On January 13, 2015...

Duane Beeman posted a note for Terrie that says:

Terrie. Thank you for your encouraging words. I DO look at this as another night, another fight, another guy to beat up on !! I'm extremely glad they can fix it and I'm ready when the time comes. I'm not afraid. Just a bit apprehensive. A Marine used to look at me and say, "ain't nothin' to it, but to do it". He was right. Nothing to think about except those decisions I do have control over. All well.

John Noriega reacted to this

Terrie Syvertsen Hello there Robin! How are things in Phoenix? We finally got a little rain today. I am glad you enjoy ... Read more

Terrie Syvertsen Hello there Robin! How are things in Phoenix? We finally got a little rain today. I am glad you enjoyed the post! Sorry to hear you are having trouble with thrombophlebitis in your leg. Is it deep vein or superficial
thrombosis? I hope it was the superficial. My Mom had a deep vein thrombosis, scary! One of the things I experienced(and didn't share) after my surgery was that both legs above the knee had a superficial thrombosis for over two weeks and it wasn't pleasant so I am hoping that yours is getting better. As to the question of my heart monitor. The cardiologist said nothing major to worry- things that can be treated. Thanks for asking. How is your "Wound" and did it ever heal? I haven't read any posts of yours recently and tried to contact you several times with posts(last being Oct. 7th. checking up on you after you sent some nice responses to my journal posts. I do appreciate them. I don't know what the RSD stands for? I also don't know that I read about your rash but this seems like a painful thing to deal with, especially for that length of time. How is it being treated and does it seem to be making any headway in healing? I also remember you posting of the "Vac" for your wound and have no idea if this has healed or you are still dealing with this too. You have been given an awful lot of things to deal with and I am sorry you continue to have to bare it all. Healing prayers to you that there is an end in sight and healing will begin earnestly.
Congratulations on the delivery of your First Grandchild! That is exciting news and very glad to hear also that your daughter and son-in-law are recovering from the early arrival of the "tiny" boy. Robin, I hope the Joy of the newest member of the Family will fill you up and send a message to your body to Hurry Up/Heal Up and make it possible to enjoy this tiny bundle of life. How happy you must be! When my grandson Justin was born I was one of the first to hold him and I can remember the baby smells, the freshness and softness of his skin as I pressed him close to my heart as if it were yesterday. The joy in my step-daughters eyes and her husband standing nearby with his Mom, so many grins, so much love and of course the proud "Papa" Gary who at 6'4" made the baby look like a tiny rubber doll. What a celebration of life. So glad for your daughter that the resulting C-section to bring him into the world was successful. Yes also for all of us to feel the grateful emotions upon making it through such complicated surgeries and what restoration of our Faith, renewal of our Hearts we share. While Life's Pathway sometimes takes us through unexpected twists and turns through it
all, LIFE IS GOOD. Robin, enjoy the little one and as you drink in the new baby smells(minus the diapers of course!) I hope your healing takes a turn for the better, a very large turn. I will be praying for you and hope to see postings in the near future telling us you are doing better. I think I gave this to you before but here is my email in case you want to get to me directly(tsyvertsen1@sbcglobal.net) You take care, enjoy the "Boy"!

Eleanor R Terrie the Pirate, indeed! I imagine you have many more memories of a rambunctious childhood, scars ... Read more

Terrie Syvertsen Hello there my wonderful Heart Sisters! I am glad you enjoy the storytelling and love to read the res ... Read more

Terrie Syvertsen Hello Lilly. Yes, the ocean has a life of its own and it is always giving back.
I was born in Oakland ... Read more

Terrie Syvertsen Hello Lilly. Yes, the ocean has a life of its own and it is always giving back.
I was born in Oakland, Ca. and could see the view of the Bay Bridge and San Francisco from standing out on the sidewalk and looking down the Hill. From an early age I developed a fear of travelling by car over the bridges certain that there were sea monsters the looks of dragons that did not release a fire from their nose and mouth but instead a steady stream of water which would of course send the cars on a wave of water over the side and into the ocean below.
Later in life it was one of my favorite things to take my nieces on the bus across the bridges and off in San Francisco(where of course I "Left my Heart" like Tony Bennett and we would take the cable cars over to fisherman's wharf for crab and fish and spend the day near the waters
edge. I have always been captivated by the ocean and all of its inhabitants! My nieces lived in Alameda, Ca. and we spent many days together as well as that was a favorite place for me to go alone. I would walk on many weekends from the sandy shore out into the water for what seemed like a mile before being able to lay out an swim a bit but the water was extremely salty and the small tiger sharks were always out their with me as even at that distance standing in the water the water only came up to my knees and the ground below was a sticky mass of muddy sand. There is nothing more beautiful to me than walking along the shores of the coast watching the sea birds dive and run along the shoreline. Watching the waves, an endless pleasure as each one follows the other and bubbles up between the rocks and caves
along the shore. Standing on the rocks and achieving a safe perch and waiting for the waves to crash over sending their cooling spray is like being in a wet heaven, the spray sticking to your clothes and face before retreating into the dark blue sea. The taste of salt in the air and in your mouth. No better place to be, eh? And the sunsets over the ocean? No better place to be nor sight to behold. Yes, I was blessed to be born in California between the ocean and the tall forests and parks.
Pardon my departure from the post as I wandered off in the past and let my fingers join me on the keyboard on the trip.
One of the greatest things in your favor while facing your valve surgery is that you have similar respect and love of the ocean as you will be able to carry many visualizations with you into surgery no doubt some with thoughts of your partner standing in a scene or two looking out into the vastness of the ocean as it will make the moment peaceful and calm.
Santa Monica is a wonderful place to be and what a spot to recover in.
In answer to your question about the life of the valve? I am wearing a Bovine tissue valve(technically described as a Pericardial heart valve made by the Sorin Group Canada Inc., Mitroflow Division and now carry
a card for identification purposes should I need any treatment which I find kind of cool.........Aren't I odd?!!! I have been told by my surgeon that it's life is 10 to 12 yrs. if all goes well within this 65 year old body of mine!
Of course I am in belief of the technology being so updated that when and if I live to need another change in valve it will be done less invasively! I was also told that the more active you are the more the chances are you may need another replacement possibly sooner but since the biggest thing I do at this time in my life will involve(after proper recovery time for the lovely heart of mine) swimming, some weekend kayaking, biking around the neighborhood and nearby bike paths(see my "bike photo" under Terrie Syvertsen as it is on the coast at the San Leandro Marina where Gary and I were married over 37 yrs. ago with 30 people in attendance and with the ocean for a backdrop. Next day great picnic in the same park, same view of the ocean!
Yes, we live in Manteca near Tracy mainly as the housing was within our financial means and timing was good with the market. Going over the mountains was out of our reach at the time but we are grateful for the
laid back agricultural feel of Manteca with its road side veggie and fruit stands and cultural diversity. I think it may be the retirement place unless fate takes us back up North to Redding and the Shasta Lake and Mountains which was our plan as we lived up there for 10 yrs.' up until 2009. I can see where you love the ocean how this or Tracy would be to
far off your horizon! I am happy for you that at this time of your life you are able to be surrounded with such beauty and have no doubt that after your surgery it will be one of the reasons you will heal well and fast!
I know it is only usual to be fearful of the surgery but I want you to know that the surgery will go quicker than you think and that you will be uncomfortable for the first few days but monitored so well for pain that it will be nothing you can't handle. I think you will also be the type of Woman who feels the gratitude of waking up and having a fresh start ahead of you such a reward that you will be up walking the halls of your hospital with great strength and focus. It won't be long either that you are sitting somewhere comfy looking out over your ocean views again which will fill you with such happiness the only thing to expect next is those beautiful walks along the sand! My wish is for you to be wheeled into surgery with the calmness of the sea in the early morning hours. I will along with this community of heart Brothers and Sisters wish your surgery to go smoothly and your recovery a progression of days that keep getting better and better. If you have any questions that you would feel better answered with and email I will be happy to give you quicker answers(chuckle) so I can be reached at: tsyvertsen1@sbcglobal. net. Take care and forgive my rambling on as we spent today putting up Halloween decorations outdoors and it was so much fun but the most time up and outdoors that I have had in the 8wks 4 days from my post-op!

Terrie Syvertsen Dear Maggie (Margaret Lloyd),
Only you can make me weep thick, great tears with your words.
From the ... Read more

Terrie Syvertsen Dear Maggie (Margaret Lloyd),
Only you can make me weep thick, great tears with your words.
From the day I walked into the workplace in the 70's where you were to become my supervisor until today, your friendship is one of the oldest and truest of my life. Your love and support has been so strong that I even offered up my husband if I didn't make it thru my heart surgery, that is how much I love you. Who would not want the two greatest friendships of my life to be together if I were to leave this earth as the thought of Gary being alone for one minute without someone to love would have broken me even in heaven!!! I must add that Gary prayed fervently for me to live as I had let him know of my intentions, chuckle.
Well Maggie your comment above about writing touches me as in
any book I would have to have you as one of it's character's since so much time in my life was spent having adventures with you and so much of my life was filled with the knowledge that you always had my back and I yours. Ours is a friendship that has stood the test of time. I am blessed for it. I am entertained to this day with memories of it.
Remember the things we did, risks we took. Remember the walking at the Lake Merritt in Oakland after work. The nights "knocking back a few" and walking home to our apartments within two blocks of the lake and each other where we detoured off into the Park at Fairyland and walked up onto the gazebo at 1:00a.m. and sang Barbara Streisand sogs at the top of our lungs" We laughed until we cried and the singing continued until a park ranger" Ranger Ronald" escorted us safely across the street and to our apts. We were fearless, unstoppable and filled with a joy and zest for life that I have memories that fill me.......Full. Remember the nights sitting on the fire escape talking until the wee hours of the morning while I either played my guitar or macramed sea shells into twine until it grew too dark and then it was great just looking up between the trees
listening to our favorite albums, my music flowing out the windows of my apt. or yours two flights up and out of yours? Star gazing and feeling free and unencumbered? So many times you were there to encourage and support me and my dreams. You were there for the dragons before there was a dragon slayer! It is our friendship that has helped me nurture the soul and feed the spirit to find the words and create worlds with imagination based many times on events that you were either part of or center of! As my Friend you are one of the kindest, loving people I know with great integrity and Faith. You have helped see me through so much and never hesitated all these years to help me follow my Heart.
And when my heart need extra loving, you helped guide it to where it
heeded to go and made sure the Man that holds it wasn't left alone to worry and for this love and support for Gary I will always be grateful.
The fact all three of us are and have been friends for so many years is
of great joy as well to both of us. We are looking to many years ahead
as the hair grows gray and the adventures seem a little less daring!
Thank you for your kindness and encouragement Maggie. I love you, dear Lady. I hope you are fast asleep with your Cat-Boy, and birds all lined up on their perches too and the bear, raccoons that visit your back porch are out there behaving themselves as the coolness of night blankets them. Night night, Terrie, Gary, Hunter and Kat

On October 13, 2014...

Geri posted a note for Terrie that says:

Hi Terrie,
I am so happy to hear from you, I tried writing you a few times but for some reason I wasn't able to access your Guestbook or Journal
I am doing fine, am enrolled in cardio rehab class, just some fitness machines that one normally uses, and they take your b.p. several times, I go three times a week at 915am.
Due to the Ibola virus I am not traveling to Hungary to visit my severely ill sisterinlaw and have also suggested to my boys not to travel transatlantic either, my trip is around 14 hours, theirs would be considerably longer, one from L.A., other from Denver; I hope I am wrong about this plague festering and wish the nutty crowd in charge would stop all flights in and out of those African countries, even the other African countries have sense and intelligence enough to prohibit passage from Liberia and Sierra Leone (?)
I remember years ago when I had serious illness of pneumonia, my husband vacated our bedroom, had the children greet me at the doorway, in other words quarantine me in my room, it took months for me to recover.
Wonderful to hear you are recovering so well, I also found happiness in ability to resume carrying laundry up and down the stairs, folding, etc., and when weather is warm I adore hanging clothes out to dry on deck, nothing compares to the fresh air smell when drying outdoors
Yesterday when returning from my walk I heard a loud noise from an airplane, looked up to the sky and saw an old airplane flying with a loud rumble, then following the airplane was a triangle of smaller planes in set formation, two triangles of probably 36 airplanes, a neighbor suddenly appeared and we knew we were witnessing a special site in military history, later in the evening I heard on the news that WWII celebration to honor the military was being held in Washington,D.C., so the airplanes were vintage WW11 airplanes, what a fabulous site to behold and remember when the country respected our military, I am so old I remember when WW11 ended.
Now I need to repair my copy machine, for some reason is not printing.
Thank you for writing and hopefully I will be able to access your site, Best wishes to you, Gary, Hunter and Kat

Terrie Syvertsen Christine: Little story(yes here I go again!) When I was around 25 yrs. old an d several years out of ... Read more

Terrie Syvertsen Christine: Little story(yes here I go again!) When I was around 25 yrs. old an d several years out of a hurtful divorce(aren't they all?) I went into a new job making a fresh start feeling much as you do now. No expectations on my part just the hope of a better life, fresh start and new direction that would make me feel whole again. A little after a year went by and in through my office door walked this 6'4" Man who was hired to work on the dispatch maps outside of my office window. I learned he also was freshly divorced and over the next year became friends with him. One day, a little person came into the warehouse where I worked and her little blonde head and blue eyes regarded me
carefully as she stood on tip-toe obviously looking for her Father. When She gave me a name for whom she was searching I buzzed her through and She ran directly into the arms of her Father who picked her up like a little floating feather and twirled her in his arms. She spun around and pressed her little cheeks laughing up into his face and I saw their love. It was at that moment that I fell in love again. Nothing planned, nothing expected. Just fate. You see, for a number of medical reasons I was not able to have children and one of my greatest sorrows, and to date my only life regret was not to have been able to have a child with someone I loved. But you see, Life turned that all around for in those few moments and that one life encounter with this beautiful little girl, I was handed a great gift that wiped away all the pain of what might have been and brought me one of my life's greatest joys. A child to love and share my life with as a Step Parent and hopefully a friend She would be able to count on too. With her Dad the two of them became a part of my life and one of the most important ones to date. My point is Christine that life can be going one direction and we think we are on track and things happen to throw us off balance. If we are lucky, don't give up and have Faith the amazing thing is that the Universe has away of working lots of little Miracles just when you least expect it. With your Faith, your energy, the love you have for your Children, with your will to face new changes and not give up it is only a question of time that Christine Pitteli begins to see a series of miracles come into her life as well! More miracles like those of your daughters to continue to make you feel whole. (And yes, two of my miracles were my Gary and Kirstin for whose time in my life I will always feel blessed. And it is not asking too much to want a partner who will feel for you and your girls this wonderful kind of love. You are headed in the right direction by focusing on the heart issues, getting stronger and readying yourself for the recovery that will lead you and your girls to brighter and healthier tomorrows by continuing on being just who you all are today. Family.
I am having a great weekend and Gary has promised to take the trees outside to take a fresh photo to upload as in our move here to the new house in 2013 we mislaid some of our photo discs. So I should have a photo up tomorrow sometime of the trees. My recovery is continuing to go well and I have no complaints just the joy of progress one day at a time which you will discover for yourself soon! You take care of yourself and the girls and look forward as you dream tonight of all the good and uplifting things ahead. Terrie, Gary, Hunter and Kat

Terrie Syvertsen Hello again Christine. Great that you have the recliners as they will be in the right place at the ri ... Read more

Terrie Syvertsen Hello again Christine. Great that you have the recliners as they will be in the right place at the right time just as you need them. It is really important to know when you head home you will be able to make yourself comfortable. I found that walking(even if it is around the house due to weather, etc. was a great help to realign the body. Just don't overdue and let people help you every chance it is offered. People will be very good to you in the hospital and you will take on an attitude that you want to do anything and everything you can do to help them help you so you can get home ASAP! You will have the excitement remember of knowing that all the waiting is over and you will be headed home to your beautiful girls to help you recover. It is one of the best feeling you will experience. Knowing you are on the other side of this and headed home to pick out a recliner, ha.
You are right about the painted room and the deer. I do think it was a generation thing and the fact that my Dad loved to look up the stairs leading to the doorway of my room and see it hanging there. A Hunter/Guy thing. I was one of five kids and believe me we kept my parents on their toes.
Yes Christine, I am very happy with my progress and will look forward from week to week seeing the progress I am seeing and feeling. The body is an amazing thing. Can take all of these changes and bounce back. It is important that you take it a day at a time and not try to impress your girls how much you are able to do too soon! I think you are a go getter and you need to be good to yourself especially the first few weeks home and I assure you that you will be surprised at how well your body responds. It is important to find comfort and sleep even If they are short sleeps. You will learn to follow your bodies needs. I am looking for the "trees" and will post the photos soon(tonight)They aren't as good a job as I would have been able to do had I been feeling better when making them. I will probably make a cut out of Hunter and Kat
for Gary to cut out and we can put by the trees. Depends on how I do in the next 2 weeks.
You my dear Woman are going to do really well, I just know! I hope you are thinking of how much better it will feel not to have to worry any more and the freedom you will have to move on with all of your plans with "work" and spending time healing with the girls. They will be such inspiration for you. Christine, there will be things you think you have to get done before you leave but when you think about it I bet they can wait until you are home again.
Think of the possibilities once this is over with. How exciting to get out and find a job you will love going to and when on your feet and the Universe sees fit(you are a beautiful Woman so I see this happening soon) that you will find someone worthy to share your girls with you as a Family and Life will feel as Full as it can get!!!! This is my wish for you. A great, smooth and uncomplicated surgery, wonderful recovery and a clear road with opening doors to all life has to offer. And you will feel a difference in the way you feel after your repair. It may take a little time to realize it since your body will be busy repairing itself but you will see and feel the difference.
I am going to find the cd with my photos of the trees and have Gary get them on my photo space. You have a good weekend. Stay safe an be positive. The wait is almost over! Terrie

Thank you, Terrie. You are a very special person. i do not say that often. Lots of hugs to you. T ... Read more

Terrie Syvertsen Hello Robin. Good to hear back from you too. Don't worry about me and the heart monitor as we are now ... Read more

Terrie Syvertsen Hello Robin. Good to hear back from you too. Don't worry about me and the heart monitor as we are now buddies 'til the end! It is being used to see if it is just the SVT episodes I had prior to surgery that have nothing to do with my valve situation. I have meds for it and will have an ablation when the heart is strong and healthy again to see if it will stop. If not it can be controlled with meds. Everything else is going along ok! Incision looking like it is healing well also. Sorry about your wound and glad that it seems to be being taken care of properly and will hope it heals up for you as that isn't a pleasant area to have to work around now is it? I bet the desert area is beautiful this time(any time) of year! Yes we are getting some color in the trees and things are beginning to show autumn changes! We had rain yesterday for the first time in forever which helped the wildfires here in Calif. so it was a good day. I gave Hunter, Kat and Gary a scratch behind the ears for you, ha, ha. Funny thing, they all raised their back right legs and pounded the ground at the same time while being scratched! Yes, it is wonderful to have our wonderful pets with us on this journey as they tune into us and just have to look up at us to have us feel their concern and love for us. They were precious yesterday with the rain as Kat was right outside the patio door in her "hut" laying upside down and tapping at the glass to get Hunter's attention as he was laying with his nose against the glass watching her too. I sat taking a cat-nap at one point watching the two of them communicate with each other. I can't have her in the house as I am highly allergic to her fur. I can let her run in and out for brief visits but she is used to being outdoors and six other neighbors have her in and out of their houses and feed her as well so she is just happy as hell owning all of our attention. Two people have cut a hole in their garage window screens for her to get inside if she wants but she chooses to be with us the most, rain or shine. When you've got it, you've got it! Take care and be strong too. Be Well, Love, Terrie, Hunter, Kat

Terrie Syvertsen Christine- I think any crying "in a good way" is a good thing as it opens up the heart to receive pos ... Read more

Terrie Syvertsen Christine- I think any crying "in a good way" is a good thing as it opens up the heart to receive positive thoughts and energy as much as a warm smile does or the laughter of your children and how it reaches down into your soul!
If you read anything I have written in my journals or guest books you will learn how this community popped up into my life and the village of people who reached out with love and support entered into my life with no warning or expectations and somehow have become a very important part of my life Family and a large piece of who I am growing into as I continue on this path of mine. So please do except all thoughts that you can handle and the ones your heart can sort through that you feel will help you on your journey. People here are good people. They are your heart brothers and Sisters! As to not knowing what is coming your way, I already feel that you are intelligent and a spiritual enough Woman to know that the Universe will just keep teaching us as it has from our beginning and the Powers that BE will guide you and your Children along this Path to what is meant to be. I want you to Believe with all of that strength and beautiful heart filled with love that your time here is precious and will continue for many years to come. You have Two Beautiful and Special Magnets here on Earth who will keep you Centered and a Life where Dreams will come true and good things are coming!
As to being married a second time. First was one of those things forgotten but still a good life experience. Gary(my husband) was not sought after or expected. When I wasn't in search he kind of floated in under the radar and a friend turned into a friend and life partner. I hope when you are through having your heart mended you will soon after have your heart stolen by the right Man who will be there as the greatest friend you have every known and who will love your daughters as much as you do. This is my belief in the kindest of the Universe and in the Power that guides us through life. BELIEVE.
Oh yes about your heart racing. I have a thing called an SVT that had nothing to do with the aortic Stenosis which produced a quick heart beat as well and was brought under control with meds. I will have and ablation one day when my new mended heart and valve are strong enough to see if it will correct the problem. I want you to know that there is nothing that the surgeon and his/her team are not prepared for and you are the only focus for them at surgery time. They are equipped for all emergencies and you will hopefully have that same feeling as you look up into their smiling faces while being wheeled into your surgery.
As to my trees for Halloween we are getting them out to spruce them up and check the lights probably this weekend and I will be happy to share a photo. I think it would be a great project for you and your girls and a lot of fun for your yard decorations. I will try to post by the weekend! I have to go to bed now as we get up at 2:00a.m here for my husband to get ready for work.... Thanks for the well wishes. You take care now and I will enjoy hearing further from you and your girls!
Good night, Terrie

Terrie Syvertsen

On September 11, 2014...

Eleanor R posted a note for Terrie that says:

Hi, Terrie, just checking on you. I imagine you moving around your house and garden, with Hunter underfoot, lining up things to do. Isn't being Home Alone liberating in a sense? For me, it was almost like playing house, or being in your first apartment as an adult. "Really, is it just me home alone? Do they think I'm ready? I must be an adult then!" Erica went to work part time in my week 2 or 3, probably 4 as it was early August and she was running summer dance camps from 12 to 4. My nephew works for the federal govt. and he's gone from 7.30 to 5. He took off to stay with me the first week, "to manage the animals" in his word, and Erica was with me full time also the first and second week, then by week 3 I was partially home alone, and actually enjoyed it. I could test out what I could do (or not), without someone saying "Be careful!" or "Let me do that". I know you are a strong and independent woman, Terrie, much like me so I can see you testing the boundaries of what you can do. Your body will be your guide as to what you cannot do, and will tell you when it is time to rest. I've never napped during the day, but I certainly have learned to sit down more than before. I go for cardiac rehab orientation next week, and I imagine after that the real thing will start. Looking forward to it and dreading it at the same time (I'm not a big exercise fan lately, other than swimming and walking), but I know I need it and will be there. I am glad you take your cell phone on your walks, I too have learned to keep my close by, even at night as I promised Erica when she moved back to her apt. that I would call her if anything strange happened, which nothing has. My philosophy is that if we are prepared, then nothing too wrong can happen. If there are benches in your park, test them out. If there are none, then don't walk too far, steady movement for 30 mins but you are not in a race my girl. I know Gary's work was glad to have him back, and while he was ready for being with his work buddies, I know he was concerned the first few days, and will have appreciated your having the cell phone close at hand. A bit too hot in northern Virginia today for a walk, I will wait until the sun goes down a bit then walk the dog a couple of laps around the cul de sac. They are coming to retrieve the rented recliner today, so sad, I have slept so well in that, even better than in bed since I was sleeping on my back, and not rolling over all night to avoid hip twinges. "Get over yourself" I tell myself, so I've been back in bed for a couple of night now. If I really miss it, I will have to buy one, but wouldn't that be silly to not be able to sleep in a bed anymore? Very troublesome when traveling I would imagine!" Best wishes to you, hope you are healing well. Life is good at 9 weeks after surgery, with driving, walking, cooking, shopping, catching up with friends, and pretty much doing whatever I wish (except for the swimming and cutting grass, too much use of chest muscles, not yet, but coming soon I hope). Just know that I am thinking of you, and am proud of your progress and how you chose to handle the whole heart valve surgery journey. You are an inspiration to many of us, as is Gary. Love to you. Eleanor

On September 9, 2014...

Ginger posted a note for Terrie that says:

Terrie, My Dear Sister,
Just in case you have not heard it, I want to say to you how extremely proud I am of you and of all you have accomplished since you and I met in May. That may seem like a very short time, but there has been so much packed into it that it feels much longer. I have seen you grow in so many ways. You have made some very difficult decisions, most with your heart's best interest in mind. You have kept a number of different kinds of medical professionals from throwing you off track -- using tact and assertiveness to stay with your goals. The most extreme example I can think of is two different kinds of doctors who did not have expertise in the area of immediate need trying to take your time and divert you from seeing a professional who was, indeed, an expert in the area of concern. You phoned, called, wrote e-mails, but the main thing is that despite major efforts to the contrary you kept your focus on what was the next step in getting to heart valve surgery. Then when another professional set up a schedule for what she wanted to do for you (which would have paid her handily but put you at risk) you asked the definitive question. "If I follow your plan, when will this work be finished?" Astonishingly, although she knew you had surgery scheduled in the end of August, her time table would not have had you prepared until September 12!!! Say what??? I am proud that your ability to speak up for yourself and manage your own affairs when those who should have had your best interests at heart did not appear to became so noticeable that, on an office visit, one of the physicians in the mix came out and said, "Terrie, you have changed!"

And I am also proud of the way you spent so much time these past months following everyone on this website enough to pick up people in real trouble and get them the help they needed. You have been a tremendous source of positive energy and encouragement -- a huge change from where you were when I first met you on this site.

Now you need to use your energy to focus on recuperating yourself, and I think you are doing a great job of trying to care for yourself without overdoing it. Our bodies, and I am certainly echoing the voices of many others, tell us when to stop. We need to listen and follow them.

I am so proud of you, proud to be your Heart Sister, and am looking forward to a future that has you in it!

With great love,