Today's Miracle Mind ?

Hey, what a great post! I like O'Toole...I don't know why, but I've always found myself wanting to focus on him in anything he's acted in. Harris and Reed, both very good, too and, of course, Burton is a strong favorite as a classic, but I like O'Toole.

Eye yam knot highering hymn. Eye donut knead hymn, sew ewe kin halve hymn.

Yep, I saw it Martin. I was kicked out to make room for you! You deserve it, my friend, that's for darn sure!

Hmmm, well now...what do you expect me to say after reading that? Huh?

A scar? Gee, Martin, don't some people think they're sexy? Oh, and what an icebreaker! "Ohhh, is that a scar? Where did you get that?". "Well, let me tell you...I had open heart surgery, can you believe it? Look at me, I'm so strong and healthy!"

Are you planning on seeing it? It certainly sounds like something worth visiting. I would certainly include it in my itinerary if I was in the area.

I'm commenting a little late here, but it gave me a chance to see some comments. First, VNA is visiting nurse...so, it means that someone will be coming by on a scheduled basis to check on you. Yes, there is rehab. Usually once you begin that, progress makes it's biggest strides and the "new and better" you is right around the corner. You are alone and that is a major concern that many do not have to consider when facing this sort of thing, but you will not be allowed to go home until you are ready (so you won't be alone during that time), you will have people checking on you and/or even helping to take care of you until you don't need it anymore (whether at home or elsewhere). Sure, you will be hovered over, but not necessarily in the way you think...because you will have things to do during this whole process, so they will be there as assistants, not just babysitters and hoverers.

A lot of people (those with medical knowledge and those who have faced this sort of challenge directly or indirectly more than once in their lives) will tell you that there are medically rational and personally rational reasons for refusing the surgery. Usually, it's when there have already been bypass surgeries performed and life has already been extended as a result, but the person is now older and weaker (or has other medical problems) so their chances have been reduced. Or, if there is so much damage to the heart that the surgery may not make much or any difference. But, for people who are basically in good health, have not had any or too many procedures such as this done before, and who are considered strong enough to be good candidates for the procedure, the choice is usually to go ahead and have it done.

The last thing I'm going to add on this is borrowed from experiences my father had in relation to his multiple heart attacks, numerous types of procedures performed with his heart being involved, and his doctors. He had excellent surgeons, but not all were people he liked. Some had "no time" for conversation, so his fears and concerns were never satisfactorally discussed or his questions answered. When that happened, he immediately called for a conference with his regular doctor, his primary care doctor. Although he wasn't a cardiologist or a surgeon or anything like that, he knew my father better than any other doctor and had enough knowledge of health and concerns to be able to sit and confer with my father. My father had numerous questions answered, had his concerns discussed, got information he needed, and, believe it or not...the doctor called the surgeon himself to get information and to relay information, so that my dad's regular doctor was able to help get my father scheduled and acted as liaison. After that, my father never hesitated to consult and stay close to his regular doctor for all episodes and procedures that came up throughout his life after that. So, don't hesitate to call upon any general care doctor you may have that may have answers, may be helpful, or may even have contact with any surgeon or specialists you see.

I believe that if a part, a character's role, is good and strong in itself, then any able-bodied actor/actress can "pull it off". But, if the person has any real talent of his/her own, he/she can make that role his/her own without taking away from any other gifted actor's performance. Mary Martin was excellent. That, in no way means that someone else couldn't do an excellent job, too. I've seen three people play Peter Pan and, although I may like one more than another, each did a fine job. I think Kelli O'Hara would be well worth seeing.

Atta boy, Terry, you tell him! He tells others to listen and does his best to get past excuses and fears to help get to the "heart" of the matter and do what needs to be done...but, Terry, you must tell Martin that he needs to listen and get past excuses and fears, too! Terry, if Martin will share this with you, will you please go over a statement he made elsewhere about having an operation where he could die or not having the operation, but will die. I think even Martin can sort that all out, but he might listen if it comes from you, Terry. Even my Dad will say (after his open-heart surgery which was done over 50 years ago when it was still experimental and a hell of a lot more risky and scary)that it's seldom ever worth giving up, it's seldom ever worth not fighting to stay alive, and it's seldom ever worth taking the easier way out (instead of doing whatever it is that is known to be the real better choice). I would be talking to Martin right now and telling him these things...oh, he would read the words and consider what I say...but, he LISTENS to you, Terry, so I'd like for him to hear it from you. Hey, I'll be chiming in, too, don't you worry about that! But, I care more about Martin and what will mean more to him and be of more help to him right now, so I hope he lets me speak as if I was speaking through you, Terry, because you are an important and loving friend.

AJ, think of this. You go on a vacation and you stay somewhere. You can stay right there and relax and enjoy yourself or you can venture out and go see things and do things away from the resort or hotel or wherever you're staying. A cruise is almost the same thing, meaning that you can stay and relax and enjoy yourself right there in your room or at the "hotel" you're in...and you can also see and do things away from the "hotel" too, if you want to. The only difference is that you don't have to get to those places yourself somehow because the hotel takes you there! So, you can make the vacation be whatever you want it to be and see as much or as little as you want to see...and the "hotel" will help make it easier for you to do that.

Oh, cruises are wonderful, though I've never been on a gay one, but I've certainly met a lot of gay people on one. I did go on an RSVP trip, though...it was the very first vacation Edie and I went on together, an RSVP resort week in Mexico...all inclusive, including all the usual plus special entertainment arranged by RSVP for the resort and excursions for interested guests. It was worth every penny!

You know we're thinking about you, will be rooting for you no matter what you decide, need and want you here with us, and love you. I know how I feel and what I hope you will decide...and I really think you know what that feeling is and what I'm hoping...and I also think you know why.

This was quite interesting. When really faced with the truth and facts, it is hard to deny what is truly fair and justified. Those that deny those truths, therefore fairness, are controlled by the lies, believe in the lies, or hide behind the lies...all for cowardly reasons and/or selfish reasons.

Ok, so I won't comment.

Welcome, Becca! Your first blog is absolutely fine! It's not much different than the first one I ever posted! Just relax and be yourself, the words will fly off your fingertips all by themselves! You'll see, you'll soon be very comfortable and it will all come very easily.