This year I turned 60. I've been retired from education for 2 years now. I've had some bumps along the way, but I feel good! What are some observations after 2 1/2 years?
Observation #1
Preparation for Open Heart By-Pass is a mental challenge! The idea that you will have open heart surgery can be intimidating! The night before the hospital trip was long! Faith is critical! And a supportive family is vital! So, you make it to the hospital, then what!
Observation #2
OK, now you are put into one of those lovely hospital gowns!
Shaving you body is interesting! As a teacher, seeing some old students, some that are working on you is humbling!(I hope the liked me!) And what was my focus? Two things: 1- To relax, I played 18 holes of golf, visualizing each hole! 2 - Visualizing God's hand guiding my surgeon's hans during the operation!
Observation #3
Waking up! The first thing a tube in my throat and my back was killing me! All kinds of wires, tubes, and monitors! Nurses all over the place! But - I'M AWAKE!!!!!!
Observation #4
Rehab! I remember my first walk! My first meal!(I threw up!) My first tube pulled out of my belly! The catheter removed - oooohhh baby! My first shower! My fist workout!
Observation #5
Back to work! Back to coaching! My first round of golf! And retirement 6 months later!
The journey is amazing, but many people have done it!