Rick's Guestbook

Good morning Rick. It is wonderful to read about your recovery "road" and that you are sharing some of the experiences with all of us. Thanks for the post! I am especially glad you have had a chance to spend some quality time with your Family and that your attitude has been so positive. I can imagine the relief in having this surgery behind you and hope you will be kind to your heart as you continue to gain your strength and stamina. Just one thought. Your body has gone through an incredible process and needs time to heal well so when it needs a break, take it! Sounds like you are doing incredible things. Continue to heal well! Happy for you and your Family! Take care-

Rick and Family- Good to read about your progress and fun to see you are spending quality time with the Family! We used to play Chutes and Ladders with our daughter and Sorry was her favorite as well. The first time I remember a big laugh as She got really mad when She didn't win and said" You really aren't sorry, not fair"! If used to make her mad when we both chimed in "sorry" in a sing songy sort of way. Sounds mean but she was so little it was funny. Glad you are able to walk well and looking forward to any time not out of breath while moving, ha! Bet that just about every waking moment you are saying to yourself "Man, glad that is over!!!!! So very happy for you and your Family!

I am so glad you are doing so well. Your stamina will come back slowly, don't push yourself too hard. :-) Reach small goals and before you know it you will be good as new. Joey and Collin are pretty great, but that is because you deserve the care and attention. My sister couldn't have found a better man. We all love you and are praying for your speedy healing and your energy to return. If you need ANYTHING, please don't hesitate to call.

Hey Rick, great journal entry and a good start. I am so glad to hear that you are having a solid recovery. Just looking at some of your guest book entries one would think that there is too much love in your house. Not a bad thing to have isn't it? Your journal spawned more questions for me and I was wondering if there is anything you would add or do differently in your recovery? Was that a good valve choice for you? Did anything go sideways in your recovery to date? Is there anything to tell us newbies about the process that we would benefit from? It is hard being laid up from surgery and I see you want to get back to work next week or so. I was wondering if that will tax your body more by drawing on your already limited resources. With that said there are also benefits by keeping your head going and pushing ahead with your work albeit at a reduced rate. Ah, but it really will take care of itself. Mother nature has its own ways of balancing things off and it will tell you so. Keep up the good work and hope to hear more from you.

Rick- First off, congratulations on getting your heart mended! I have to tell you that your Wife(who adores you) and yourself touched my Heart and valves deeply!!!! What a wonderful picture you gave to all of us of a Family filled with love and support and I am honored to witness just one more example of someone who has stepped up and gotten their hearts mended and shared their story with us here at our community which grows every day. It sounds like you, your wife and son have the greatest gift in "each other"! So happy for you and wish you all continued love and support throughout your recovery. Glad you came to this site as your experience adds to the communities ability to learn and share with one another! Great 1st Journal entry and looking forward to reading more as you recover! One thing. Even if it is your own business Mister.....Be kind to yourself and don't push too hard at first. Let your body tell you when it has had enough and be patient! I am sure your Wife and Son will keep you grounded! Please pay attention to all of your Heart Brothers and Heart Sisters who will no doubt be as touched as I was with your entry and want to share and learn as well. Take care and good luck with your return to work too.

Rick, We are so thankful that your surgery went well, and know that you will be getting stronger every day. You are so important to all of us, and your health means the world to us. You have been through so much in your life, and this will make you even a stronger person than you already are. Keep healing and don't overdo it when you start back to work. We all love you more than words can express!!! Sheri, Scott, Michael & Kevin

Rick, I feel so blessed to be married to you and to raise our son together. I have loved you practically since the day we met. I wish that you didn't have to go through any of this. But, I am so glad that your surgery went well, your recovery is progressing (slowly, but surely) and most of all I'm glad that this new heart valve will give us many more years together and will allow you to watch your little boy grow to be a man. He has such a wonderful role model in you. We are both very proud of you for making the right choices for your health and for us. We love you!

God Bless you Rick, so wonderful to hear your positive recovery and the loving family and friends supporting you. this website is like a learning site for heart valve surgery but more important loving families and friends keep ticking Geri