Dear Tom, Happy Fathers day. relax a little more than usual and enjoy.
Remember continue to listen to your body and rest when it tells you too.
You are doing great. keep it up.

ps also just an fyi, barb and tom- day 3 and 4 can be a "let down-little sad" days. You all have been so pumped for the surgery and adrenalin rush that it happened and now is the post let down day. just be kind to yourselves and really rest -let the tears flow and grieve the changes,the emotions of fear but also the tears of success.
Love you both.
God's light and love continues to shine down on you both.

Hi Barb & Tom,

I am so glad to hear that Tom came through with flying colors and seems to be recovering quite well so far. Happy Father's Day!!!

Kellie

Hi Barb & Tom
Everything sounds par for the course. Glad he was able to tell you he needed rest instead of being flooded with visitors and then getting exhausted. each day will be better. Praying for a quick recovery.
Fran

Hi Barb,
Please tell Tom that we are so happy his surgery went well and 1he is already doing so good in his recovery! We wish him a very happy Father's Day!
Kimberly and David

Best wishes for a happy healthy recover
Judy keihl

Hi Barb

So glad to hear Tom is doing well. I don't know, a little TLC for your husband for a day or so isn't going to make him totally dependant on you forever, so what the heck, help him with his cereal and let Nurse Ratchett find someone else to bug.

Cheryl, Ontario

Tom et al....PHEW !!! Now the journey of recovery and rehab begins. So thrilled that you are this far...God bless you all...will continue to pray for your next steps..Love,
Mary Mann

Tom,

We are so very glad that the operation was short and you are moving forward nicely. Thanks, Barb, for keeping us posted. We're with you BOTH while you recover.

Rick & Jackie..........

Tom, so glad that the surgery went well. Barb has been keeping us updated on your progress. The Guilford's, Swarts's and Turbeville's have all been praying for you and that your recovery especially the pain will be minimal. You take care of yourself and don't overdo.

Love Bill, Ann, Scott, Laura, Tyler, Brendan, Mike, Carrie, Caleb, Gabe, Billy, April, and Mary

I am glad that you are doing well. I all of you and are praying for the Schrage's/Mitchell's

Love Johnette

Hey Tom,

The Zastrow's from Minnesota calling. I'm so glad things went well. I've been in so many of these surgeries and never think twice. When it's family things certainly do change. We are all thinking of you here and wish you the best in your recovery. It'll be tough but we know you're strong with help from the Lord.

Love, Steve, Colleen, Dan and Cara

good morning tom for once you were up before me today!
jethro Tull sends his regards. He was sorry you couldnt make it to the show. I told him you were a little busy in the recovery room. it was a gorgeous night Procol Harem and Tull played extremely well. I took Kim Peterson's son as my buddy. He loved it to. Thanks from both of us for the great ringside seats. In a few weeks I am sure you will be back up to attending your next great concert.
Both of you keep up that great positive attitude as this will keep up your spirits and make the healing faster. My prayer circle friends are still praying for you and your family during this time.
Love
barb b

So glad to hear that Barb got a good night's sleep so that she will be able to keep you in line during post op day #1! And glad to hear you are doing well except for having to adjust to being a morning person (up in chair at 5am!) good thoughts and wishes your way. Vivian

Hi Tom,

I am so glad to hear everything went so well for you. With a full-time nurse taking care of you, you'll be recovered in no time :)

Kellie (MD)

Good Morning Tom & Barb
And what a wonderful morning it is. Intubation tube out, sitting in a chair and a thumbs up!! It's all over with but the recovery and know you will be exceptional.
Fran

WAY TO GO TOM!!!! Still praying for you and all of your family!! Love, Mary Mann

I was so relieved when Beth called and said you were doing good. Thank God that everything turned out ok. You have a wonderful family supports system. Hugs to you.

Tom,
So glad to hear the news on your surgery. I hope to hear tomorrow that the breathing tube is out. I hated that the most....everything after that was removed I could tolerate. I will say a prayer for you.
Theresa Callanan

Hey Tom I just heard about your surgery. I'm glad to hear that everything went well! No doubt your positive outlook played a big part. Enjoyed reading your journal too! I'll be praying for a speedy recovery so you can get on that new tractor and ride but... remember to keep the deck high until you get the lay of the land!
Best wishes Tim Harlan

Dad-

You did it! I am glad that you are doing well and the surgery was successful! I will be keeping mom company with the kids all weekend until you come home. Kevin is happy to hear that everything went well. see you soon
Love,
Beth, Kevin, Bailee and Brian

Hey Tom we went to the hospital tonight to keep Barb company but she had gone home. You were sleeping very peacefully,looked good and I imagine you were having a pleasant dream. We'll see you soon. Love, Sandy & Dale

Dad,
So glad all went well today. Get lots of rest and we look forward to talking to you soon!

Take care and we love you,

Kristin, Pete, Jenna, Colin and Gabby

Hey tom!!!! Just heard that your surgery went well &im hoping all the best for you in your recovery and im going to continue to keep you in my thoughts&prayers.

P.S. dont forget abt. your Linen staff please do drop by and visit us every so often

-LaRue Turner

To Barb and Tom,

Wishing you both the best of luck in everything and to Tom I hope your surgery went well. I will continue to keep you and your family in my prayers throughout this journey and beyond. Take care.

Love,
Latisha Dash

To Barb And Tom I wish you both the best of luck especially tom I will keep you in my prays Take care and hope that everything goes well.

Thadies Dowell

Hi Barb

Wishing Tom good luck today. I hope you manage this day well as it will be a very long one. There isn't anyone on this site who fails to thank their wonderful caregivers and from what Tom has been writing, I know he feels you are every bit as special as well. Keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers and will be looking forward to hearing from you when all is well.

Cheryl, Ontario

Deacon Dad & Mom:

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family always. Can't wait to read your next blog about the recovery. You always have have a great way with words, so it should be entertaining at best!

Love always,
Brian

Barb - I am praying for you all and hope everything is going well.

God bless,
Kellie (MD)

Tom & Barb:

My prayers are uplifted for both of you. May God give you strength to endure, and patience during healing. I pray for a successful surgery and a quick and complete recovery for you Tom. My prayers will be uplifted all day for you. Looking forward to hearing your successful good news soon.
Jane Haefner

Tom, Barb and the whole Schrage Clan....I know you are all in this together...lots of love and prayers are coming your way. Was awake at 6:15am and lifted you in prayer and have been doing so all morning. Will be doing so all day. Can't wait to hear the great news when the wake up comes!!!
Mary Mann

Tom, I Finally found out how to get to this journal. I just read what you wrote yesterday and it was so beautifully written. As I write this you are on your way to the hospital. You have been and are in my prayers daily and I know that God is going to take good care of you as well as your family. You are truly blessed with family and friends. You take care and know that the Guilford's love you and have you in our prayers today. Barb, Kids and grandkids are very lucky to have you as their husband, father and grandfather.

Love
Ann

Dad,

Your post of the the laughing christ reminded me of a quote from the movie Talladega Nights......

"I like to picture Jesus in a tuxedo T-Shirt because it says I want to be formal, but I'm here to party"

With that said, laughing and having a good time are some the best things in life and they have always been a staple in life.

Here's to keeping that going!

All our love,
Matt, Lindsay and Olivia

Dear Tom and Barb,

My thoughts and prayers will be with you both as Tom goes through his surgery tomorrow! I will be praying for a successful surgery and recovery. He seems to be in a good place mentally, spiritually and has an awesome sense of humor. I look forward to your future posts.
Until then, try not to stress and take good care.
Lori - Mitral Valve replaced 1/4/2010 OHSU Portland, OR

Hi Tom,
I know it is getting late, I tried to send an e-mail but for some reason, my computer kept saying technical error, try again! Gosh, I love these things. I do want to tell you that you are consistantly in my thoughts and prayers. We all hope your surgery is successful and goes extremely smooth! If you or Barb need anything you guys just say the word, and you'll have it. We all love you Tom!
Sandy, Bob, John, Mike & Andy

Hello Tom - I just found out about your upcoming surgery tomorrow and want you to know I will pray for you and I am sending this on to my son (Tim Harlan) so he knows about what is going on with you and can pray too! God Bless you and watch over you... Sincerely, Alice Harlan (Arlene Fede's sister) She sent me this information...

Uncle Tom - We are loving you and praying for you for a quick recovery and healing. Your in our thoughts! Jason & Kelly S.

Best wishes and thoughts for a speedy recovery! I too am looking forward to your posts during recovery! Vivian

Best wishes with tomorrow's surgery, Tom. You will be in my thoughts & I look forward to seeing your next post. Joy Vera

Well Tom, it's just about here. You've maintained a sense of calm and humor during your wait which wasn't too long compared to some others. I will lift you in prayer as soon as I awake which is about 6am and then several times during the day until we get a report from your private nurse/wife. Assume someone will be sitting with her as she waits. It's tough on the people on the sidelines. You will do well, I know. By the way, have never seen the drawing of the laughing Jesus! There's so many things that happen that we have to know that He has a sense of humor! God bless.
Fran

Uncle Tom,

Good luck tomorrow. Our thoughts and prayers are with you through your surgery and recovery. With all our love,
Jennifer, Aaron, Brady, and Haley.

Tom,
Good luck on your surgery tomorrow. You will be in my prayers for a successful surgery and fast recovery. I am sure you will do fine...can not wait to hear everything is ok.
Good luck,
Theresa Callanan

Grandpa, G-Dizzle, G-daddy, Dad,

Tomorrow is the big day - you will be in our thoughts and prayers all day tomorrow and always. We wish there was more we could do to help out. Let us know when you are up for a visit and we will be happy to bring some smiles and as much laughter as you can handle.

Love,
Jennavieve, Colin, Gabriella, Kristin and Peter

Tom,

Best of luck tomorrow. My surgery was 4 weeks ago tomorrow and everything went as smoothly as could be hoped for. I hope the same for you.

I enjoy your journal postings and I'm looking forward to hearing your take on your surgery. I know it will be unique!

Ricki Shine

Will be thinking of you and Barb tomorrow and hoping you have a quick and peaceful recovery. With Barb at your side, you are in wonderful hands!!! Best wishes. Sue Nickoley

Hey Bro,
With all the blogs you have been posting, I guess it is about time I wrote something to you. It will be brief as I don't have that sermon writing ability that you have. Just wanted to let you know that my prayers have been with you and have asked God to provide you with the healing you deserve so that you can resume your service to him. It is funny how when we were growing up everyone would have thought I was the holy one. Little did they know. I know that you and I have some difference of opinions about our faith but you are still an inspiration to me and what you do and know. Sometimes I wish I had your ability, but then I think God needed a secretary for the parish council instead. LOL. Well that's it for now and no I'm going to go kill monsters. Going to get something ready for the trip tomorrow, then I'll go and kill monsters. LOL. I also wanted to let you know that I love you and will see you Friday

Mike

Dear Tom I laughed at your photos and do love the one of Christ laughing we need that now more than every.
Thanks for your great writing and when you are through with this littel bump in the road- I think your laughing ministry is your next calling.
I will be praying for you and Barb. so thanks for the almost exact times.
be well my friend be well. Much light and love to you.
barb blue
ps tell barb her research friend called me today-that girl is always working.

Hey Tom

Just dropping by to say I'll be praying for your successful surgery tomorrow and ultimate speedy recovery. Be good. Stay calm. Believe!!! God Bless.

Cheryl, Ontario

Hi Tom. Best of luck to you tomorrow. I will be praying for you, your family, and your entire medical team.

God bless,
Kellie (MD)

Hey, Tom!
Best wishes to you tomorrow! I'll have you in my thoughts and send good vibrations your way.
Take care, and I'll look forward to more blogs!
Sue Coleman

Hi Tom. Thanks for sharing your stories and your sense of humor with all of us.

Barb & I are praying for a completely smooth and successful surgery for you...that God's grace and mercy will pour down on you.
Also that His peace would blanket all of your family and loved ones during this time leading up to and during the surgery.

We miss you here at Highland but rest assured
that I'll stay in touch, my friend.

Peace & blessings!

Lynn