Hi John,
Congratulations on having the procedure behind you and moving on to the recovery. You are very blessed to have such a supportive and involved wife. With that kind of help, there is no doubt you will be 100% in no time.
The information you provided in your story about the Cleveland Clinic and the Doctors there was very helpful to me. I am also planning on meeting with Dr. Pettersson when he reviews my case and feels I am a candidate
Best Wishes,
Nancy H.

Sure am glad that Judith finally told me abut the journal, but it really needs a new zippy name. "Heart Valve Journal" won't garner many new readers! However, Judith's sense of humor will keep everyone coming back for more. When you go home on Saturday,what will Judith use for new material? John, won't it be nice when you can have your bovine-size breakfast? Now you will have an excuse! We love you. Terry, Marty, and Lee

Hi Uncle John its good to see your doing well. Im sure your kids and Judith are looking after you and that you are in good hands. My parents and I are keeping you in our prayers.

Love,
your nephew Garrett

Judith,

STOP. I can't laugh anymore tonight. My sides hurt. This is what you get for getting yourself involved with this guy. Stairwells, indeed! John, behave yourself.

On the other hand, it's wonderful that you're doing so well and that Judith's love and humor are so delightfully expressed.

Love you both,

Judy

John,

We're so happy you're doing well! Tom sends his best from Hawaii (turkey) and I get to run off to SE Washington state on Saturday. Hey, at least I'll be having good wine!

Keep up the great recovery! We knew you'd do well.

Fondly,
The Ts

Wow, the photo is terrific -- looking really good, John! Can't believe the doc is letting you climb stairs already! Remember to take it easy and follow the rules!

Thanks, Judith, for the updates. Glad to see you're keeping your great sense of humor.

Love to all,

Ellen

John - I'm so glad you're doing better! Keep us all posted on your progress!

Love,
Arthi, Ashwin & Usha

I'm thrilled to hear the good news and hope to hear more of the same soon! We're sending lots of prayers and good thoughts your way!

Much love from the whole family!

-- Kristin

Dear John,

Although I was your "Big Brother" in name only, I do take some credit for your moral and physical strength. Hope you're home soon.

Remember that $2. you borrowed from me in 1960? I don't ever recall it being repaid. Perhaps you forgot.

Your friend,
Mark

Having heard nothing all day, I'm thrilled with this update, John and Judith. The photo is very cool too. Thanks, partner. Jack Noonan

John,

Hoping today is even better than yesterday. Thanks so much for sharing this with us - it's a very generous and thoughtful thing to do. We check on your progress each day with great anticipation and are so glad we can do this. Hope today you can manage the entire corridor and can soon enjoy a glass of good wine with Judith. You're a great role model for us all.

We're not happy, though with Marty's mention of Jean's artery issue - so Marty, give that gorgeous lady a big hug from us.

Much love to you,

Mark and Judy

From her hospital room in Costa Rica where we explore the ocluded artery in her right leg Jean wonders what color is John becoming. Hopefully not the bright red of her ankle. Ah the trials of age. Love ya John

Thrilled to hear that John is doing well and recovering fast. You are in our thoughts and prayers. See you soon in Chicago.

Usha, Ashwin, Arthi & Jamie

Wonderful news! Please let John know that we are hanging in there with him with prayers and love. Thanks for sending along the good news!

Ellen

Please wish John well. The hardest part is the ICU. When he gets to his room, the first couple of days may not be great, but the improvement is rapid, and by Day 4 or 5 he will be asking when he can go home. Best of luck to you, John. May you breeze through your recovery.
Terry

we are thrilled about the good news.

These are great reports, John and Judith, and I'm happy to be part of your circle of friends. You've obviously made all the right hospital/cardiologist calls, and your disciplined fitness gives the team a lot to work with. Frankly, though, I'm a little pissed that you look so youthful. Love, Jack Noonan

What wonderful news! We are so very happy to hear that John is making such wonderful progress. Let's hope the recovery continues at the same pace.

Love Mimi and Michael

Judith:

This is great news on day #1! Have been thinking of John and you all day and we're pleased that everything is going so well.

Take good care of yourself, Mark and I send you both our love,

Judy

Thank God, We are so happy to hear the good news, but with Judith at the helm we would expect nothing less. We are looking forward to the sharing of the Turkey and the Wine together. Keep us posted. Love R & T

John must be doing well: already fighting on his way out of the OR. And I say: YEAH!

From deep in the forests of Central American comes a screaming GREAT!
s/Los Lively

prayers DO work and we're thankful that everything went well.

Thats great news. Will see you soon.

Thank you for letting us know that everything went well this morning. This is excellent news! Many thank to the journal keeper for the updates. Hugs to all of you who are there with John. You've come though all of this with him. Bless you all!

Ellen

Judith, Erin and Grady,

I am so pleased that all went according to plan and that you will soon see him. Thank you for keeping all of us updated with the blog.

Love to all
Jessine

Thoughts and prayers began early for you today, John. You and your family are in Good Hands (smile).

Love to all,

Ellen

Tough as a bull, and now with bull parts! Your Costa Rican family follows closely and bombards the patron saint of safe surgery with prayers.
<

Dear John,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Judith. You have accomplished so much and we know that your courage and strength will help you in your recovery in the coming weeks.

Love from Mimi and Michael

John,

We're with you in spirit and send our love and prayers,

Mark and Judy

John,

Picked another 32 cajuelas of coffee today, that makes a half ton in two days! So plenty of good coffee for you to drink a little at a time soon.

Prayers and wishes and the aroma of Angela's manacotti to you.

Will stay tuned to this journal.

Amor,

Jean, Marty, Teri, Esqui and Sancho

<

John, You are such a trooper. You have such spirit and with all the "positive attitude" around you - I know you will come through with flying colors.
God Bless you and keep you in the palm of His Hand....tomorrow. Sleep tight and just know His Peace.
Love, Patti ( and the Chickerneo Family)

My love and prayers are with you and Judith and your children. John, YOU have a good heart (smile). Soon you will have an even better heart--one that is stronger to share all the goodness it holds! Hang in there, friend. This too shall pass, and for the better.

Please have someone post a note with an address where we can send you a letter or a card! And, let Judith know she can call me any time if I can be of any assistance from DC or if she wants to talk -- my work number is 202-429-3413 and I often work late.

Love,

Ellen

we're keeping you in our thoughts and prayers and wishing the best outcome. see you at the lake. good luck!!!

Much love to you and Judith as you start this journey Love Jessine