Weddings & the Heart

What a better place to strengthen your heart, but a wedding! At this time in my life weddings are taking on a new meaning!  Last year at this time I was still ignoring the fact that I was have "issues"!  This week coming up, my tightness in my chest was really bad!  I still did not tell anyone and was getting mentally ready to visit my doctor!  I new what it was!  But, needed to build the courage to face the reality!  So, next week, as my older son Jared gets married to his lovely bride I will be there!  I'm a lucky guy and here is why weddings are awesome!


1 - 35 years ago Sue & I were married and she was a rock for me as I prepared for my open heart surgery!  I'm sure you all know the line from most weddings:

In the name of God, I, (Name), take you, (Name), to be 
my (husband/wife/spouse), to have and to hold from this 
day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, 
in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, 
until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow. 

Last year, Sue was awesome and REALLY followed the vow - for better or worse and in sickness and in health.  Great wedding lines!


2 - Friends and weddings!  Last night we had a chance to share a wedding memory with friends of ours!  Our "old" neighborhood, one we all moved into when our kids we little, well now the kids are starting the wedding stretch - this was the 4th wedding of the "neighborhood kids!"  Great friends, they were there after my operation, and for the past 30 years have beed AWESOME friends.


Are great "Bosch Wedding".  Checkout father of the bride & bride kicking up their heals!

3 - Seeing your ex-students & athletes at weddings!  Another blessing of an educator is the families your meet and a shane to share special nights!  At the wedding last night were families & students I was lucky to meet along the way!  Check out tow great young ladies that were great athletes & students with the "old" coach!  MY HEART WAS SMILING!

And next week, our older son Jared's wedding!!!  More to come!!

Your Heart & Music

Another way I relax & avoid stress of course is music.  I have a very strange love of music - I like almost anything, within limits(NO RAPPPPPPPP!)

A new CD I need to pick up is Yo-Yo Ma - the Goat Rodeo!  Have a listen.

Music is something I need to add more to my daily stress reduction plans, like...

How about some great Christmas music!  Trans Siberian Orchestra!

How about Josh Groban and Raise Me Up!

How about my own son Josh!  Josh Albright & Fantasy!

A little classical - Beethoven - Moonlight Sonata!

And some Steve Martin Banjo!!!

And one of my ALL TIME FAVORITES _ Theme from Rocky!!!   Yo Adrianne!!

There you go!  I could go on and on and on and on .......................

Want to Know More About Cholesterol?

Part of my experience with my heart is learning more and more and more .......... about cholesterol! This web site has always had interesting info.  Have a look:

MedicineNet.com - Cholesterol Test

What do "Zipper Club" Buddies Talk About?

As I have mentioned in other blogs, I could not have gone through open heart surgery and rehab without my friends!  In my recovery phase, Bill, Terry, & Terry were dedicated friends that helped me the the physical & mental healing process!

Today I had lunch with my new "Zipper Club" buddy, Rob.  Rob was in my high school class from 1971. When we chatted at the reunion he mentioned he was having open heart surgery & I said I would like to visit & if he had any questions let me know.  Today we had another great visit.

What to two "Zipper Club" buddies talk about?

•  Cardiac Rehab
•  How we are healing physically
•  How we are healing mentally
•  Our families
•  Our memories (old & new)
•  Our emotions (That is tough for two men!)
•  Our wires!!! (All good stuff!!!)
•  Our hobbies - sports, etc
•  Our diet
•  Anything that pops up!

I really think when one is healing from anything - physical or mental - it is great to talk it out.  Sometimes, even if you are not close friends that is better.  There are no expectations or baggage.  Close friends are great also, and my Packers buddies are AWESOME!

So if you need healing, find a buddy!