I promised to explain the latest Facebook profile photo so here goes. I have good news and I have bad news. I have always wanted to hear the bad news first so the good news will feel even better. With that said, let me get right to it.
Sometimes when you least expect it, life throws you a curveball. For me, that time is now. In the past two weeks, I have suffered two heart attacks; one “minor” in nature, the other more severe. There, that’s it … the bad news.
Now let’s get to the good news.
For starters, I’m still breathing and that’s promising. Tomorrow (November 29th), I will be arriving at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center for a cardiac catheterization to identify problems with any blocked arteries. Hopefully they won’t find much in the way of blockages because that may make it possible for my surgeon to perform a transcatheter aortic valve replacement instead of going in through my chest.
Oh wait, I forgot to tell you my aortic valve needs to replaced, didn’t I? Sorry, I guess that qualifies as more bad news.
At this point, what I am about to tell you may seem trivial but it’s important to me.
I have spent the past four weeks preparing history lessons (seven days a week, beginning on December 1) and music medleys (Monday through Friday, beginning on December 3). Yes, that was the “temporary adventure” I was on before my heart decided to start acting up.
It is entirely possible I am not going to be sitting here when the lessons and medleys begin because I have no idea how long I will be in the hospital. I won’t be posting links on Facebook because of that (unless I can somehow sneak out when no one is watching.)
Here is all you have to do to check the lessons and medleys out.
Since you’re reading this on my site, you should see a MENU on this page, either on the right side or possibly at the top of the page. All you have to do is click “Daily History” each day and a lesson will pop up. They are programmed to post every day at 5:30 AM (Eastern). If you want to hear the medleys, simply click “Memories Medley” every day and a new one will appear (programmed to post at 5:25 AM (Eastern).
As a fallback plan. I think Wendy might be talked into posting the daily links on my page. She’s pretty darn reliable. 🙂
I’m not completely foolish. I understand the risks involved with these procedures. If it makes you feel better, I’m completely at peace with whatever God has planned for me.
A request, please … I will sincerely appreciate it if you DO NOT private message me on Facebook. Thank you for honoring that.
PEACE
God speed Ray. Much love and many prayers coming your way <3
Thank you, Suzanne. Prayers are always a good thing.
I will be Praying for your complete recovery. You’re too here right now.
Thank you, Janice. 🙂
Ray
I am so sorry you are going through this I will keep you constantly in my prayers. I will be waiting to hear you back on Facebook playing songs. Hugs to you.
Thank you, Jan. I appreciate the prayers and support.❤
RAY, I HAVE MY FINGERS CROSSED FOR YOU.
HOPE EVERYTHING GOES WELL AND ON TO A SPEEDY RECOVERY!!!!
Thank you, Bill. I appreciate your concern.
Ray – Gordie had exactly what you are facing two years ago and had no issues. If you have any questions he would be more than happy to talk with you I’m sure. Anthony DiScipio was his surgeon and is wonderful – extremely talented man. Will keep you in my thoughts and prayers —
Thank you for the encouraging words, Barb. I appreciate the prayers.
Ray. Right now this longtime journalist is at a loss for words!! Stunned is the only one that comes to mind. Both Fayan and I are sending you our best to someone who has impacted our lives. However, I know you and know what a fighting spirit and love for life you have always shown. Simply stated, we are in your corner and our prayers. Yes, we will team up again for another broadcast you can take that to the bank.
David, thank you for those inspiring words. I fully intend to share a booth with you again, my friend … and all my best to Fayan.
I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers Ray knowing this is a hard time for you but knowing you will give it a good fight! Love and hugs to you, Sue
Thank you, Susan. Your prayers are much appreciated.
Hey Bud,
Susan and I are w/ you as well as the Big Guy Raymond. We’ll Pray of course and and if you need me to come down for some rehab inspiration, YOU CAN PM ME !
Boss Out,
~ DPW
Dale and Susan … Thank you so much for the pep talk. I’m going to give this the best I’ve got!
Ray, shocking news to hear but I know you got this!!! You are a special inspiring man who has been there for so many of us including me. Your support during a difficult time for me meant more than you will ever know. With that said – I have your back!! Will be thinking of you ……… prayers and hugs my friend!!!
Penny, knowing you have my back means more to me than you will ever know. Thank you so very much. ❤
Shocked, but I know you will beat this. You are tenacious…proved by how you have spent the last 4 weeks. Like Barbara Brille said, Gordie came thru we flying colors and we know you will too. Lots of love and prayer’s coming your way!!
Thanks, Nancy. I hope being tenacious is enough. Thank you for the encouragement, the constant support, and of course, the prayers.
Best of luck my friend.
Thank you, Bob.
“They’re selling postcards of the hanging, they’re painting the passports brown” 🙂
Pulling for you Ray! You are in good hands my friend.
Thanks, Marty. I appreciate the support 🙂
The very best to you my friend. We history teachers must stay well and together. You are one of the good guys. My love and thoughts are for you.
Coach
Coach, I would never compare my teaching ability to yours but I sincerely appreciate the compliment and the encouragement.
Ray sometimes the body needs more than a tuneup! You will be under the care of the best. I know first hand through Steve’s adventures in cardiology. Thinking of you as you travel through the diagnostics, treatment and recovery of what intervention is needed. Sometimes we are given a warning, and thankfully you listened. We will be waiting to hear the good news that you are on the road to recovery. Don’t forget…. You Got This❤️
Nancy, thank you for the positive reinforcement. I had no choice but to listen. It was either that or…
You have always been there for me. Always, and I can never thank you enough.
Yeah, I Got This! ❤
Prayers headed your way my friend!!!! 🥰🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Thank you, Jo. Prayers work! ❤
Thank you for sharing your journey with us. We will be sending positive thoughts to you and your family. You have a great support network and a wonderful facility for healing. Love to you all
Scott, thank you for those kind words and positive thoughts.
So sorry to hear this news. I think you are blessed to live near such an incredible hospital. Dartmouth Hitchcock is the best. Know that you will be in my prayers.
Thanks for all of your hard work with the history lessons and the great music.
I know we’re all thankful for you Ray. May God bless you
Thank you, Eileen. I have been blessed in so many ways. He has always taken care of me and I trust He will continue to do so.
I am sorry you have to go through this. I am sure you are getting the best of care. When all is said and done you will probably feel better than you have in a long time. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Go get ‘em, you’v got this.
Thank you, Nancy. I appreciate the prayers but I consider myself so much more fortunate than others who face more dire circumstances every day.
And yes … I’ve got this!
You are in my prayers my friend. Please reach out if there is anything I can do. God Bless you sir, and hopes for a full and speedy recovery. Be well.
Bob, thank you for the prayers and the kind words. God HAS blessed me abundantly.
I’ve known you as a young man living across the street on bridge st.and think of you and your family often. God bless. Love Barb Parker.be a good boy.
Thank you, Barb. I have always (well, almost always) been a good boy. I Love You ❤
So sorry to hear this, Ray. I will be praying for you along with so many others. I know God is listening.
Thank you, Pat. I am so blessed to have so many prayers on my behalf. You’re right, God does listen! ❤
You are in our thoughts and prayers, Ray!
Darlene and Ken,
Thank you so much. Prayers are flowing my way in such abundance. It is overwhelming. ❤
Ray, you have always supported me and now my support for you is tenfold. I’m glad you have trust in your doctors and have committed to do as you are told so that you will get better. We will accept no other outcome. <3
Mary,
Your words mean so much to me. You have given me such encouragement and I thank you. ❤
Thank you for sharing your good and bad news Ray. Wishing you the best there is to be had at DHMC. You have lots of great support as noted here!
Thanks for all your recent work I’m sure it will be enjoyed by many.
Jane,
Thank you so very much for your encouragement. I have been pleasantly surprised at the outpouring of friendship and love from so many people.
Ray, sending you prayers by the buckets. You are in good hands and you are “Vermont Tough”.
Evelyn, I don’t feel too “tough” tonight but I am hoping the old fighting spirit returns after these procedures are done. Thank you so much for your prayers and your concern.
Sorry to hear about this. Prayers that all goes well during the procedure & for a quick recovery!
Donna, thank you for your prayers and concern.
I hold you in my heart (always have) and will continue during your surgery and recovery. I know it is scary but you can rest a bit easier knowing you have done the hard work -of selecting your surgeon and hospital . Close attention to post op instructions as you know is next step and key to full recovery. I can tell from the work you do here, that you are patient, wise, and and pay attention to details that matter, so applying these to your recovery will promise success. Feeling completely positive Ray – you are a trooper. Can’t wait until you are “back in the pink” Love you.
Liz … Such a wonderful, caring post. I can’t begin to express my appreciation for your concern and love.
Just read your notes about surgery this morning and sent a response here previously. It appears not to have gone through.
You have my prayers and more. You have a big heart so it is no wonder it needs a “tune up”. You are deeply loved so take it easy post op and stick around -more good times ahead!
Love you Ray
Your first response did come through, Liz, and it was beautiful (no surprise, considering who wrote it.) I survived the first part (no clogged arteries!) and now the decision must be made as to replacing the valve via catheter or open heart. The doctor seems to believe open heart will be the best option and we are going to talk today. I love you too, Liz.
Thank you again! ❤
Ray I’m so glad to hear that you are still here! We are blessed to have you as a friend and a former classmate….I am pulling for you as are all of your friends and family ’cause your special to all of us. Take care and just know my husband Mark and I will be praying for you and the Doctors for wisdom for your treatment and recovery. God bless!
Sharon … thank you so much. The prayers must be working because I survived Part 1 of the procedure!
Just got to read of your journey you posted! So glad you have the first step behind you. Stay positive and peace-filled! He is holding you in His palm through this,Ray;your friends’ posts are witness to the Love that surrounds you. Any journey is one step at a time…Get well soon.
Thank you, Teresa. I have been amazed by the outpouring of support. Those messages have given me strength. I appreciate yours being added to the list.