“I recall how later in life, I heard my Mom say, 'I like what I know.' The comment caught me by surprise as I reflected on its truth. Our talents are usually the intersection of our interests and our abilities or knowledge. It’s what we do best. It’s why we get hired to do a [...]
Tom’s April 4, 2008 I’m home! Amazing that it’s only been four days since my surgery. Recovery went smoothly. I was up walking in no time and although the 9 inch cut into my torso is serious---pain is little and it will heal nicely I have no doubt. Rehab will be a challenge and [...]
Tom’s Journal-March 30, 2008 This second day of recovery, I see Em, my other daughter. Great to laugh with her as she asks how my “ticker thing” is working. I see my ole pal Feds in the back of the room and motion him over. Tell him “thanks” as I hear he’s been hanging [...]
Tom’s Journal-March 28, 2008 6:00 AM..."We go" as my quarterback from Ripon College would say as our offense took the field. I'm calm; at peace. Les and daughter Libby slept in my hospital room. Lib read the 91sst Psalm to me. Dr. Nicolasi came by to give me confidence. I joked about how I [...]
Tom’s Journal-March 21, 2008 So here I am alone in the admitting room of Froedtert Hospital and Medical College of Wisconsin. Just finished calls to my wife, brothers Jack, Jim, Bill, Feds, a friend from high school and college, cuz Mary, and my secretary at UW Milwaukee. Feeling pretty talked out. We’re getting ‘er [...]
Tom’s Journal-March 15, 2008 Home early today from the CT Scan to see how large the aortic aneurysm is—this will help determine when to do the surgery. If close to 5 cm, it’s game time. If less, wait a year or so. Dr. N calls at 3 and I’m glad my wife Les will [...]
Tom’s Journal-March 3, 2008 I wish it wasn’t happening—but by accepting it, I feel stronger. Weird—I am strong in my weakness. Pretty sure the disciple Paul said something like that. I guess that adds up because when we are afraid and things are out of our control, we have only one place to turn—the [...]
Tom’s Journal-February 23, 2008 This is the major leagues. I’ve had a few life altering events—births, marriage, deaths; you know the stuff. But this is right up there as I follow my cardiologist’s guidance to find a surgeon. Met with one today. He seemed fine but something wasn’t quite right. He was smart; had [...]
Tom’s Journal-February 22, 2008 I sit in the blue chair and read a bit about Gnostic faith in The Nag Hamaradi Scriptures given to me by my son Jay. “Western civilization is rooted in three impulses—reason, faith and gnosis (inner knowing). I like that last one---there is a part of us which “knows”—just because [...]
Tom’s Journal-January 24, 2008 I lie on the examination table waiting for the doc to come and gently, I hope, ease a tube down my throat as part of a TEE (Trans Esophageal Echocardiogram) Test. The procedure will provide information about my weakened valve and resulting aneurysm at the base of the aorta. [...]