Rebecca's Guestbook

My Dear Friend Rebecca, I thought I'd write a private email but apparently I don't have your address. I'm really saddened to hear that you're having more trouble but most of all I'm saddened that you say you're scared. I know you know many scriptures that are comfort when we fear the unknown. I don't think you're facing the "unknown" it's just that we don't want to go there.

Two years ago yesterday I went to my primary doc for an annual and she was alarmed by my heart. She made an appointment for me not the next day but the day after. No messing around. While I was at that cardio PA my heart rate went to 30 BPM. they didn't like that but Baylor Scott & White RR couldn't deal with that on a Thursday. So they got some ambulance drivers from Bastrop to take me to Temple, 

So I'm lying on a table looking up and this doc asks about directives and that stuff that I had none of. So he asked about what I wanted to do if.......... From my back I just needed to look up to talk to Jesus, asked if all was clear up there and He told me that I knew it was clear but he had more stuff for me to do. 

I've been doing His stuff for two years now and I'll go back to that doc tomorrow. I have a pacemaker and I'm keeping pace.

The 23rd Psalm is so common that many just take it with little meaning. Think about "The valley of the shadow of death". We don't go into a dead end valley of death, we just go into a valley, and all valleys have a way in and a way out. The shadow of death may be over that valley but it's just a shadow. Shadow boxing? The shadow can't hurt you and neither can death. Jesus has overcome death for all who trust.

I hope I haven't been to grim, especially at Christmas. I know the Savior who's birth we celebrate will have you by the hand and I pray He has more stuff for you to do. To enjoy life.

With love, John

I'm with you I don't care if my scar shows. I'm proud of it as it was the most scary thing I have ever went through (child birth was a piece of cake) Gladyour doing well and enjoying retirement.

Rebecca, I'm so happy that you have come through this life-changing surgery and can now enjoy the rest of your life. I know you are wondering what to do now that you have retired? Have you thought about volunteering at an animal shelter, or helping drive patients to/from their doctors appointments, volunteer at a non-profit thrift store? There are so many things you can do, and so many people/animals who can benefit from your help. I know you will find a new calling. Best of luck with your future! By the way, I meet with my surgeon on Thursday. He was pleased with my echo, basically unchanged from 6 months ago, and has said I can probably wait another year or two for my surgery (unless I start having symptoms). So....I'm getting on with my life, too.... <3

Rebecca, so very nice to hear from you and find that you are doing great. Your are encouragement to all the patients and especially me. I am still pre-op and waiting. I believe my next visit to the cardio will produce needing test and then perhaps the surgeon. Even my PCP, who sees me every 6 months wants to see me after I see the cardio and so I see my cardio March 7 and the PCP March 12. Do keep us posted as you go forth. I was retired and then a part time job in a different area from my career job came along and I grabbed it. I love it and then I had been volunteering at a CareNet Pregnancy Service office and I expanded that to 2 times a week. Suddenly I am very busy. You will find your groove (??) without even realizing it, but the days can blurr together without the usual structure. Keep it up and keep us in the loop. God's blessing on you and yours

Hi Rebecca. We have been keeping up with your progress and praying for you all the way. My parents are retired and I think they are busier (and happier) than I have ever seen them. You'll do great! Hope you can make it to our Open House next Saturday (the 18th), We would love to see you and meet your husband.

Congratulations on your retirement dear Rebecca. How about learning the Spanish you were interested in before? I took up teaching International Folk Dancing to older women when I retired. I did it for 10 years - I will get back to it I hope if I can figure a way to dance and call the next move. The AF makes me puffed so I will have to modify my style. All the very best to you whatever path you take.

Rebecca, I am retired, but find that I am working Part time and love it. I did real estate closing for title companies and for law firms for 30 years. Now I work for an insurance agency. Love it. I also volunteer at a care net pregnancy service. Love it too. Then in the mix is my love of photography. So you can see how busy retirement can be. Lol. Enjoy!

Rebecca: Retirement, good for you! I am sure you will find plenty of ways to fill your schedule once you leave your job. I am glad you are feeling well. Now, with more available time, you can focus on what is most important to you. Congrats!

Rebecca, How wonderful to hear from you and find that you are doing great. It is a funny thing about retiring in that you suddenly become more busy than before. Congrats on this decision. The twists and turns of life are what keeps us going. I am still waiting, but expect things to get more exciting in the beginning of March, when I see my cardio again. Do drop us a line and let us know how you are doing and what fun you are having.

Hey Roomie, have not seen a blog on a while. Hope you are doing OK. Wish you were going to Costa Rica with me. Only Randy and Anne are coming from Austin. Will miss you! Praying for you!

Rebecca these life changing decision are tough but you have already made the biggest one with the valve surgery and a long healthy life. So this decision will be just fine. I personally have to work in order to pay the bills. Fortunately my job is not very stressful. My career job was stressful and I did it for 30 years. Be blessed and change direction as you continue to heal.

Rebecca So pleased you are doing well. Sorry to hear about your job. At this point in our lives we just want a work environment that is positive. Sometimes that is just not possible. I wish you success as you plan the next step in your work life. All the best this holiday season!

Hi Rebecca, I have been wondering how you were going at work! Easy peasy now girlfriend! Enjoy your w.e. and Thanksgiving. (We Aussies don't celebrate Thanksgiving but I think it is a lovely idea!)

Well, my friend, that is a good report. I could not be happier for you. What a long way you have come! Congratulations, Rebecca. I like the idea of the gym adding to your physical job exercise. I will also workout after rehab to rebuild my body. Happy thanksgiving to you!

I am praying for Rachael and her family too. I started crying last night when i read about her condition. Yes, God is in control. I continue to be her prayer warrior. About 2 years ago I remember that we lost a young patient on this community site. It was so sad. Glad to hear you are back to work and doing so well.

Hey Rebecca We celebrate together and we suffer together. Rachel helps each of us place our own challenges in perspective. how did you make out at work this week? That was a tough challanges for any one of us - re-entry into the workplace. Thinking of you.

OK Rebecca you got through your first full week! Now you can kick back over the weekend. You can only get better from now on. I so know how you feel when Rachel is having such a hard time of it. But we can only offer our prayers and support and live our own lives the very best way we can. It is comforting to me that the rest of us at least are all ok.

Rebecca you are doing great. I guess the 1/2 days are okay, but what you do in that half day can be too much if you are not careful. Rest and go, rest and go. You will be fine. Don't get discouraged.