GREAT NEWS!!! Please give him a big hug and kiss from me as soon as he can take it!

Thanks for updating so quickly.... been thinking of you both all morning and wondered how things were going.

Love, Cathy

Great news, thank you for the up date. Art and Elizabeth

THNX this report, Isa. I also talked to ICU. Got to run errands. Be back c. 1 hour. Love and more prayers, donna, bzzzz

Cuz,
I think of you so much. Your sure
in my heart with thoughts and prayers.
Love you so much.
Ray

As the British say, "You're a brick," Isa. He is in Divine Hands and the best of medical hands. Unceasing prayers and love,
Donna, bzzzz

We are thinking of you, talking about all you did as kids. You will come through this surgery with flying (feet of) success

Art and Elizabeth

Getting ready for my class this morning. You'll be in my thoughts the whole time.
Nancy

We are thinking about you Ken and will have you in our prayers this morning for the surgery.
Big hugs,
Suzanne and Pierre

Thinking of you and all the very best during your procedure. To help with your recovery the iPhone pre-orders begin Sept 12th.

John

Howdy Uncle Ken!

We have no doubts that your surgery will be a grand success tomorrow. Please know that you are in our thoughts everyday and that we look forward to introducing you to your grand-nephew and grand-niece in person as soon as you are able.

With love and happy thoughts,

Brian, Leah, William, & Olivia

Thanks so much for having me over for lunch today! Yummy!! Jeff (and Stephen to a lesser degree- he liked the sandwiches, not the sushi or even the pie!) appreciated the leftovers!

We will all be thinking of you at 8am and on wishing all to go smoothly. Will check in here for updates.

Hugs! Cathy, Jeff & Stephen

My prayers and good wishes to you Ken


Phil Simone

Good luck to you Ken, we'll all be thinking of you

...Vicki D.

I agree with Lee, yes, Anesthesia IS a wonderful thing. I'll be another spirit with you tomorrow. Thanks to Izzy for keeping you too busy to think too much. Love you,
dj
bzzzz

As I said this morning Ken, it's just a walk in the park and done many times everyday. You'll do just fine, your in good hands so enjoy the ride.

All the best, John

Monday August 13th... I'll be there with you in spirit tomorrow... As a survivor of several major surgeries, I can attest to the fact that it's all just a piece of cake. Anesthesia is a wonderful thing.

Happy Landings...

Lee

Hi Ken—

Welcome to your Isabelle–lovely photo ! Great day for a jazz concert. Rooting for you as I leave my novice instructions for a 15 second Qigong exercise to cultivate well being Qi (life force). Have been told (pardon my omitting references n’ all, in this moment) that cultivation begins the moment of practice. So, if you’re inclined, 3 basic steps are below.

While standing or sitting or lying down or simply imagining, and with the magical ingredient of intention:

1) Hold your body tall comfortably.

2) Inhale a deep breath into your belly (through nose or however); hold for the count of 1 thousand/ 2 thousand/ 3 thousand and, then, slowly exhale.

3) (while you) Imagine clouds—there’s your window, instead :))))

Takes around 2 minutes to do 8 times, depending on how you make the process your own.

Enjoy the state of being playful with and cultivating won-der-ful Qi.


Forwarding Qi,
Marilyn

Enjoying your family, relaxing and laughing is the best way for a healthy outcome. I am very impressed with how you are doing.

Hugs, E

Jazz Festival this afternoon: GREAT! Glad you and Izzy are covering all the bases and having FUN. Fun rules! Absolutely necessary to being in good shape for op. Unending love and positive thoughts for you and for Izzy.
dj
bzzzz

Welcome Ann Isabelle! Your dad so appreciates your love and support!

Janet
xo

There's still time to come over here instead and I'll take you to that Mexican resturaunt again (my treat). Mybe Dixie could join us this time.
Nancy

Hi Ken,

I have just returned from a business/vacation trip of one and a half month and saw your note.

You always have had a big heart and brought us a lot of warmth, so I am sure It will get fixed soon.

My best wishes are with you.
Henri

Hi ken,

Just found out that my August 14th surgery (we're partners in crime!) has been moved from 11:00-8:00 AM. Perhpas we'll be levitating together!

Many prayers and love to you from Janet,Phil and Louise
Made some of your favourite chili con carne today to assist in the recovery!

I hope Isa arrives on her new schedule tomorrow and she has a good (uneventful) flight. I will be thinking of you both. Enjoy some special time together before your surgery. I will call Sunday night when we're back from the cottage.

In the meantime, keep yourself busy so you don't get too caught up in thinking about it all too much.

Hugs, Cathy

What glorious news that the synthetic heart implant was a success. That should make you feel wonderful. Now you next. It is going to go super duper well. Studies have proven that those for whom lots and lots of prayers are being said by lots and lots of people recover faster and better than those without those prayers. So my prayers and everyone else's join together for you and your entire medical team. Levitate? Why not? We all love you Kenny, myself not the least, good brother and best friend. HLP, dj (bzzzzzz)

je suis toujours en retard de mail ! je comprend que tu dois etre operé le 14 Aout. Avec Nicole nous t'embrassons.Tout se passera bien nous en sommes surs.
affectueusement .Roger & Nicole

Dear Godmother Ken,

Agreed with Marilyn's comment. I've been thinking of you all yesterday and today. I was rock climbing today and overtaking a climb I had never tried. It took alot of effort but after quite a few tries I got it right. It reminded me of you and your own life adventure. I can't wait for you to recover well and fast to take on more out of life!

Clélie

Hi Ken,

I believe that if, at the time of surgery, people spirit to you a prayer and/or a kind wish and/or a bit o'humour or some-such, you'll practically levitate from all that soulful goodness!! I'm getting a head start in this moment as I round up my best wishes and forward them to that time—no need to worry, the Universe knows what time :)

'Bless,
Marilyn

Good grief! Just found out about the delay. I'm glad to hear everyone was able to rescedule around it on such short notice.This will give you time to watch "Guys and dolls" again and read a new Daniel Silva novel. :-)
More hugs,
Nancy

Ce bon et vieux proverbe qui dit "à quelque chose malheur est bon" s'applique parfaitement à ton cas, Ken. One day you'll know it was a perfect postponment !
Cheers, and thanks for keeping us posted so regularly ! What a nice way of sharing your dailyl emotionse ! Bises, Dalal

I also had to postpone my surgery for another. At my 3 wk post-op with my surgeon I met another patient who had received a heart transplant. Through our conversation I learned that he was the patient who took my spot. He was very grateful for the new heart and I was glad I got to meet him. I did not tell him how his heart effected mine....wasn't important (anymore). Everything happens for a reason.
Debbie A

Hi Ken,

Thanks for all the messages and insight into your operation. I'm sure if the doctors didn't think you could wait the week then you yourself might have become the "emergency" to bump someone else!
Still, frustrating to try to plan for something only to have someone else at the controls change the rules on you.

Glad Isa was able to change her trip and will still be here when you need her the most. Keep us all posted.

Hugs, Cathy

We are so proud of how you are handling everything, and know that with all the expert help you have available you will be healthy soon.

You have a bunch more living to do.
Hugs from both of us. Elizabeth & Art

Hi Ken, Its all part of Gods pland. So don't worry. Look at it this way, maybe you are saving someone elses life besides your own. There is always a reason.
Getting there
Linda H

Ken, our CCF days together ended long ago but you are always remembered. Once you get through this (and we know you will) please try and make our next reunion. We would all love to see you.
All the best,
Lou B

Don't you just hate it when you get all psyched up for something and it doesn't happen! Take it as a sign that nothing's going to happen and it'll be smooth sailing the next couple weeks. Thinking of you and thanks for giving us updates. Does that mean Isabelle is postponing her trip too? Ariel

Ach, the postponement a week is hard for you (another week of nervous waitiing) and for Isabelle's travel to TO. The "emergency" person must be very grateful. Love, bzzzzz

Hi Ken, just finished perusing your heart valve journal and find it very slick and informative. I will be following your journal as long as you post to it during recovery and convalescence.

John

Hello dear Ken,
It's has always been so interesting to read you, and now - with your heart valve journal - I'll know so much I could never have known, if it weren't for you. I'm pleased you're so well taken care of and I hope soon we'll all see your picture back in your home or some nice restaurant with children and grand-children !
God bless you, dear Ken ! Bises, Dalal

Ken,
Did you know that my mom had a aortic valve replacement 17 years ago? She did choose the St.Jude valve not the one you chose. However she is still alive and kicking... and will be 86 at the end of October. You have met her at our place.

Will you go to a convalescence home after the surgery?

We will be going to Toronto for probably one week in January 2013 and we will have the opportunity to see each other. We are looking forward to that and have a nice meal together and chat about life and of course trips.

Hugs,
Suzanne

I love you!!!! I think about you everyday and I am so happy to hear your voice on the phone--like tonight. I can't wait to read more of your journal entries and follow your journey of "fixing yourself".

You always tell me "You are special, Clélie" but it is you who is special, Ken.

Always,
Clélie

Hi Ken: Sorry to hear you have to go through this procedure, this is the first I have heard about this. I will be keeping track of your progress,best wishes for a safe and sucessfull operation. Your doctor seems to have sterling credentials, that sure helps ones apprehension if there is any. Best always Gary/ Anita

Thanks for this interesting report, Kenny. I'm sending positive energy, thoughts, prayers and will be waiting for the next reports. You're in a "class" medical facility with "class" medical team. Love you! dj, bzzzzzz.

Best wishes from Phil, Jan and Louise

We're with you all the way !

Kenneth--leaving for my European cruise tomorrow AM so I will be a little out of touch. I'll try to get hold of you along the way but I
am sure all will go well. Something as trivial as a pump valve can't be all that serious, can it?? You are a tuff dude and will be chasing the nurses within hours. My thoughts are with you my man. bob

Is there nothing that can't be found on the Internet... Wow. This may end up on CNN before you're done.

Good luck... Happy outcomes...

Lee

Hi Ken,

I'm so glad to be connected with you at this
important time for you. Looks like I'll be
getting another lesson in heart surgery.
I'm very glad that Isobel will be here for you.
It makes a huge difference to have family
nearby. Love to you both, Ruth.

Hi Ken,
Bernie and I were wondering if you would have anyone with you during this ordeal. We would have driven there for a few days but I see your girls will be there to help you.
I'm sure everything will be fine, but we will pray for you anyhow, just to speed things up for you. Good luck! Talk to you soon.

Zoly

Sounds good Ken.
Nancy

Will be thinking of you from down under. Your Aussie sheilah, K3