months ago. The cardiologist said that I can do whatever my body permits, i.e. if it hurts don't do it, when you are tired rest. The surgeon has given me clearance to return to work the week of May 25th. These along with permission to drive once again have been major mileposts.

I do need to learn the boundaries of my strength and endurance. Last week I puttered around in the garden and have been paying the price in feeling tired ever since. Still, being out was wonderful.

My plan is to return to the pulpit on Pentecost, May 31st.

Thanks for your continued prayers and concerns. They mean a lot and have made a difference.

Grace and peace,
Mike

New Picture

Mom asked me to post this picture. What a bunch of good lookin' folks! Megan

Slow, But Steady

Greetings! I've been pretty busy with work lately, so I haven't updated the blog much. I try to get my husband to do it more often (he is just sitting around most of the time, isn't he?), but he says he doesn't like talking about himself ... hmmm. I guess that shouldn't surprise me.

So, how is he doing? He is doing very well. I can see improvement every day - he is up and around all the time now, doing things for himself again, out walking the neighborhood for 30 minutes at a time with me, taking an interest in the life around himself ... all very good signs! I know he is getting impatient, and I try and take him out and about whenever I can, but he is actually doing quite amazingly well ... he just can't see it as clearly as the rest of us can.

We went to see the cardiologist last Thursday, and he got a very good report. His heart is still weak, but the doctor said this is quite normal and that it would take 6 months to a year for it to fully recover. In the meantime, he can do whatever he feels good enough to do without pushing himself too hard.

Mike goes back to the surgeon next Wednesday and I anticipate he will be told he can drive again. He hopes to be back at work (at least part time at first) the last week of May, and presiding at liturgy the last Sunday in May. I'll report after that appointment whether the surgeon thinks that is all ok.

So, life goes on. Beth and Ellie have been on vacation together this past week - Ellie finished her fourth semester at Capital University with a 4.0 (go Ellie), and Beth certainly deserved a break from caregiver to her dad. It sounds like they had a great time. They are due home tomorrow. Megan and Luke and the boys came by last Sunday, bringing Mike's mom along for the ride, and it was great to see them, as always. When they got out of the car and Megan told Jack to come on inside to see Grampa he said, "Grampa, yea!" Actually we all feel that way whenever we get to hang out with Mike. Many blessings to you all ... and thanks for the continued interest and prayers! Peggy

The Middle Part of the Journey

Things are progressing, albeit slowly from my perspective. I feel too good to be sitting around healing, but not good enough to be doing anything for very long.

This week will be my third week in rehab. I thought it would be enjoyable, but it turns out to be a lot like work. This is not to say that I do not enjoy going, being around people and stretching my muscles, I do enjoy that and look forward to each session, however, it is more demanding than I anticipated. I don't come away sore, I come away tired. I look forward to the time when my strength and endurance return.

Despite my impatience, I confess that I do see many signs of improvement. Yesterday I attended church. It was wonderful to be back. Singing "This Is the Feast" and other parts of the liturgy was very moving. I really appreciated Pastor Steve Rye's sermon and the way he presided at the service. Being with the people of Gloria Dei was a great blessing. I am excited to be moving back toward full participation in parish life.

Peace,
Mike