Shari,

Just back from sailing rivers of Bangladesh. Get well soon so I can show you the pics. Good luck today and Shana Tovah, a great new year with a new valve.

Love
Michael

Shari - best of luck to you. I'm sure things will go well for you. They did for me and for pretty much everyone else here on the site.

Rob F.

Shari!!

I just played you a Bach Suite Mvt. on my cello (dedicated to you!). I love you so much!

Love,
Karen

Dear Shari,
I would have written earlier, but I've had internet issues. Happy that it's back in time to wish you all the best in your surgery tomorrow and my thoughts and prayers will be with you as you recover. I'm sure your courageous spirit will have you back on your feet in no time. Then it will be time for you to plan your next adventure!
Love,
Brenda

Shari,

My thoughts will be with you tommorow and during your recovery. i know that your'll be back on your feet in no time and itiching to travel and explore the world. Then we have got to orgainse a good old catch up.

missing you from across the pond

all my love

Anna x x x

Shari-
You know we'll be following you every step of the way and look forward to you running with Uncle Mike again....and leaving him in the dust! We'll even put a lounge chair out beside the fountain for you.
Love,
Aunt Susan

Shari!

What a great way to keep all your friends, near and far, in the loop. Your heart beats with the passion of all the beauty and wonder of God's world that surrounds us. You help us to see what we many times overlook so we don't miss these gifts.

Look forward to seeing you soon and hearing all your stories of adventure!

With love and prayers,
Jill

Shari--

It's so good to see your smiling face in the corner of this page. I will be thinking of you and praying for a smooth surgery and a swift recovery--don't hesitate to send me your address if you'd enjoy letters, mixtapes, Canadian candy (??) or whatever else I can scrounge up here in the prairies.

Peace, friend.

-Kari

Best of luck with the surgery. Get well and come back to Seattle so you can come learn about sewage treatment. It'll be the most fun you've ever had! It's great to have a heart buddy, hope to hear from you soon.

Derek and Nicole and baby

Hi Shari, You have the right idea about focusing on what it will be like in 2 or 3 months after surgery. I know that Michael was always thinking about getting back to the things he enjoyed doing the most. Shari you have so many close friends that you do not even know, that are a part of this Heart Valve Journal, who have you in their thoughts and prayers and will be with you every step of the way. We will be looking forward to your Mom & Dad's posting. Jim, Linda & Michael Rogers, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL

Hi Shari,

I've been thinking about you so getting this journal is great! I love the picture of you by the tree because thinking about your joy and love for the PacNW outdoors always puts a smile on my face.

Best wishes for a healthy and speedy recovery so you can reconnect with those trees soon!

xx,
Katie

Hi Shari,

My thoughts and prayers are with you!

Keep on tickin!

Adam Pick

Hi Shari. I am 6 weeks out from having my aortic valve replaced. I am a little older than you but aim sure you are as nervous and excited as I was. Getting everything in your life in order helps you mentally prepare for this marathon. I have a suggestion for the best possible outcome, which depends on your state of mind. I wrote 3 things for the anesthelogists and nurses and my friends too, to say during and after surgery. I was saying them to myself too. Here is what I wrote but you write what is true for you:

Hi my name is Jeff. To help speed my recovery please say these 3 things as often as possible

1- You are a winner and you never give up
2- you always give 110%
3- you have a great life

I wish you the best and hope to hear the great news next week. jeff

Shari:
I hope that you won't mind, but I'm looking forward (at least a little bit) to waiting on you during your recovery period. And I plan to help Mom in updating your journal.

With lots of love,
Dad

Hi Shari:

As you know, there are friends of the road and friends of the heart - you my dear Shari, are both.

We walk a similar road on paths that lead us to connect to the natural world - and to those people out there whose hearts speak to ours....

I hold you and your Mom, Dad and Barry in my heart through the upcoming event and look forward to seeing you all soon -

Love
Lin

Shari!

I was just thinking about you last night! I will definitely be sending good vibes your way over the next couple days, weeks, and months.

You Rock!

-Hana

Shari!!
I will be sending all my thoughts your way on the big day. Here's to a speedy recovery *virtual cheers*!

Be strong like a muscle wood! : )

Hugs,
Daria

Hi Shari.
Good luck next week. Cousins Michael, Elizabeth and I will be reading your journal and following your progress during this process. We will have your heart in our hearts. We look forward to your complete recovery!
Lots of Love,
Cousin Nancy

Hi Shari. You wrote in my son Lucian's journal earlier. We will follow your journal and recovery. Thoughts and prayers are coming your way as you prepare for surgery. Bev Zingarella

Hi Shari,
We're so glad that you've found the journal before your surgery. There is so much you can gain from others that have been through it. Michael Rogers is our son, who had a pulmonary valve replacement June 2, he just started his freshman year of college Monday just 81 days after his surgery! One week before our sons surgery, Michael's best friend told him that all he needed to focus on was to relax, let everyone take care of him, and chill! Spoken like an 18 yr old, no worries! And the best part is that - that was Michael's attitude! He literally did not stress. Which I believe helped him in his recovery. I'm not saying that there weren't very painful, difficult moments/days, but remember that you have excellent care, family who love you, so be calm and have faith that you will get through this!!
We'll check in on you! Our prayers are with you!
Warm Regards!
Linda and Jim Rogers (Michael too!)

Send me a list of books you've always wanted to read and I would love to read them to you :) Sending lots of love your way, Yvonne

The patient is my daughter. She was born with a congenital heart defect, pulmonary stenosis. After two operations involving open heart surgery in her first year of life, we thought that she would never need another operation on that kind. Now we know that she will need another operation that will result in her having a real operational pulmonary valve. Although she naturally has some anxiety about her forthcoming surgery, she is facing it with confidence and bravery, eager to move on to the next phase of her life. With great love, her Dad.

Hi Shari,

I just had my surgery last Thursday and I am home aready, but I wanted to encourage you ( you probably already are). To strengthen your quadripcepts, because you will definately be using those after your surgery.
Best of luck to you. I might just have to follow you!