On August 26, 2011...
Hi Matt. Glad you are home and improving. You are still in my prayers. I guess what you have been through makes my earthquake and hurricane in the same week seem kind of insignificant. Blessings...Joe
On August 26, 2011...
Gee Matt: I like the photos and I think the one with you smiling would be a great mug shot for your bop email photo and credentials. At least you would be unique in the bop. Glad each day is better --- small steps my friends -- today you walk -- tomorrow you run -- then your soar!!

donna
On August 26, 2011...
Thrilled to hear that you are progressing so well! I am certain that is due to the stellar private nursing care you are blessed with! Continue to follow orders, and get well soon. I miss our CG!

Renae
On August 26, 2011...
Matt: I enjoy reading your journal and keeping up with your progress. Sounds like you are moving forward each day. We are continuing to keep you and Paula in our prayers. You look good in your pictures! I know you have a wonderful private nurse who is taking such good care of you. Love u both my sweet cousin! Valerie
On August 26, 2011...
Matt, good to hear that you are continuing to improve. You look good in your pictures....I didn't know you slept with a stuffed red heart :)....keep up the hard recovery work....take care, Ben
On August 26, 2011...
Hey Matt,

Thanks for keeping up with your journaling. You are in our thoughts and prayers many times each day. Be of good courage and know that it is just baby steps in the early recovery process. It takes a bit to build momentum....but I promise it's just around the corner! You do need to eat to build your strength, even if it doesn't taste great yet. Keep listening to your private duty nurse....she knows what she's doing. ;)

Jeff and Sherene
On August 26, 2011...
Hi Matt,

Still praying for you at Mass every day. Just remember: "All will be well, all will be well and all manner of things will be well."
On August 26, 2011...
Matt:
It is great being able to follow your recovery. May this time of recovery truly be a holistic blessing for you and the family. Keeping you in prayer...Bruce
On August 25, 2011...
A Word of Encouragement-David

For all the promises of God in [Christ] are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. -2 Corinthians 1:20

In a world of uncertainty, our trust is in a faithful God who will always keep His promises.

Whatever trouble may assail,
Of this we can be sure:
God's promises can never fail,
They always will endure. -Hess

Faith knows that God always performs what He promises.

On August 25, 2011...
That's wonderful news!!! Wishing you a great recovery!!

Marti
On August 24, 2011...
Glad to hear you are home!! Continue to gain strength and heal. Praying!

David
On August 24, 2011...
Glad to hear you are home, I hope you are resting better now that you are in your own bed (smile). Keep up the good progress and be patience and take care. I hope to see you back before too long. I'm still praying for you and your family. See you soon.

Debora
On August 24, 2011...
Great to hear.....we'll be hitting some balls in no time!
Lance
On August 23, 2011...
Glad you are home!

Jonathan
On August 23, 2011...
I am so glad that you are doing well and getting to go home. Recovery can be a long road, be patient. Things will be healed in God's time, not yours. Just know, you are in the best hands possible. Prayers go up for you and your family.

Joelle
On August 23, 2011...
Great news about you being home. It sure beats the hospital bed. You will be in good shape in no time when you start pt

Donna
On August 23, 2011...
Matt, I am heartened to see you doing so much better. Please heal up quickly and get back to work! I get bored easily. I will continue to pray for you.
On August 23, 2011...
Good Job Matt! Keep your head up and remember to follow the rules! The future is very bright!

David Fanson
On August 23, 2011...
Good Morning, Matt!

Happy to read up are moving "up" in the hospital and will soon feel the comfort of your own home.
You are still being lifted up in prayer.

Sheila Garrison
On August 22, 2011...
Glad to see you are up and around. Still praying for you.

Jonathan
On August 22, 2011...
Hey Matt. Donna told me about your surgery. I am glad all is going well. I also hear that today is your birthday. I hope you have a good one. I am praying for you and your family.
Jeanne Blanton
Matt Harness  Good to hear from you Jeanne. I know the Lord is using you in a wonderful way. You just blessed me wi ... Read more
On August 22, 2011...
I work with Megan at GuideStone. She is a delight! I am sure you are proud of her. She shared with me about your surgery. I am glad to hear it went well. May the Lord continue to bless in recovery. We will continue to pray for you.
Warm Regards,
Carolyn McNellie
On August 22, 2011...
Matt,
Great to hear you're doing so well. I've been praying for you. Listen, you take it easy and heal up right, I don't want any excuses the next time we're on the tennis court.

Blessings my friend!
On August 22, 2011...
I am thrilled to read about your progress. Go Matt, go !!!. Prayed for you today.

David
Houston
On August 22, 2011...
P.S. Happy Happy Birthday!!!

Jeff and Sherene
On August 22, 2011...
Hey Matt,

We are thrilled to read about your wonderful progress. Being untethered to chest tubes and other lines is a true blessing that is under-appreciated until you've been through it. :)

Sounds like you've had nothing but outstanding care throughout the whole process. With Paula by your side, you will continue to have the best care for the rest of your recovery. That's a gift greater than gold!

You are in our daily prayers for a continued smooth and speedy healing process.

Jeff and Sherene
On August 22, 2011...
Well done Matt! Welcome to the rest of your life. It's great over here.

David Fanson
On August 22, 2011...
Hi Buddy:

Happy Birthday!!! May this next year be a better one for you with more energy and full of life and adventure. You are in my prayers and thoughts. I told Jeanne about your surgery and blog. I am forwarding your blog to her so she can send you best wishes too.

Your old retiree friend
donna
On August 22, 2011...
Buenos Dias Matt,

Happy BIrthday!! What a way to spend your Birthday, Hope you are feeling much better. Miss you and keeping you in my prayers for a speedy recovery! Take care of yourself and have a great Birthday. Have them bake you a cake!!!!

Carmel
Matt Harness  Hi Carmel. I continue slogging along but your encouraging words keep me going. I think my birthday ca ... Read more
On August 22, 2011...
Hi Matt,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!
This blog is such a great idea ! I look on it to see how you are doing & the love, support and encouragement I see must be a wonderful feeling for you .
I know you are experiencing some valleys right now but GOD is right there with you and will lift you up.
I really hope you get to go home today on your birthday , what a wonderful present that would be :)
Carie
On August 21, 2011...
When I came in your room I smiled because I know that you're not alone in the furnace. Our Saviour is beside you and all to well knows your struggle. He saw you through when you were 16 and He's not one to leave things unfinished.
He's got this!
P
On August 21, 2011...
Hi Matt

I'm a fellow valver--I received a mechanical aorta June 30th. I also had pacing issues. The top part and bottom part of my heart weren't playing well together. The top was pacing @ about 70 bpm and the bottom about 40.

I ended up getting a pacemaker 3 days after the surgery. I was a bit depressed and freaked out when I got the prognosis. However, it all turned out well and I could instantaneously feel the difference; I felt 100% better. Although I wish I could have made it without the pacemaker, I'm finding it a non-issue.

Anyway, I hope you won't need a pacemaker, but if you do, remember it's a good thing.

Keep up the good work brother.

Kent Kersey,
Salem, OR (formerly of Fort Worth, TX!)
Matt Harness  Hi Kent,
I shared your comments with my wife and although we are similar there are some differences. ... Read more
On August 21, 2011...
We are praying forvyou and want to see you soon. Your journey is remarkable. Take care and get well soon!
On August 21, 2011...
Matt,
Love your story. I remember that time (1975) well!! Remember sitting on ya'll's patio with your mom and trying to comfort her. Was a time of great agony, suffering, worry and pain for everyone that knew or loved you and your family. Am so glad that the docs were wrong about your prognosis back then. You grace the world with your presence and the hearts and lives of those that are around you. Sending many prayers and much love for you and your family!!
Jo & Eddie Bawiec
Matt Harness  Hi Jo, I know that period of time had to be alien for our little neighborhood. I think we had a speci ... Read more
On August 21, 2011...
Glad you are doing so well Matt. The worst is behind you now. Hope they talk to you about rehab down the road. Tommorw will be my 27th session of cardiac rehab and it has made a big difference. God bless you!

Rob
( OAK)
Matt Harness  Rob, my surgeon has me starting next Monday on pt. I am following your advice. I just want out of her ... Read more
On August 21, 2011...
So great to "hear your voice" again on the blog. Paula did a great job in "filling in" for you with news of your surgery. The Lord is truly the Great Physician and He is leading you through this post-op time in recovery. Don't rush your recovery and allow time to heal.

Take care and "behave"
Donna
On August 21, 2011...
Praising God for your recovery. Prayed for you at our men's prayer breakfast on Saturday and will lift you up in chapel this morning.

David
Houston
On August 20, 2011...
SO glad to know that you're complaining (a little)...... that means you'll be feeling like yourself very soon ! Kyle says Hi .

Thoughts and prayers are coming your way.

Lorie
On August 20, 2011...
Matt,
Holy cow! I had no idea you were going through all of this. So sorry I was not there to support you. I've settled into Las Vegas after moving here during Holy Week (YES) to lead the Three Square Food Bank. A great opportunity. But the important question is how are you doing? My new cell is 702-539-3430. I'm leaving for Chicago tomorrow for a three day conference, so let's catch up during the evening if you're coherent. Eager to talk.
Brian
Matt Harness  Hi Brian, I finally had some strength yesterday. It has been a slog. I am still trying to survive thi ... Read more
On August 20, 2011...
Matt,
I happy you're coming out of the shadow world again. You have been in my thoughts and prayers during this past week of CST training in Tucson. Get strong soon. Dennis
On August 20, 2011...
Hi Matt-
I was glad to be able to read how well you are doing. Paula has done a great job updating.
I'm praying that you will recover quickly and be able to go home soon. take care!
Barbara :)
On August 20, 2011...
Hey Matt,
It was great seeing you and "Snooki" today. You look pretty good after going through an ordeal like that. God is good! I was impressed with Brittany and Megan too, hanging out with dad in the hospital on a Saturday!! They are such sweet, Godly girls! Praying continuously!
Ronnie
On August 20, 2011...
Editor and chief back at the helm!!! I will enjoy being the back seat driver, it's what I'm good at. Can't say enough about TRMC and Dr W. G. Jones! You should get about 100,000 miles out of this new transmission job.
Your private duty nurse
Snooki
On August 20, 2011...
Enjoyed reading your post, Matt. You have made it through the worst part, and things will only get better. Take care, and if you have a chance when you get your strength back, I would love to hear from you.

-Shelby
Matt Harness  Hey Shelby, finally getting some air under my wings bit no resolution on EP. Surgeon thinks my heart ... Read more
On August 20, 2011...
WE LOVE YOU!
Travis, Brittany, Megan, Ben, Anna
On August 20, 2011...
So happy u are doing well and recovering nicely and with the best of care with Paula!!! Praying for your continued great recovery. Love you cuz and praying for u and Paula!!!! Have a great Birthday on Monday.....what a great present to go home to rest in your own bed. Love, Valerie
On August 20, 2011...
Successful surgery = Prayer answered
Speedy recovery = Still praying
Mass for you today at 8:30 AM

Vic
Matt Harness  Hi Vic, your prayers must have worked because my surgery was perfect. I have no real pain only major ... Read more
On August 19, 2011...
Rock on Matt:)
On August 19, 2011...
Matt,
I am glad everything went well with the surgery and praying for your speedy recovery. God is good!

Rick
On August 19, 2011...
Matt,

I'm so happy to hear that all is going well with you. Before you know, you'll be back on the tennis court!

You are in my prayers. May the Lord's blessings be with you and your family.

Call, if there's anything that we can do for you and your family.

Nellie Salazar
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