Peggy,you are awesome! I'm so glad that you can put a smile on our faces even in a difficult time like this. Thanks for the updates and your great sense of humor. -Cindy

Glad to hear Duane is getting better again, he is in my thoughts and prayers as I recover in the great white north. We've got lots of extra ice chips for him today in Phila, 12 inches of snow and it's still coming down.

Kevin K. (Harleysville PA)

Continuing in ernest prayer for your recovery.

Linda D.

Hi Duane and Peggy,
Keep going, keep doing what you have to do. I don't believe that we ever truly 'get over' an experience like this and nor would we want to. It is a reminder of what we can endure and overcome. It strengthens our beliefs no matter what they may be, but I can imagine that you'll be so glad when this road is behind you and you can recall distant memories with a fond smile. Thinking of you both.
Warmest wishes
Penny (Scotland)

Wow! You guys have really been through it this past week! Continued prayers for healing, comfort, patience and peace!
The Bachelders

Awesome, glad to hear it, I've been hitting refresh for three hours.
Peggy you rock!
I know it was a normal thing after his kind of surgery, (researched the mayo clinic), but have been praying the whole day. I hope both he and you get some most needed rest tonight.

Love, Dave, Misty and the kids.

Dear Peggy and Duane
And this too will pass. Try and stay strong. Praying for you all and extra prayers for Duane. Cheryl, Ontario

Duane and Peggy,
Am praying for God's peace and strength during this setback. Trust all will go well and Duane will be able to go home soon.
Keith had this procedure done (the heart shock) 3 years ago after having A-fib for 14 years and it worked and he's not had a reoccurrence in 3 years.
Will be praying for you. God is there with you both.
we love you,
bonnie and keith

I hate to hear about this set back when all was going so well. I.m sure God is right there beside you both and all will be as it should after the surgery. I will keep praying for you all. Wilma

Stay strong. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love to you both. Lynda Allen

Hang in there. You are constantly in my prayers.

Deborah Q

We continue to pray and follow the updates closely. Love to you both.

Jen and Jeff McKinley

Wow,
So this explains the extra night there now, so Duane would be right where God wanted him at the time.

Other than the procedure this afternoon everything else seems positive.

Hang in there indeed...(mental hug)

Prayers and love,
Dave, Misty and the kids...

Can't be anything else that could happen. Peggy, maybe you should talk to Adam about writing your own book from a wife's perspective. With all that has happened, know you couldn't imagine getting through this without the Lord. Prayers continue.
Fran Zilko (FL)

Keep the faith Peggy as the Lord is always with you and so are our hearts and prayers. We love you both so much and I so much know what you are going through,but I also know that Duane needs your strength right now, so be strong. My prayers and thoughts are with you.

Gloria Kintner

Peggy---Duane

My prayers are forever with you,God has many plans in the works yet for Duane, I know he will be around for a long long time. As always,my prayers and thoughts are with both of you. Love and God Bless
Gloria Kintner

Hi Peggy,
Rollercoaster ride is the understatement of the year. Hang on in there, both of you.
Warmest wishes
Penny (Scotland)

Ouch, Goon! How frustrating this must be for both of you! We are praying for you and I trust that you will have a restful day and that the doctors will get all this stuff under control quickly. Al & Kim

Just wanted to assure you that Julie and I are still praying and believing that you guys will find an easier road ahead than you have so far! Love you guys!

Pastor Duane and Peggy-------Praying, prayin, praying. S.& S.

Sorry about the setback. I have prayed for you this morning.

Ron Phipps

our prayers and love are with you.
God is Love
God is Strength
God is Comfort
And God is with us
Love Melissa and Ryan

Duane, Peggy,

The Drs. will get the afib. under control. My mom went through the same thing, after her quad. bipass. In a couple of days she was sent home. Maybe an after shock from the surgery. Hang in there prayers are going out.
Our great physician will make it alright again. More blessing are on the way! Love, Nedra

So sorry that things changed so quickly. Know this is not how you both had planned this surgery and post op period to happen. Prayers for a true and final recovery with no more blips!!
Fran Zilko (FL)

Good Luck, hang in there, we'll be praying for you and Duane

Kevin K
Harleysville PA

good luck from dwight avr 1/19/09

Hi Duane & Peggy,
Glad to hear you're doing much better. I continue to pray for a quick and smooth recovery.
Sue Mabe

Yippie!!! We've been praying for you and your message made me cry! You sound like your old self! We couldn't write because our "mouse" died.(We think our cat killed it)Key question: When will you be able to chase Peggy around the kitchen table again? As one Michigander to another, you sound good enough to go on the Mackinaw Bridge Walk! See ya in church. Bob and Carole Hoffman

OK, Duane....enough drama. haha

Haven't been able to check in for several days and was so taken back by the report of your stroke. Oh my.

Sooo thankful that it was "mild", there's no permanent damage, and that you are on the mend. Blessing to you and Peggy.

Praying for you.

Pam Batterbee Pierson

Hi Duane and Peggy
I have been trying to keep up with your adventures of faith. Wow-you are one blessed man Duane. I've been praying for you since I heard about your stroke. Love the humor in your recent notes-now I'll start praying for Peggy-believe me I know how hard it is to be a care giver. Isn't God great? Judy

Duane so happy to hear from you "in person". Peggy was super keeping us in the "Valve Club" up to date even though she was busy and scared. God is good and your recovery is miraculous. What a testament you are to others.
Fran Zilko (FL)

We are so greatful you are well enough now to make an entry in the journal. Thank you for including all of us in your journey. God is so great! We have beern praying for you and praying he will continue to give you and Peggy and your wonderful family strength in the days to come. You and your family are such a testimony and wonderful example to the world.
Love in Him,
Linda D and Family

good to hear from you duane! sounds like youre back in action. thats the way to be! hey someday we have to talk,i had my stroke 3 weeks after surgery. it was a brain bleed. seems very similar. talk soon jeff
jeffstoveken@yahoo.com

Well Duane and Peggy,
I just had to check to see how you are doing and once again thank the Lord for continuing to take care of you. Your pictures are great! And God is greater still in taking care of all the little details as well as the BIG! May He continue to provide His loving arms around you through all of those caring for you.
Sending love your way,
Paul and Beth

Duane,
It was so, so good to read your post tonight! How overwhelming to read about the last several days from your angle. Based upon the detail and honesty, I would say Duane is back! :) Thank you for sharing your miracle story!! Still praying.
Love,
Mark and Shawna

Duane,

I'm about three days ahead you with Aorta vavle replacement. Many of your experiences were the same for me. Have a nice comfy recliner waiting for you at home, it's a major MUST HAVE. Sounds like your on your way to a great recovery.

Hang in there, good luck

Peace, God Bless

Kevin K
Harleysville PA

We were so happy to read the latest entry and to see that you are doing so much better. You have been in our thoughts and prayers and will continue to be.

God Bless You,
Al and Linda

Duane,
We are so happy to hear from you again! Glad to hear you're doing so much better. Enjoyed the pics too. :0) What a beautiful view from your room! We're all praying for you guys.
Much love,
Shylo & Becky

Duane & Peggy,

I just read your journal and it made my day! I'm so happy to hear that you're doing well.

In the words of an old preacher I once heard..."Ain't God good?"

Joel, Iowa

Soooo great to see you're back - and that you haven't lost your passion or your sense of humor! We will continue praying throughout the recovery, which will still be a process for both of you, physically and emotionally. On the bright side, you've given every one of us a great lesson in the power of prayer and utter reliance on God's power and control! :)

Hey Duane (and Peggy)
Glad you are BACK! I had to stop and get a Kleenex - you write with such honesty and passion I could hardly see the computer. Your writing took me to where you were and how you were feeling and the turmoil you and Peggy were going through. I'll bet you're one heck of a preacherman. Well Duane, I won't make my note long as you have tons of others to go through, but I want you and Peggy to know I am really thankful you have pulled through this okay. You have had a horrific experience. God wasn't ready for ya yet! Say, Peggy is great and you are blessed to have each other. Cheryl, Ontario

Ah, Duane. It is soooo good to have you back again, and making such a remarkable recovery. And Peggy, you did so good taking over the journal. Thank you. We always kenw you were a miracle lady. Is there nothing you can't do? We are looking forward to hearing you are all together again at home, and will certainly thank God when that happens. You both have done so much with your lives, and now it will continue, and we praise God for that. Don't know if you are a Star Treck fan or not, but in the words of Spock "Live Long And Prosper." Love, Bob & Joan

Glad to read your entry and know that you are indeed DUANE again!!!
Know we are praying and thinking of you daily.
I know you'll be glad to get home - and back to Peggy's cooking!

Love, Bonnie and Keith

Your news is getting better and better and now that Duane is back at the helm of journal entries - we can all, once again, be entertained with his quick wit and ability to mesmerize us with his storytelling abilities - the preacher in him for sure!
I do know what you mean about giving bad news and scary experiences - I was very reluctant to tell of Richard's trials and tribulations and being in ICU for 6 days instead of 1-2 days and now finally ending up with the added surgery of the pacemaker. However, I believe he is relieved (or will be when he gets out - which should be any minute).
Again, glad you are doing soo well. I will continue for now to only tell Richard how well you are doing! I guess he will read your journals when he gets to and will be surprised but then very happy as he sees how well you are doing.
Richard's wife, Susan

Hi Duane,

So happy to hear from you. I don't want to see the photos, thank you very much... :o) Hurry home.

Deborah Q

Hi Duane!

It was so nice to hear from you! The incision you have looks pretty gross!!OUCH!! Anyhow, all is worth it if you are OK! You are in our thoughts and prayers! Regards to Peggy and take it easy!!! You gave all of us quite a scare!! You will get stronger and praise GOD for your miracle!!

Aarti

Hi Duane! Happy to read your words! Glad to hear that your are walking around and looking forward to possibly coming home Friday! Loving your sense of humor during this whole ordeal!! Missing my next door neighbor but knowing she is where she needs to be! Take care and hope to see you when you return home....Stacey Mize

Thanks for the detailed update. Quite the story, glad you are on the road to mending and for the testimony you have to share. We'll keep praising and praying.

Hey Duane, based on the detail and lenght of the last posting by you, you are clearly doing great! Look forward to seeing you soon (since you messed up my last chance to visit you by having a stroke) I will wait until you get home my friend...

We love you,

Vaughn, Brenda and Wes

Duane- Your a superstar. Thanks for the details. I'm going to FiJi islands soon.
happy boating
captain bill