I'm fine... fat, but fine.

Yes, the angiogram showed minor plaque buildup in a few places – which will be worked on through medications and diet.  I have no blockages; there is no need for stents or bypass surgery or anything like that. I have not had a heart attack. My heart works just fine! (Though there may be a certain skepticism about that among you, my gentle readers…) But its mechanical function is just fine! And thanks be to God for that!  Yes, thanks be to God! It's about the best outcome I can imagine.

The doctor said, after about a week’s recover from the procedure (they did puncture my femoral artery after all), I’d be cleared for exercise (damn it).

Seriously, I felt covered in prayer. I thank you for all of those prayers. I received wonderful cards, notes and email which I found very encouraging indeed.

I feel good. I’m continuing with my diet. We have beautiful fall weather in North Idaho. Life is good. God is great!

Have a heart; say a prayer!

Today's the day I have my heart catheterization at Kootenai Medical Center in Coeur d'Alene. I'll be leaving in just a few minutes.
The clerk who called me with final instructions yesterday, informed me -- somewhat inelegantly -- that it involved "puncturing your (my!) groin."
Ahh, the indignities of getting older!
Keep me in your prayers today and always!
And always remember me as loving you!
Blessings!

Home, Home at Last!

It was a long, long drive (some 2,100 miles the way I took). Pleasant weather, good roads, light traffic. Saw some sights: Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial. All in all, it was a good, safe trip.

Arrived in Sandpoint on Thursday, October 7, and have been resting and reading and doing some catch up – not too much parish work.  I say my prayers and Mass everyday, but I'm relying on my Parochial Vicar, Father John Gathungu, a very kind, and gentle priest from Kenya, Africa. I am very fortunate to have him here, as is the parish.

I had my appointment with my local cardiologist on Tuesday, October 12, and he concurred with the doctors in St. Louis that I should have an angiogram, to determine whatever blockage there may be in the heart. So the procedure is scheduled for Thursday, October 21, at Kootenai Memorial Hospital in Coeur d’Alene.  I have some time to prepare.

I also have a scheduled follow-up appointment on Tuesday, November 2 – which means I’ll be home at least through then.

Which also means – much to the relief of hundreds of Sandpoint children – there will be Halloween this year and that Halloween central will be open for business. Two years ago the rectory gave out a record: some 1200 candy bars – and the children who instead of saying, “Trick or Treat!” said, “Father Day Rocks!” got a large, full-sized candy bar. It’s amazing how rapidly word of such a thing spreads. A few however, came with quizzical looks, evidently not quite getting it: “Father’s Day rocks!” Close enough. They too got the larger bar.

In the meantime, I’ve lost 27.5 lbs. so far, plus I feel great, my blood sugar is wonderfully in control, the diet is satisfying, life is good, God is great!

A few random thoughts

I think I’ve indicated that I’ve received a wonderful selection of cards, letters and emails that I find not only encouraging, but thoughtful and heartening. (Heartening, that takes on a deeper meaning, doesn’t it?)

One of my correspondents, had this spin on missionary work: “If memory serves Father De Smet left Saint Louis and ended up at Lake Pend Oreille.  You left Lake Pend Oreille for St. Louis….” – I like it!

She also said this scripture had my name all over it: (You decide.)

“We are not discouraged; rather, although our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this momentary light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to what is seen but to what is unseen; for what is seen is transitory, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Cor 4:16-18)

I like it also!