Richard's Journal

Fidel Martínez Ruiz  I can't believe It Richard. So cold there!!. Here also but not so much. Where is that, in Massachusetts ?

Richard Munson  Yes, fidel, it has been very cold. Single digits some nights. After he stuck his head in the sculpture he turned it yellow. My reaction was a little slow once he lifted his leg. The good news, no snow as yet.

Fidel Martínez Ruiz  I hope the sculpture didn´t melt too much Thinking in Massachusetts, I remember Bee Gees, what times!! by the way I think Barry Gibb the old brother of the band is still alive.

Richard Munson  One of my favorite groups. Songs on my i pod in the car. Beach boys and Frankie valle and 4 seasons my others. Barry gibb is the only one left. Frankie still does shows in his 90’s. Just got married in fact. God love him. Just read an article and picture of a rare white lynx spotted in spain that they thought was extinct. 

Fidel Martínez Ruiz  Oh what a nights those of our thirties, days of parties and "guateques" lol. I see great Frankie keeps on with the boots-on till the end, I see he´s still active.    About the white lynx, a rare species indeed, yes one has been sighted around Jaen´mountains in Sierra Morena, Andalusia. 

Richard Munson  That white lynx turned out to be richard gere prowling around your country looking for young women to dance the flamenco with. His new wife is getting old. 

Richard Munson  Now that i know the lingo, i should visit you in spain. 2 richards. Gere and munson. I am the better looking of the 2. He has the younger wife but is he happy.

Fidel Martínez Ruiz  Richard, to improve your lingo, bullshit in Spanish is "basura
or mierda de toro", but not "toro de mierda", which would mean a bull made of
shit, lol! Regarding to visit me here, whenever you want Richard with good weather, it would be a
pleasure for me and go with you both to Burgos where we have a bigger flat.

Richard Munson  Odds are not good for visiting Spain. Hate to fly, leaving shadow. Maybe by ship and bring shadow. Not a huge iceberg fan either.

Robert Miller  That's one big tongue... I let our dog "kiss" me and enjoy it. I do wash off my face afterwards, though. Are these kennels in the background? They seem rather small...

Richard Munson  No drop off grooming for shadow. We assist his groomer by being at his side. and as a result, he loves the whole show. He can’t wait to jump on the table or into the tub. No fear of the dryer. After 2 hours he looks  like a show dog. Yes, the occasional slurpy kiss goes with it. 

Melinda Donahue  Hi Richard - thanks for the good wishes - I am getting there - 12 weeks today!!! I am very fortunate but remain a nervous wreck - can't teach an old dog....lol!!! 
I am trying !Hope you have a wonderful day and order something for Shadow - he watches your house !

Richard Munson  You’re a teacher so you want to be positive for your students and yourself. As our dog trainer says and i believe it to be true that your strengths and weaknesses radiate down the leash. 

Robert Miller  "burning a little gas instead of passing gas" LOL!! And Black Friday isn't what it used to be waiting in line hours before the store opened. 

Richard Munson  Route 495 in wrentham was backed up for miles with folks waiting for the stores to open. Burning up their savings? Every month our local church has a food basket give away. The folks in line sit there in their cars waiting sometimes for hours till the give away begins. Mostly people my age i am sorry to say. I have to chuckle when i think about them emptying their gas tanks for a chunk of free cheese. Free is the magic word. But is it really ? 

Kimberly Eisenhut  Richard , I'm so glad you had another cruise before storing your olds 👍 I keep having painful pericaditis flare ups and now constant junctional rhythm past few weeks. Saw the electrophysiologists and new cardio Dr about new biologic drug trial a few days ago downtown, along with more CRP blood test, echo and heart monitor placed for two weeks. It'll be a long road ahead for sure. Dr Kim was the kindest Dr I've ever met! Praying and hoping I can navigate the pain and make final decision about the way forward, as Dr Al Kazaz wants me to make a decision about the new biologic trial soon to get started. I literally will need to be going downtown Chicago, 2.5 hours away 4 x in first 2 weeks, then every week or two for over 6 months! I can't drive because of my condition and have to rely on my daughter or a Lyft the hospital would provide . I really don't like the idea of going downtown In a Lyft and trusting it. I wish I was there to go over all of this with you in person Richard, it's quite daunting trying to take another leap of faith . I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and everyone here are always in my prayers and thoughts. My prayer for now is to be able to handle the pain (11/10 is what electrophysiologists called it, which was so validating for me, since the junctional rhythm is so hard to explain the discomfort of it) pericardial flare ups as well can be so painful. I'm calling myself "rare" and "special" now to replace my negative thoughts of "why me". Dr Kim was also so wonderful at explaining, with hand written drawings, what's going on in my heart and telling me to try not to "ruminate" too much. My heart has decided to use its " back up" pacemaker, the junctional node to power my heart instead of the sinus node, that is basically asleep now . I will say I'm glad we have the backup electrical systems for our hearts ! First getting the pericarditis under control, then the rhythm problem under control. As Drs keep telling me, this will be a marathon, not a sprint . Sending gentle hugs and so much love to all my supporters and friends🫂🥰🙏🫶

Richard Munson  Wow, what a story. Hoping it all works out in the end. Sounds like you are pleased with your doctors. Why you is a good question. I must look up junctional node. 

Fidel Martínez Ruiz  Happy thanksgiving to all, here we don't celebrate It but are thankful to God to awake alive every day into this amazing world and sharing these feelings with friends.

Melinda Donahue  Happy Thanksgiving Richard. I am truly  thankful for all the kindness and support during a difficult time. You are all truly the best !!

Richard Munson  For this veterans day and our 59th wedding anniversary i decided to get her something special. Yes, my little shorty is behind it, holding it up. 

Deena Z  You’re such a romantic, Richard!  Way more sentimental than say roses.🤣❤️
Kidding aside, you must make Nancy laugh all-the-time. Precious. Happy 59 years married and more together!!!! 

Adam Pick  Hi Richard, I can look into this no problem. But, on my computer it shows that you posted this “1 hour ago”. On what post does it say “1 day ago”?

Adam Pick  FYI, we have made a bunch of updates to the website during the past week. Thanks for helping us fix any issues from that update. I thought we fixed everything but maybe there is a bug or two that we missed. Thanks!

Fidel Martínez Ruiz  On my computer the last  Richard´s comment shows 1 hours ago , but Michael Smith guestbook post to you Adam shows 1 day ago. 

Deena Z  Now you know what to get Shadow for xmas!  - - Lots of sealed packages with nothing but say paper in them.  Though could be a choking hazard?!

Richard Munson  Are you referring to me or shadow. He loves his dad. He is our first cuddling sled dog.  They tend to be aloof. . 

Richard Munson  Fidel, i believe the faithful friend is me. We faithfully pick up his droppings on our walk. Bag it and deposit it in the trash. Would he do the same for me ? NO. A little humor, he is a great friend. He asks very little and provides a great deal of warmth and companionship. I wish nancy was as friendly. She does not read these or i would be toast.

Fidel Martínez Ruiz  Yees, but before Charlie or Rex might send me lyrics and chords of some songs and I would go training with my spanish electrified guitar in the style of my admired Willie Nelson, and you could come in as a manager  lol!

Rose Madura  Richard, I'm no expert but I think people can get depressed over situations (Cassie) but depression is a mental illness. I agree, there is much more to rejoice than to gripe about when it comes to OHS.  It seems that there are those who see the glass as half full and those that see the glass as half empty.  Whenever one feels hopeless, they probably need medical intervention. Sometimes people the fall into the "why me" victim mentality and it's not a good place to be in any situation. Those people may need an attitude adjustment rather than medical intervention. My opinion and my two cents. 

Richard Munson  I think you are right. There is a difference between being depressed and depression. You are very smart. 

Darrell Malone  This is an important topic. I for one have not been in a state of depression ect. I'd say more of emotions at times. I have always been so happy with my decision and also the outcome as opposed to an outcome without an intervention. I only can say I hope that folks that are struggling with depression can see that it is OK and you can overcome what is worrying you. All the best in your journeys 

Suzette Schear  For me I was uncomfortable as we all are after surgery, I sleep on my stomach can’t sleep on my back, so I wasn’t sleeping.  I had a lot of off kilter things happen that made it very frustrating. The meds weren’t right I felt like a burden to everyone and the why me pity party, when everyone was continuing their lives and reading everyone’s wonderful recovering , although I was happy for them it was not like that for me.  Then my cardiologist was blaming my neurologist then losing feeling in my leg and collapsing it depressed me. I was happy and still happy to be alive and count my blessing but for me it became depressing .  So I can understand it but I don’t let it rule me but when one feels like crap nothing seems right poking stitches back to doctor, blood pressure back to doctor.  Not complaining there is someone always worse or better but for me it was a long journey of recovery .  So when others feel that depression being an empath I choose to share

John Cook  It has all the ingredients for causing depression:
- mental trauma from diagnosis
- fear of one’s own mortality 
- feelings of isolation and helplessness
- physical trauma from surgery
- loss of independence 
- loss of physical ability both pre & post operation
- long recovery
- lots of medication

For 10 weeks,
recovery was an obsession for me because I tend to be a workaholic. It wasn’t until Week 10 that I could enjoy exercising again and didn’t feel mission-driven.

Janet Gaffney  The surgery itself - of being on bypass - messes with your head. Messes with the chemicals in your brain. If you are pre-disposed to depression it can make it much worse. 

People who have heart attacks are prone to depression - it’s a physical response; they can’t help it. My FIL turned into a brute for about 6 months afterward. His cardiologist told the family it’s not uncommon. 

I, too, am on the end of ‘whew, they fixed me, I’m gonna live’ side of things. I’m of a cheerful disposition naturally, so never stay sad for too long. I tend to get over stuff. 

But I have a dear friend whose husband had emergency valve surgery who was depressed when he went in, had PTSD-like symptoms afterward and needed heavy-duty help when the surgery was over. 
Fortunately, he got great help and is fine now. Took a while, though. 

Kimberly Eisenhut  I am working on getting my numbers up with bloodwork and making small progress every day with moving and walking a bit outside. Only got a few houses down today, but I have to be ok with that I guess. Baby steps :) My follow up is this Tuesday in Chicago. Get more bloodwork, chest xray and see surgeon and cardiologist. Hoping for all good news

Rick Goucher  Thank you everyone for the help I hope the pre surgery feelings of doom are worse then the post surgery is next week and and found out suddenly about it so it’s rough to process but I’m doing what I can 

Fidel Martínez Ruiz  Hello Rita, I´m join our fellows thinking of you and wishing you health and strenght to overcome the obstacles along the way, with the help of God .

Richard Munson  I met a few true american heros. I was the young guy on the block. Many missing limbs. Most no family members. It warmed my repaired heart seeing the smiles. Plus the ladies that donated their time to push the wheelchairs around the show was inspiring. My laugh of the day was a fellow that must have been 200 plus. I asked him how old he was. His answer: no effing idea sonny. 

Richard Munson  As i watched a crew of young people pushing our revered veterans around at the show my first thought was that every time i read the news its focused on the dregs of society . These young people that will grow into responsible adults get no ink. 

Ana Brusso  Oh Richard, so glad you met all those heroes and those young people pushing the wheel chairs. They get no ink but I am sure they get many thanks from the ones on the wheelchairs. 

Robert Miller  Within a 5 minute walk. Someday I will buy one... https://www.americanmotorscustomclassics.com/ I still want to get a pink Caddy that Elvis drove...

Richard Munson  Some of us celebrate veterans DAY while other groups get a month.  Others get a month due to the sacrifices of  veterans. Whats wrong with that picture.

Rose Madura  Agreed!  I look at it this way....every day is a gift.  If I didn't have the surgery, I wouldn't be here now.  

Suzette Schear  I’m grateful and realized it’s beyond my control to know.  I think for me it’s a  fear of having to go through it again .  I don’t like the unpredictability and if I will have time to plan or another emergency with reactionary organization.  The results of being fully independent and needing help

Richard Munson  Actually its a downsize. I used to run 4 miles. After 80, it all goes downhill. The rain did not last long. We are also in a drought. I recall my surgeon telling me during my covid heart surgery because there was no rehab, that walking was the best medicine after hvs. I believe that to be true. Plus a positive outlook. Not healthy when everything is a negative. My nancy missed a weeks work after her breast cancer surgery. No one at work knew she had it. And yes, we had a top loader. Now she uses a little stool being a midget. 

Kimberly Eisenhut  That is amazing Richard! Yes, positivity makes a huge difference. I hope to be able to walk 4 miles after my surgery, that would be wonderful!

Robert Miller  You should send a picture with Shadow sitting in the back enjoying the wind from driving around in this nice car. 

Kimberly Eisenhut  I do not think Shadow is allowed in this classic, as he may scratch and ruin interior I am guessing. He looks good beside it though :) As do you Richard!

Kimberly Eisenhut  Wow, amazing! I do hope he stops having them though and you can get some answers. He is looking good, as are you 💗😊

Richard Munson  Doggie update. Callie played very husky rough all day with shadow but he gave it right back. Once they left, he sacked out on the bed and slept right thru supper. 

Kimberly Eisenhut  So happy to see you had a good day Richard. What a lovely family and beautiful pups❤️ Good for Shadow, holding his own💪

Richard Munson  Hope my friend and fellow mgh heart valve warrior robert in maine sees this picture from his mentor and siberian husky lover.

Richard Munson  He knows it. Our dog training class has a big mirror on one wall that we use to insure handler and dog are sitting and standing straight. straight. Dog always on left side. He loves to look at himself or maybe its me he is staring at. 

Ana Brusso  So glad to see this picture as I have been missing our Shadow’s pictures for a while. He knows how to pose for sure. What a loving pose of all of you. Thank you! 🙏❤️😘😍

Suzette Schear  R u you sure it’s shadow that’s the ham?  Awesome pic Richard.  You see the shadow ‘s love for you. 

Richard Munson  J knows his ties. And custom made suit for his senior co op position. Seems like overkill but whatever. He is a great student and person. Very proud. 

Rose Madura  😂 Happy Anniversary!  Is today the day? It is mine and my Richard Edward's anniversary today.  

Ana Brusso  I beat you all we had 113 degrees, awful. Richard glad you had a car show. I know how much you love them.