Virginia (Ginger)'s Journal

Life is pure chaos here. I have not posted for such a long time, but I think of you in so many ways, from the encouragement and care you shared with me through surgery and recovery and so much more. There has been so much Chaos here lately that there are some things I just cannot remember clearly. We had a fire in our home that started at about 3 AM in a computer CPU Unit on Friday morning October 7th, Thank the Lord that Jim was home and reacts so quickly. Otherwise we probably would have lost so much more. In spite of the flames coming out of it, he pulled it out from the wall in our downstairs family room and into the middle of the floor. When the upstairs smoke alarm went off, it woke me out of a deep sleep in our room in the opposite corner of the house. The fire started in our downstairs Family Room where Jim has all of the electronic equipment lines against the wall : TV, speakers, tuner, amplifier, several computers and screens as well as a reel to reel, DVD Player, then in the corner his home office with stacks of papers and stacks of DVDs, along with his dictating equipment. As Jim was putting the fire out the CPU unit fell onto its side, lighting the carpet on fire. So after emptying two fire extinguishers, there was still burning carpet to contend with. Jim threw four bucketfuls of water on. now we had billowing smoke. I couldn't see more than 5 inches past my hand. Smoke alarms and the security system were blaring. So grateful that we had them! The security company called. But the fire was thankfully out. Now the billowing clouds of black, grey, and brown smoke enveloped the house. Yes, this is the cause of most fire deaths. We ran through the house opening wide all of the windows and doors. Then I scooped up Lacie, our cat, and ran for the window farthest from the fire's origin. We pulled in that great Kansas air. Early October, there was a cool mist and plenty of wind from the prairies. I don't even know how long we were there, but it was the safest place, without question, for Lacie, and probably for me, too.. By the time everything was done, most of the damage was from the toxic smoke. Sadly, although she struggled through and was looking pretty good, my favorite little shadow, often the only warm breathing being i would see for sometimes up to 72 hours, left this world. I miss her terribly. So glad none of the kids were here. We had a nice Thanksgiving at Elizabeth's and Jeremiah's. From the early morning on Friday, October 7th to today, December 15th, we are still recovering. Our family room was gutted. Jim's little home office had been in one corner and all of our electronics and TV, audio, even his dictating equipment, were gone. Smoke damage that made everything irreparable. Today the fire cleaning and restoration continue. The heating and A/C systems are getting a lot of attention. They are being cleaned almost the way a plumber cleans out clogged pipes, although no water is involved and they are running long twisting metal tubes that have a controller to rotate them in the ducts. Next finish cleaning out the furnace and A/C and we will, for the first time in over 2 months, have clean air (toxin-free) throughout the house. We hope by the end of tomorrow they will have cleaned all the carpets on this main floor. We can then move furniture back and allow all of our family on this main floor. The gate at the top of the stairs will remain closed not just for little Grand Blayne's safety, but also because our family room down the stairs is still gutted. Toxins are embedded in the drywall and ceiling. (The carpet and pad were gone by the second day after the fire. ) Jim and I have looked at carpeting. It won't be ready for Christmas, but we can visit and share gifts here. I am overjoyed! Then we have to check out some furniture and start to move in some toys and play things, blankets and pillows. I can hardly wait!. I can tell you that during my five years with six major surgeries, someone was filling to the brim our downstairs with so many electrical gadgets and things that the kids and Grands and I had not even room to sit. Each year I have asked for the family room back. This was year six... This year it is God Who is granting us room for family times watching our favorite teams play and cheer them on! I am waiting for the day when we can get another little furry animal to love, Our house will feel like home again and our family can be with us when they want to be. We lost much, but the real loss was the living, breathing Lacie. Slowly the rest is coming together and we will be able to celebrate together the Miracle that happened 2000 years ago and lives on in our hearts. CHRISTmas will be here! And it does not matter that not one package has been wrapped, or decorations have not even been found. For the Joy of this time of Year is a Joy of the Heart -- and How we have learned to love and appreciate our Hearts, and our Heart Family with so many Heart Brothers and Sisters. Elizabeth brought a wreath for the front of our home and Jim immediately hung it. I'm praying that Autumn's birds will come back and build a nest in it for her this year. What a touching gift that would be - new life to celebrate our New Lives! I love you deeply, my sister Terrie, my first Heart Sister, and Eleanor and so many more, and Brothers Tony and all! And I wish all the joys and fellowship and love of the season to live on in each of your hearts all the year through! And Merry Christmas Heart Family, Brothers and Sisters, Every One! <3

Seven years ago to the day yesterday my beloved Dad's spirit broke the bonds of this Earth and headed Home. We were celebrating because the few days leading up to it were extremely uncomfortable for Dad. Since he lived in Denver, my sisters and I did our best as a winter ice storm nearly prevented my twin sister and me from getting planes. But we landed in Denver within 15 minutes of each other and picked up a four wheel drive to Dad's home there. Our younger sister Beth was coming from her home in Phoenix, and we thought that trip would be a breeze. Not so as the winter in the rest of the country was preventing planes from leaving and even getting to Phoenix let alone taking travelers out. But we were blessed. As Dad was slipping away the sun went down and we turned on just a small bedside lamp. We were singing carols and Christmas songs, and I finally suggested that we sing "I'll be home for Christmas". There was not a dry eye in the room by the end of that song. Then Dad went to his real Home, no more tears, no discomforts. He had given us instructions so it was nice knowing what he wanted. Flash forward seven years to yesterday. My Dad's only sister, Virginia, my Aunt Ginny after whom I was named, was dying in Philadelphia. Our double cousin Garrett had been on top of things and was instrumental in orchestrating all of the moves and doctors since Aunt Ginny was found to be unable to live in her home alone quite a number of years ago. She had her 94th birthday on Dec 2, but Garrett told us he thought she was "holding on -- waiting". Sure enough, on the exact date that her brother, our Dad, had gone Home Aunt Ginny left this world and went to join him. She passed early in the morning. We are all very close, so there was a lot of texting throughout and into the day. We finally decided to toast those of our family who have gone before us, and a time was set for 9 PM EST. Since at least one of us lives in each time zone across the contiguous United States, we set our clocks and had a national family toast last night. How great to think that our Grandmother and Papa were able to have a reunion with both Dad and Aunt Ginny. And each of us had a sister already in Heaven. Must have been quite a celebration. For our particular family, that was the end of a generation on Earth. Garrett is now the head of the family, and the title befits him. He is wise, intelligent, strong, loving, and a good communicator. He will hold up the strong moral values and integrity and faith that are part of what binds us together. Today after some morning attention to the passing yesterday, I turned toward doing some of the things that will bring my own small part of the family a joy-filled Christmas and holidays. For us now, while it could be say that each of us is in the process of dying each day, no one that we are aware of has a death that is imminent. Our blessed aunt and mother is out of her pain. It is time for us to live in the moment and appreciate each one for what it is. I am indebted to this heart community; I am in my 17th month since my heart valve replacement and, while other health issues do require some attention, I am so grateful to be where I am today. So Merry Christmas or whatever holiday you choose to celebrate in honor of Who you serve. May you stay strong or get strong and keep working at it. This is a very courageous community, although none of us chose to be. May you be enveloped with joy and may it continue to richly bless you throughout 2016...

Autumn has been telling us for a few weeks now that she will be TWO! And she proudly demonstrates by holding up two of her fingers. I laugh because rarely does she hold up the same two fingers! Showing off her creative versatility. Momma had a conference in Tennessee on the big day. Daddy immediately grasped the need for the three of them to be together for the Big Day. Bless him - he took on a number of additional shifts at the fire station so the family could drive to Nashville and back! No small drive. Before they left town all three came over for a short visit. Ahhhh! Packages!!! Autumn immediately ran over and, taking hold of the pink with cupcakes paper at the top of the box, turned and pulled the swath of paper until it was no longer attached to the box. Smiles of pure joy! Daddy helped her with the rest of the big box, and soon a Big Girl's Car Seat appeared! No lying looking backwards for the Tennessee trip. Autumn's long legs would not be up on the top of the backseat! She would sit higher and could see and talk with Momma and Daddy from the middle of the back seat! Squeals and joyful faces as she tested it. Pretty soon Daddy and Granddaddy would take it out and install it. But there were a few other packages.....hmmmm! Out came some size 2T pajamas with owls on them. Next was a board book all sparkly! Autumn climbed into my lap and I told her she knew all the words! So we sang Twinkle Twinkle Little Star as the pages were turned. A keeper! The last item pulled out was the little Golden Book of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs! "Snow White!"Autumn exclaimed. Autumn knows about Snow White from the fancy plate, bowl, silverware and talk pink sipper cup her Aunt Terrie (S in California) had given her. Autumn knew the characters, but had not yet heard the story. Two year old and book made a beeline for Granna's lap! This was no time to sit quietly. As each page was turned a little finger pointed to the new picture. "Who's that?!?"was the repeated question. Sometimes I would tell her who this new character was. But just as often I would repeat,"Who IS that?" Immediately Autumn would proudly say, "Snow White!" Such fun! And through this book, Grandma Miller was quietly taking a video of all the action. It was forwarded to Grandpa Miller at home in Missouri soon after. Then out to the car to install the new seat, and for the first time Autumn could see and wave as they headed towards home! Happy Second Birthday to the Child of God who brings sunshine into my life with each visit! Best cardiac rehab a Granna could ever ask for! And thanks to Jeremiah and Elizabeth who are gracious parents and make sure we have time to love and learn and laugh and eat and bathe and even put Autumn to bed in our home when they are both working. God has richly blessed us and we honor Him and pray together on our special nights!

Terrie was one of the first people I met on this site well over a year ago. We have really bonded and now celebrate family events together. I cannot possibly do justice in thanking Terrie for opening her heart well before surgery and sharing wisdom and experience as our Heath became more precarious, then thankfully stronger and healthier. Terrie is the person who really opened my eyes to seeing that not all I was going through was not from the traumatic brain injury - much of it was due to my heart's condition, at the critical stage by the time surgery occurred. It was a huge gift, as it made me see that I was not going through the surgery with little hope of improvement in my life to recognizing that my quality of life really should (and has!) improve. God Bless this wonderful, insightful, compassionate, and sharing strong woman we know as Terrie! ❤️🌹🌹🌹 Please watch over her and keep her safe and continue to improve her health. Guard her with Your vast army of Angels! 👼👼🏼👼🏼👼🏼👼🏼👼🏼👼🏼👼🏽👼🏾👼🏻 We celebrate you, Terrie, for your constant, tireless giving to this special Heart Family, for without question, Family is who we are! 🎉🎊💗🎈❤️🌹🌹🌻🎆💥❗️

At this very moment last year I was in the operating room having my bicuspid aortic valve, which was in the critical category of stenosis - 0.52 cm2, replaced. I am feeling so much better and have so many people to thank. This Heart Family was here for me every minute and answered so many questions that my fear evaporated bit by bit.! Yes, Knowledge is the great enemy of Fear, and I was blessed to have so many people who cared enough to really pray for me. I am thankful that the Lord led us to a place (Cleveland Clinic) and found us a great surgeon, Dr. Lars Svensson, whose knowledge and care and expertise were exactly what a patient who is post TBI (traumatic brain injury) like me really needs. I was blessed to be in learned and caring hands, starting with my amazing FP, Dr. Terry Merrifield, and my cardiologist, Dr. Murphy, who knew when it was the right time and outlined the parameters of how to find the "right" heart valve center and surgeon. Bless Jan C and Jan B and Rhonda Mann and Stacy who lovingly helped me organize and pack as I was having Achilles' problems - I would have been ill prepared without you and your generous gifts of time and effort! And always there for me were my Farley sisters, Lynnie and Patty and Beth, who spent time in many ways helping me identify what needed to and could be done to prepare the house for post-op safety and welcome - you "PODners" as Lynnie would say, moved me from tears to laughter, Beth taking all that poured out in a gush of anguish and identifying my greatest wish - to be able to see ALL of my family safely and comfortably, including our precious Autumn Grace, my Grand. Then finding a solution -- no easy task -- but it worked! Faith and Family were key, including my wonderful family, who not only supported me and in the case of husband Jim and daughter Elizabeth flying to be there with me for the surgery and my big brother Garrett and incredible Lisa, who drove out from Philadelphia to encourage and support me. And Christy and Eric drove in to treat us to a delectable dinner before the four days of testing and procedures and surgery, including incredibly delicious ice cream, and who blessed us with their loving fellowship. How different that last pre-patient night could have been without their thoughtfulness and cheer and their love of Christ to share. I cannot say enough good things and have such love for this Heart Family, too many to name, but including Terrie S, my first real Sister from this site, and Tony Mini-Z and Eleanor and M and Mia and Julia and Lynn and Lynn (yes, there are two!) and Gigi and Kelly (Kels!) and Olga and Karen and Bob and Adam (not from Eden, but who laid the foundation for all that this site holds) and Clare and Meredith and jeffo and Popeye and Tammy and ...bless you all - you know who you are. I want to also single out Anne Shannon, who was perhaps the first to reach out from my first post with so many real questions and gave me contact information that I carried with me for a very long time, like having a pearl or a diamond in one's pocket. Please celebrate this day with me, for things would have been stark, empty, and much more frightening without each one of you. I received wonderful care through the testing and surgery and post-op. And I was blessed with so many praying for me from my high school and college and church and work and neighborhood friends and more, that I felt the peace and presence of God even as I headed to the OR after a sound night's sleep. Please take to heart my encouragement, all of you who still have surgery ahead of you. Ask every question you can think of, for there are literally hundreds and more who are further along in the journey and are praying for you each day that you may have better health and a better quality of life in the years to come. Thank you, my dear Heart Brothers and Sisters, for sharing your knowledge and experiences. How precious this Heart Family became to me, and there were so many days when I would be back to this site many times a day - like a lifeline - always an invaluable experience of sharing and learning and caring and later trying to carry on some of what had been given to me and what I have experienced. Once again, I find my words inadequate in trying to convey the gratitude and love I have for each of you. And this incredible Heart Family - which has grown to be more than just a community - whose members give so much of themselves and share very private moments to encourage, comfort, educate, and pray to lift up each member in need. My love and respect for you is more than I ever imagined it could be. This site is really a home for us all. We cry and laugh and learn and teach and explain and recommend and suggest and ask and spill out what is holding us back and share our very personal experiences in the hope that another will be comforted and make their path on this Journey easier. And our friends and families come here to know how we are progressing when we are in a situation that is not conducive to phoning and texting and giving vital news to those we love. One year of wonder - I am amazed at all that has occurred and delighted with being able to do so much more now. I have less vertigo and continue to slowly get stronger. My Grand Autumn has now doubled her original height and has a vocabulary that would be the envy of most 22 month olds - 'CONCRETE" "VACUUM" - She and her momma and daddy and uncle and granddaddy are the core of my Joy, along with the Almighty I strive to serve. Sending hugs and love and grateful thanks to each of you. Please toast yourselves on this very special day, made so much easier and smoother thanks to your efforts and prayers! Ginger (of Oz)

Today I think back to where I was (at home) and what I was doing one year ago today. While trying to keep my heart rate below the 100 bpm maximum that my cardiologist had tasked me with, I was thinking about all that was ahead. In one month I would be post-op with my critically stenotic aortic heart valve replaced. Parts of my family and friends were still confusing me as they said things that made me think they either were clueless as to what I was facing or were terrified and made me question the work I had been doing to wrap my head around the entire process - trips included. I was working hard to maintain the focus and relative calm that came from both faith and the knowledge I had attained over months of researching and asking questions. This heart family continued to crush the myths as they were presented to me by well-meaning people trying to help me prepare. I would have been a wreck without you - God bless you all. I was also suffering from bilateral severe Achilles tendonitis that, aside from the pain, made me elevate and ice my legs (even in the hotel the night before surgery!) I am so grateful for the honesty and encouragement from my husband Jim, who did all of the trip planning, my daughter Elizabeth who would come for the most crucial days, and her family who were so generous to let her do so, my son, Steven, who supported me in his own way, and my big brother (cousin) Garrett and Lisa who drove out from the East Coast to be there for me. And for friends who came over in the last days at home to help sort and pack, keeping me from further injury to my Achilles. What a blessing. I think of all the people praying from my friends from high school and church as well as others -- how graciously God answered their prayers, for despite the immensity of it all, God certainly carried me on a surprisingly smooth trip! My special thanks to my Heart Brothers and Sisters who dispelled unnecessary concerns and gave me added prayers and knowledge to shove out any remaining fear. The night before my early morning surgery, my chief concern was not at all whether I would make it through the surgery or whether it would go well. I was confident God had chosen the place and surgeon and staff and I was in good hands. No, my fear was that with my history of a traumatic brain injury and the brain damage I have, I would wake in the ICU confused, disoriented, and afraid because of it. That I would have regressed back to the state I was in in the early days of the brain injury and not know who my family was or what I was doing in this strange place, that my ability to speak would be greatly limited to a very small vocabulary and I would not be able to express myself. This is not something other members of our Heart Family could reassure me about. But the extra precautions for anesthesia that were in writing and had been used in the four previous major surgeries I had undergone in the three precious years were readily accepted by both the anesthesiologists and confirmed by my heart valve surgeon. As a result, the fears about orientation when awake afterwards were reduced. So I woke up and knew who and where I was and who I would soon see from my family - a major relief. Then in the next 30 minutes I learned the value of having something at hand to put pressure on the operative site as I twice started having hiccups. In some ways they were comic relief! I am so glad to have been able to leave the hospital so soon and be home earlier than expected. And I am thankful each day that, while often my road is rough, it is not because of my heart or concerns about it. Bless you all who have been there for me in prayer and support, and sharing your knowledge to banish my fears. I cannot adequately tell you how very much it meant and means, but can only say that I love you very much!

On this date in 1948, an event occurred that impacted many people, some still on this Earth, some in Heaven. Willam H Farley II and Elizabeth Entwisle Hughes were married in a large Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia. They were deeply in love, and unlike what happens to many married couples over time, their love grew and deepened and never lost its fire. I thank God for that union, for Bill and Buttons were my Dad and Mom. And to grow up in a home where the parents are madly in love is a tremendous blessing. I miss them, but... I wrote this for them today, thinking also of sisters Patty and Beth: "And we all still carry you in our hearts! The day after my surgery for the replacement of my aortic valve, my heart valve surgeon came by with a puzzled look on his face. "Do you know what we found when we opened your heart?" he asked. "Please, I said, tell me...". "I have never seen this before and have replaced over 5,000 heart valves... In Your Heart, I found Jesus, and in his arms were hundreds of people! ... Who are they?" I was overcome with a sense of peace and comfort. I told him that I carry the people I love in my heart - family, dear friends, everyone who has been praying for me. He nodded. He is a very wise man. ''You", he said, "are certainly richly blessed!" Tears of joy wet my cheeks!" In Memory of my Mom and Dad, Bill and Buttons Farley, who were married on June 5, 1948. Mom died in the end of November 1980. Dad went to Heaven a week before Christmas in 2008. We know they are together, because just hours before he died, Dad, who had not spoken for nearly a day suddenly sat up. He said "I see them. Buttons and Susie, I see them!" My older sister, Susan Elizabeth Farley, died at the age of 30 from a degenerative neuromuscular condition that came on like a virus in her freshman year in high school. Towards the end of her years she was confined to a wheelchair. She died nearly a year after Mom. My daughter, Elizabeth Farley French, now Miller, was born on Susie's 30th Birthday. Family is everything, and that includes the family we have through blood and the family we have through other relationships like this incredible Heart Family. May God richly bless you all - Ginger

I have been here scarcely of late for several reasons. One has to do with the virus I caught from my little Grand Autumn. When sitting on the toilet (yes, the big toilet - no potty chair in the future for her!) it is necessary for an adult to squat down and stabilize the little ball of wiggling energy. And in just that position came a fair number of sneezes. I had avoided her virus for 2.5 weeks, but there was no way I was going to cover my face because doing so would have meant Autumn getting doused in the toilet. (And it probably would make potty training more of a problem than it cam sometimes be!) So I woke up the next morning with a scratchy throat, congestion, and a cough. And it just would not go away. My FP finally decided she was concerned it had gone on long enough that she put me on an antibiotic to prevent a secondary infection. Fourteen days later the cough was becoming a very bad habit, and my sternum was starting to get sore. A different antibiotic was my FP's call. I called in 7 days later with 3 more days of antibiotics left and got the message to come in. Chest X-ray was hazy but no consolidation and, after discussing other possibilities, I told my doc I was willing to try waiting it out. This would have been simpler if I had not been working on taxes with a new accountant and getting some legal documents in before a deadline. But the bunch together meant I was dozing off at my laptop -- not the best sleep one can get. I have only had one "Hack attack" thus far today and it is 8 PM. That's a new record. So hoping when I hit 9 months out in four days, I will have more energy and be able to do more. Little Autumn, now 18 months and very verbal, stringing words together, and focused and strong (she is 20 pounds and can lift my 5 pound weights! - try that with 1/4 of your body weight) - surprised my husband Jim last week by telling him very clearly "Happy Birthday, Granddaddy!" Her net worth in his eyes multiplied about 1000 fold! There are some recent pics in my photos. For a time our home was "Kitty's House", but she has finally given us a little credit, and it is now Granna's house. I can hardly believe that it will be nine months. And except for the things I was not able to do before the surgery due to the brain injury, I am pretty close to square one, and that feels good. I am looking forward to dropping the last of this tenacious virus, being done with taxes, which are ongoing right now, and finishing up the legal stuff. I am hoping to reduce some of my TBR stacks (books to be read) and get back to giving or loaning those read. Been too long. At this time last year we were still learning about valve centers and surgeons. I had found this website but had yet to put up a post. I feel so blessed to have had all the wonderful physicians and healthcare staff there to give me care. Not anxious for a repeat, but it was smoother sailing than I thought reasonable to hope. Blessings to all of you, and may each day find you closer to your goal of health. With love and hugs, Ginger (Yes, still in Oz)

A number of us who correspond have been making note of one thing that has gotten little attention, but is important especially for women to know. One will see throughout this website "selfies" of community members and their scars. Not all, but many of the women do not have a nice straight even scar at first. In fact, many women do not initially have scars that are conducive to photography. My scar even four days post op was extremely strange looking, and we were glad we were able to get another appointment in and ask questions before we flew home. It is not perceptible now, but in those early days my scar was certainly not straight toward the top. It was extremely wiggly and had a fairly large area with a bump at the sternal notch that looked like a maze had been made in that area of the tissue, and it was progressively growing a deeper shade of yellow. (I learned from people on this site that in some regions this is know as "The Golden Egg".) The answer to what was going on gave me a fair amount of relief. "You see," the doctor said. "Sternotomies and even minimally invasive sternotomies are closed by sewing from the bottom of the incision to the top. For most men this is a straight line. But the anatomy of a woman means the tissue mass in some areas is greater. Still, the skin is stitched the same way. So there is usually extra tissue at the top for women because all the extra breast tissue ends up much higher than it was before the incision. It gets pushed up in the sewing process. The extra tissue causes the odd appearance of the scar and the area at the top, including what some people see as a rippling effect. Over time it will heal and work its way to become smoother and redistribute as needed." So women are more apt to also have greater bruising that seems most notable (or was to me and several women I am in contact with) as it goes from red tones to yellow in just few days time. The extra bruising and the often prominent lump or bump at the top (at the sternal notch) is something very few men will have to deal with. And thinking about it, lying on one's back, unless there is adequate support of the breasts, causes the weight of the breasts to pull on the edges of the incision, and this may need to be addressed so the pulling at the site is eased and the wound has an easier time healing. My thanks to a fair number of women who are part of this Heart Family for sharing their personal experiences so we could make sure we had the facts straight. There are recommendations of various types of bras for women that may help them to be more comfortable, and this is the reason why. Men are not told they should get supports because they are not built the same way. (I doubt if this last part is news to many of you! ;o) ) Viva La Difference! But do take it into consideration and don't let it freak you out!

I put some Easter pictures with my Grand Autumn in my photos. Easter was a coldish misty day, but that did not stop Autumn from finding eggs and putting them in her basket once Daddy gave her some pointers! The yard is not THAT big if you are Daddy, but it is REALLY big if you are Autumn. Uncle Steven helped Daddy point out things seen more easily from their height than that of Autumn. We rested and rocked a bit before going in to see what was IN the eggs. This, too, took some explaining and examples from Daddy under Momma's observant eye. Yes, so nice, even cool and misty, to enjoy the promises of Easter and spring and all the blessings they bring! Granddaddy was on call and we missed him, but the pictures helped. Now that taxes are nearly done and some legal issues are (hopefully) winding down, Granna is looking forward to being able to have Autumn visit more on Daddy's day off so both get a break. Autumn's vocabulary is blooming faster than the flowers and she is growing visible hair with sweet wispy curls in the back. When she comes (to "the Kitty's House!") she knows where all of the things for her are and dives right in. She used to have to see the Kitty, whose name (Lacie) she can now say, first before anything else. But she is growing fast that sometimes there is a beeline to the high chair because Granna keeps good things like yogurt, Mandarin oranges (that Autumn now can peel with almost no help), grapes, cheese sticks, and Cheerios (saved till last!) Usually a packed bag of food comes with Autumn, and she has learned to unzip it. Pretty sharp little 18 month old! Her favorite songs are "Bible" = Jesus Loves Me and "Twinkle Diamond" = Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. Sometimes when I put her to bed and she is still not TOO tired, I can hear the Bible song coming from her room! So refreshing to see the adult kids doing well and happy. Uncle Steven built a new home with a park nearby that Autumn enjoys, and Momma is growing her practice of Marriage and Family Therapy. Daddy Jeremiah is still the mighty firefighter, but will always be a passionate hunter who prefers his bow and has amazing camo! Though Granddaddy is on call every other weekend, he is sometimes home in the evening. Last night he and Autumn were tossing and rolling some of the balls from Autumn's toy basket. She (with Momma) sang Happy Birthday to him last night - as today is his birthday. Momma was sure Autumn could say Happy Birthday Granddaddy, but she saved it till she was waving goodbye and walking with Momma to the car. Had to get it in before she left. She also did some vigorous drawing on the outside of the BDay card envelope, too! It is starting to feel like I am getting some of my life back. I had a bad upper respiratory infection with weeks of coughing that made my sternum start to complain. But that's on its way out and I have no problem any more reaching most things and helping "Hepping" Autumn. Prayers and all good things for wisdom, comfort, and smooth paths as Ned and David, Renata, Jennifer, and Laura have the ultimate process of heart valve repair or replacement and the healing begins. Please let us know how you are and what we can do in addition to praying or to pray more specifically for your needs. There is certainly a relief to get further down the path on this Journey, and while there may be bumps and dips on the path, you will do well. Don't hesitate to ask questions because so many of us have been on the same path that we usual have several people who know exactly what you are talking about. So blessings to each and every one of you as you work to become healthier!

I am so grateful that after over four years and five surgeries, I am beginning to think there may be a time when I will be more like the person I think of myself as being. There is even a possibility that after having had to set things aside for yet another health crisis, I may actually be able to catch up on the incredible paperwork that rolls through here and have some time to look through (and toss a lot of) what was moved out of my office to home in October 2010. I may be able to clear my files and find even more of the floor of my study! And I may find more time to relax and laugh with family and friends or even read a good book for pleasure without feeling guilty that I am neglecting something. We average four to five inches of (no, not snow!) mail daily in our now locking mailbox. It is a burden just knowing it is coming each day, although we are selective and do a lot of recycling and shredding. But what came in yesterday kept me up until 3 AM to give the fast turnaround that was needed. The intense tinnitus does keep me awake, but makes concentration more difficult. I know I will always have to deal with the day-to-day discomforts and frustration of the lingering effects of my traumatic brain injury, but I am so delighted to be a survivor -- past the cancer and the heart valve replacement. I not only have my beloved family to enjoy, but have made many very close friends with whom I will continue to keep in touch. This Heart Family is so much a part of who I am now. I may not post as often, but I am still praying for each of you. I look for the upcoming surgeries and add each to my "Stickies" prayer list on my computer. And yes, Eleanor, my Grand Autumn is here more and more, stringing words together at 17 months and going down for naps at "The Kitty's House" -- I know that on the priority list Granna does not cause the excitement of the kitty. And sometimes Momma and Daddy are both working to keep the city safe and help people heal. I am grateful they entrust Autumn into our care. But what joy it is to Hold this beautiful Child of God, freshly changed and in pajamas, snuggling with her and rocking her in my arms on the edge of the "big bed" that Pooh sleeps in while softly singing her favorite bedtime song of "Jesus Loves Me". Then gently laying her into the port-a-crib with her sleep snuggly toy. It is a blessing my Mom did not know, having died while I was pregnant with Autumn's Momma, Elizabeth. Life is so good. The trials are really tough, but the joy outweighs them! Bless you all! May each of you find comfort in the day and in the miracle of God's miracles big and small, and may He heal you and steadily give you strength to reach your own goal of health. I love you all so much! Ginger

These are tidbits, but they may help some of you. 1 - My Computer Wizard son Steven taught me this: Computer Post-it Notes If you want to use post-it notes on your computer that will not make your monitor gummy, download (free) Stickies at www.Stickies.com . These are so useful! My longest one is Ivory background and has names in Red Italics (changing tone after surgery, bold during week of surgery). I save it as "1 HVS Prayer List". That way it is always first to find and easy to update and save. 2 - I am not an accountant, but I am our major tax preparer before the accountant. For those of you who are purchasing/renting chairs, they are tax deductible if you itemize medical expenses. Had to laugh when I saw it on the list today! Check it out!

I have learned over the years that one of the greatest gifts one can give another is to tell them you will pray for them and THEN DO IT! This Heart Family is a powerful example of what prayer, encouragement, support, and education can do. Please be there for Randy and Lisa as you were for me and so many others. What an incredible peace and comfort I found -- way more than might be expected. Light a couple of candles in your home or set your alarm and send up another prayer for them and their surgical and care teams please. Praying for others was the best thing I ever did in the long months after my traumatic brain injury. Because the prayers work on the heart of those praying, too! God bless you all!

Am starting early preparatory prayer for Pam and Peter, who each are scheduled for surgery Monday! Monday is a good day for surgery because almost always the staff is fresh and the rooms are at their cleanest! (No, I was a Thursday - but it was my time.) I know so many of you who are part of this great Heart Family will be joining me in lifting them up, praying for comfort and protection, divine guidance for the surgical team and the staff who will be caring for them. Go for it! This is life-saving surgery without question, and you are doing the right thing. Remind yourselves to relax and "go with the flow" -- following instructions and asking any question you may have throughout. Knowledge is power and it also decreases fear. So if you need something or don't understand what is happening or want to know what to expect next, ask. Remember, Peter and Pam, that as the patient, everyone there is working on making you as healthy and comfortable as possible. And we as your heart family have certainly responded to many concerns and questions that come from family members while they are in the hospital. We know as much as any living being can what you are going through, and we want you to feel comfortable and encourged and supported! Love and hugs!

I think back to the days when I was in early recovery and how helpful it was to hear how others were doing who were on about the same place in this Journey. I recall Eleanor clearly saying that we are better off if we listen to our bodies and do what they tell us. But I did not expect to heed those words six months later. But truth be told, some things just wear me out and I was close to running on empty early this afternoon, Terrie and I had exercised together while talking on the phone, which was the best! But after we finished our workout Terrie noticed the fatigue in my voice. Did I need to take a nap? Well, yes! And in fact, Terrie realized she was close to that same point and was going to curl up in her recliner for a short snooze. My little Grand, Autumn, has been here the past two evenings, the first of which she went to bed in her room here, where Pooh sleeps in the big bed next to her and she has the crib! Momma picked up her sleeping Snuggle Bunny around 11 PM. I adore my family, but being up and trying to stay on top of what an almost 17 month old needs and doing bedtime routines when they are tired does take energy. And Autumn Grace really knocks out fast once in bed. My body reminds me later that if extra energy is expended somewhere, it eventually will need replacement. And I, like Autumn, was soon fast asleep and now have energy for the rest of the day. Hugs and prayers for all!

I was within a few weeks of my aortic valve replacement surgery. I thought I had really learned information from the reading and questions to this Heart Family and delving into the Learning Center that was just about all that I needed to know to be prepared. I was armed with information and had so many dear people praying for me. I was ready except for packing! It was then that during a visit from a close and very knowledgeable friend, several remarks were made to me that felt like a punch in the stomach or worse -- like I had lost all I had attained and was again in FEAR. Later I learned that what was said was NOT TRUE. BE AWARE THAT PEOPLE, NO MATTER THEIR MEDICAL BACKGROUND OR HOW WELL-MEANING, CAN DIVERT YOU FROM A POSITIVE OUTLOOK WITH JUST A FEW WELL PLACED (BUT UNTRUE) REMARKS. THIS HAPPENED TO ME. (I remember thinking later, why have I not heard about this before when I have read so much, read posts and asked so much? Obvious answer - this was another myth.) During that visit in my home, someone dear to me told me two things that wiped me out and sent me back to the pit of fear. THIS HEART FAMILY CORRECTED THE WELL-MEANT BUT UNTRUE REMARKS AND SET ME BACK ON MY FEET. I CANNOT BEGIN TO TELL YOU HOW MUCH HEARING THE TRUTH FROM MEMBERS ON THIS SITE WHO WERE POST-OP SAVED MY EMOTIONAL STATE AND GOT ME BACK TO A POSITIVE OUTLOOK. WHAT I WAS TOLD: 1) The cutting at the surgical site is severe, with bones being sawed (which I knew), and is worse than any incision you (meaning me) have ever had, [despite four major previous surgeries in the past 4 years] and 2) After surgery there is shooting pain with every breath that is taken. THANK GOD THIS IS UNTRUE AND THE HEART FAMILY ANSWERED MY QUESTIONING OF WHAT I WAS TOLD WITH WHAT THEY HAD EXPERIENCED. THIS HEART FAMILY TOLD ME: The pain is not a shooting pain post-op. There is not pain with every breath that is taken. Instead, everyone described it as an ache in the operative area -- not shooting pain -- that is not enhanced with each breath. And in addition, there are pain meds available when needed, but I would not have this trauma with each breath as described. Many people also told me that they had back pain - from the positioning while in the OR. Because of this, I took a heating pad with me and was so glad to have it after surgery. (My surgery took place out of state.) My own experience was that what the Heart Family says is accurate. I did not have unbearable incision pain or pain from the sternotomy, nor was there shooting pain with each breath. Most of what I felt was an ache in the area of the surgery, along with some aches like pulled muscles under my arms and around my chest. This may have been more widespread in my case because I had undergone bilateral mastectomies for breast cancer just two years earlier. I did not need the heating pad in the hospital, but know they would have supplied one had I requested it. But we were in the hotel several days after discharge before flying home, and I made constant use of the heating pad I brought with me. It reduced my need for pain meds and I believe eased my recovery. LESSON LEARNED: ASK THE HEART FAMILY for ANY and EVERY question or concern you may have ANYTIME, even while in the hospital. My source who was "helping" me had a strong medical background and had always been reliable. But she had NEVER been through the surgery. Unfortunately, what she felt the need to tell me was untrue. I IMMEDIATELY POSTED ASKING IF THIS NEW INFORMATION WAS TRUE. I LEARNED THE TRUTH AND THAT WHAT WAS TOLD TO ME WAS INCORRECT WITHIN HOURS FROM MANY OF MEMBERS OF THE HEART FAMILY WHO WERE POST-OP. AND IT WAS A SOOTHING CLOUD OF GENTLENESS THAT TOOK ME BACK TO REALITY AND ENCOURAGED ME. May God bless each of you who have questions yet to be answered. Please ask them, no matter how far out they may feel. And God bless EACH OF YOU who take time to answer questions and share what you have learned. KNOWLEDGE replaces FEAR, and each word of encouragement or answer you write in response is so precious. Many of you know because like me, your fears were replaced with truth by this generous and giving community. God bless you all! I will be eternally be grateful...

Bless you all! I was so thrilled to get to six months, but had lost some of the cardiac rehab benefits due to the vertigo that started Dec 23. The GOOD NEWS is that I am veritigo-free as of 5 days ago, so yesterday was back driving, got in to see my dentist and get a cleaning (They are a great bunch of encouraging Prayer Warriors!) and went to Audiologist to see if area in right ear that had been bleeding had healed so I can wear my hearing aids again. Both were good reports. To celebrate I went by the Christian bookstore close to home and picked out Valentines (two for Grand Autumn - yes, mailed with heart stamps!), and started getting a few things for the birthday season that starts with Jeremiah on March 29th, then husband Jim April 14, son Steven April 22, daughter Elizabeth May 6th, etc! (Autumn and I have Autumn birthdays, so I found her an Easter bunny that has a soft blanket to sleep with. Last week as her Momma and Daddy wanted an evening out, I suggested since I was yet to restart driving that Autumn COME visit Granna and Granddaddy. I would put her to bed here. HMMM........Pause as they thought about it and talked it over. OKAY! So Autumn came and I had put the big Pooh in the big bed in the room her portacrib is in. The quilt my Aunt Ann hand stitched for Elizabeth (Momma) as a newborn used to be out in the front room for her to have a familiar clean patch to be laid on, changed on, etc. Now it is the mattress cover for the crib! So I took her back when she came in to refamiliarize her with the room (Pooh got bounced on!). When it was time for Jammies, I told Autumn we would go back to do fresh diapers and jammies up by Pooh, then we would sneak quietly into Granna's room to say good night to the kitty (Lacie is a favorite of Autumn's), then go back and say good night to Pooh, then go to bed. As I put her into the bed, fresh tears and "Dadda, Momma". I reminded her she would see them when she woke up. I shut the door and with in a minute all was quiet. What a treasure she is! Glad she is so familiar with our home and can sleep here. I laid on my bed and rested until her folks got back! Another way to get to see all three of them! As for the vertigo, you may recall that I had a real bad bout of it the first five weeks after surgery until we got the metoprolol dose cut in half. My blood pressure was too low to adequately oxygenate my brain. So if you are having vertigo issues, check that first. There is certainly plenty in the literature of the brain taking up to a year or more to shake off the intermittent effects that come from the time on the heart-lung machine. But many of you may recall that I had vertigo several decades before my bicuspid aortic valve became stenotic. So this last round from the end of December for about a month was the brain damage vertigo. It is something I have learned to survive through, never knowing how severe or what the duration will be "this time". So hang in there and be gentle with yourself. It will go away. But again, with Vertigo, check your BP first and make sure it is not low. That is an easy fix. Love and hugs to all, Ging

This is HUGE!!! I am grateful to be feeling this well and so appreciative of all who pray and encourage me. The best care and the best prayer, who could ask for more??? Twice this evening I have written, then lost, five paragraphs. So yes, I am a tad bit irritated. I wanted to let you know all I had to tell you. Condensed Readers Digest Version: Long way from no pull push lift reach and titrating pain meds so at least sleep can occur. Two big vertigo episodes - first five weeks post-op before metoprolol dose was cut in half, dose too high -- second started two days before Christmas and was crippling, preventing meals with family through Christmas, close to dead in the bed, unable to eat, no noise, lights, etc. Sipped Reed's Raspberry Ginger Brew (17 gm of ginger in 12 oz bottle - it helps the survival period) Bummer! (Was able to sit in recliner and enjoy gift giving!) Now well enough to get taxes going and work at renegotiating health insurance (which would have gone up $6000 this year if just signed. Think I have found a way to not have to come up with the extra $6000 and no change in care. Amazing! But $6000 is motivation!) Hope and pray (crossing fingers which makes typing tough) that the abating vertigo of the past month will be gone by end of this week. Not sure what set it off, but this was head/brain injury, not drug-induced. Just avoiding looking up and back and getting lots of rest. Then need to strengthen from missing more than a month. Looking forward to being able to drive again. And special thanks to my family, especially Jeremiah and Elizabeth, who have made efforts to let Granna have plenty of Autumn time; without question my little Grand, now 16 months young, makes Granna smile and lightens my spirits. How many 16 month olds do you know who understand the meaning of the word "Come" and use it? One of this week's accomplishments by Autumn. Also, first time that she surpassed lifting two 3 lb weights and, instead of rolling one, lifted a 5 lb weight, clutched it to her chest and carried it across the room to let Granna take it from her determined grip. Then repeat with the second of the 5 ib weights. She is sooooooo strong! Happy? She dances on her toes and makes a face that involves wrinkling her nose like Daddy does and smiling so big her eyes nearly close, all with delightful sounds eminating from her little mouth (which suddenly appears to be full of teeth -- I think it's a false impression - the teeth are all in the front!) Love to you all my precious family, friends, and Heart Family! May the next 6 months bring more health, healing, and comfort for all!

Just a short comment about incision care, since I have been getting requests recently on the method I use. It works for me and may help you, too. We are all, I believe, told to wash our incisions daily with mild soap and water and pat dry. What I learned to do in past surgeries is to add just a very small step. Once the incision has a scab and has been washed and rinsed, lay your clean wet warm washcloth on the incision like a warm compress for about five minutes, then pat dry. Your results will be even better if you do this three times a day. The reason to consider doing this is that once the scab formation is complete over the incision, which is quite quickly in most cases, scabs will do as they normally do if left untended. They dry and harden and pull at the edges of the incision, sometimes causing itching and irritation. Laying the warm compress on the area allows the scab to soften, and because of this, the pulling and other results of a hardened scab are alleviated. The softening of the scab allows the edges of the incision to come together in a "more natural" and less traumatic way. The usual result is that the scab drops off sooner, leaving a faster complete closure of the incision. The two areas where this may not occur are at the edges (beginning and end, it you will) of the incision. The reason these are often the last parts of the scab to drop off is because at these two paints in the incision, the surgeon commonly puts in an extra stitch or similar to anchor the full suture. Once my scab was gone, I used the gel my plastic surgeon had recommended after breast cancer mastectomies and reconstruction. The name of it is DERMATIC ULTRA - Advanced Scar Treatment. It is a clear gel that dries quickly and is amazing in how well it works. My husband used Google to search for it, and found the one ounce tube (Plenty!) at a lower price than anywhere else. I used way too much at first with the cancer surgeries, then my husband (a surgeon himself) informed me that a drop smaller than a peas is enough. Drop onto clean finger and massage in with fingertips. Let it dry and dress. It is a bit pricey compared to Mederma and some of the others, but since one tube got me through bilateral mastectomies with some left for this heart valve replacement, it easily can do the job whether you have a Mini Z or a full sternotomy. I was initially surprised something like that could make the area feel so good. (I am adding this back in so newer people can find it. Today is January 23. Since the initial post on this, I have learned to put a thin layer on over my scar before going out in the cold. I had some issues with throbbing along the sternum, and now it's not a problem.) Hope this is helpful. Blessings to the entire community!