Every once in a while I experience one of those moments that cause me to step back and attempt to view things with a different perspective.
Been gone from the forum for a few weeks, it was not planned, it was not deliberate, it was not a choice but it was necessary. You can measure the time I have left in my 40’s in months rather than years yet I’m the not so proud new owner of a cardiac stent. I’m actually a pretty avid cyclist, I average 1,500-2,000 miles / year. Unfortunately neither my diet nor my genetics are as good as my exercise habit. Thankfully I married a smart intuitive lady and when Mrs SoxFan could tell something was not right after a recent bike ride, she called 911 and I was amazingly in an and out of an operating room in 90 minutes. Left to my own devices I probably would have just lied down for a nap, and if I had done so it probably would have been my final one.
Why share this? I had 15 minutes in an ambulance to ponder some of the choices I have made. Deciding to spend whatever effort was required to somehow convince my most amazing wife that I was worth the effort being the best one - I’ll admit to still being a project. Choosing to have 3 children was right up there. And deciding to support each of them in their pursuit of academic excellence was right there as well - that specifically includes support the entire boarding school process. At that moment I did not for a minute regret support DS1 going to BS. In fact it was exactly the right thing to do.
The good news in I’m well on the mend. I even went and see DS1 at UPenn over the week-end and stayed up for a round of father-son beer pong in the fraternity house with another dad that was visiting. It was an early game, we finished by 10:00 and I think I had less than one beer. But it was a nice moment of real life during the early stages of recovery. Now if I can only get clearance to ride my bike!!
You’ll be on that bike all in good time. Thanks for sharing your story and reminding us that the choices we get to make are so important especially given life’s unplanned twists and turns. Cheers!
I work for the Ornish program for cardiac disease reversal. Check it out, and talk to your cardiologist about a referral for this program as an alternative to traditional cardiac rehab. Glad you are out of the immediate woods!
Welcome back! Sorry to hear of your troubles but (in a way) it is also a positive in that you are are the road to recovery. Kudos to your wife – great call marrying her! I have also always admired your choice in allowing each kid to find the path that works for them. I am glad you realize the value in that approach.
Thanks for sharing your story and good wishes for a continued quick recovery. I had chest pains that turned out to be nothing but every medical professional told me if there is ever a next time do not wait… go straight to the emergency room and a young colleague had a heart attack entirely coincidentally while in a room with several cardiologists - and even they couldn’t tell if it was food poisoning or a cardiac event. Hats off to Mrs. SF.