This morning, as with every morning, I am amazed at how well I can see when I put my contacts in. I am so thankful for the cornea transplants and even more thankful to the families who in the midst of sorrow agreed to organ and tissue donation.
On the way to work this morning a family from Omaha was on the radio. They have been in St. Louis with their 10 year old daughter since early August. Their daughter had a heart transplant on December 2 or 3rd. She is already out of the hospital and anxious to see here sisters again and talk with her friends at school. They talked about the shock of seeing her after surgery and seeing her pink lips and how they and the tissue under her nails were no longer blue from lack of oxygen. They seemed to be a wonderful family and it was a joy to listen to them.
As I mentioned in an earlier post, I was told I was going blind during my first appointment with my new eye physician. It ended up I had a heredity disease, Fuch’s Dystrophy. That is a disease where the one cell, hexagon shaped cells, that pump the water out behind the cornea are dying. They don’t reproduce and the other cells attempt to take on the additional load and become what appears to be big blogs. The physician’s office was actually able to take a picture and I saw the perfectly shaped cells and those whose shapes had changed. Ultimately, as these cells continued to die I would end up with blisters that would break. In the end I would have the white eye/iris that one may associate with a blind person. It was a very scary time for me. My vision was never great with a lazy eye and I could not imagine being blind.
I remember being on the donor list for my first surgery. (They only do one eye at a time in case of infection.). The day I was scheduled for surgery I was at work waiting for the call that a donor cornea was available. I remember getting the call and calling my wife. I then went home and got ready and left for the hospital, The Porter Hospital in Denver, The Center for Sight.
After we checked in they got me ready for surgery. They started giving me diuretics. After a period of time they put an instrument over my eye which would flatten it. Before they took me into surgery, they put me to sleep to deaden my eye and then woke me up. I would be awake for the surgery. I had a cover over me with an oxygen hose directed at my nose. I remember hearing the doctor and nurses talking about their kids, jobs, etc.
The surgery would last approximately 3 hours. Sometime during the surgery I heard the physician state something about an injection. I then felt this pain in my eye. A slicing feeling. Then I heard that phrase again and felt an even more pain. When I heard him the third time I wanted to let him know I could feel it. Well for those of you, who know me, know that I’m really shy. All I could come up with was a little moan at which the doctor asked if I could feel it to which I said yes. He told me I should have told him earlier and proceeded to deaden my eye again.
After surgery I went to recovery and then home. I would have to come in every day for a week to see the doctor. My mom also came to Denver with her husband to bandage my eye and take me to the doctor. I had a metal screen over my eye to make sure I did not rub it as I would rub off the cornea and would ultimately be blind.
As I think back on this, I can’t help again thinking that my working at the 24th Evac in Vietnam happened for a reason. Would I have been able to manage this surgery and diagnosis without having been in Vietnam? Did that experience give me inner strength I didn’t have? And it was difficult not to think of my brothers and sisters in Vietnam who paid a price or the ultimate price. When I think of that, nothing can compare those valiant soldiers and how they suffered.
What process takes place after such a surgery? Stay tuned.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Gov. Blagojevich & Obama
Today news broke regarding the ongoing investigation of the Illinois Governor and his apparent attempt to sell, or put up for bid, Obama's Senate seat. And of course we are now hearing more and more about the Governor's wife and her role as well.
This could pose a very interesting situation for President Elect Obama who states he was not involved, never discussed this with the Governor and has nothing to say since it is an ongoing investigation. Yet, Axelrod stated that Obama had spoken with the Governor and Obama had some special thoughts for several people who could be considered. Axelrod now states he misspoke.
It will be interesting as this moves forward as to the extent of all of this and who all was involved. Perhaps Obama wasn't aware of this or perhaps he was and his bowing out is caused the Governor some of the heartburn where he is saying he wasn't getting anything.
Let's see where this will lead but I don't have any warm or fuzzy feelings for the Democrats. This could really become quite an issue for them, Obama, etc.
What do I think? I'll share those thoughts as the story unfolds.
This could pose a very interesting situation for President Elect Obama who states he was not involved, never discussed this with the Governor and has nothing to say since it is an ongoing investigation. Yet, Axelrod stated that Obama had spoken with the Governor and Obama had some special thoughts for several people who could be considered. Axelrod now states he misspoke.
It will be interesting as this moves forward as to the extent of all of this and who all was involved. Perhaps Obama wasn't aware of this or perhaps he was and his bowing out is caused the Governor some of the heartburn where he is saying he wasn't getting anything.
Let's see where this will lead but I don't have any warm or fuzzy feelings for the Democrats. This could really become quite an issue for them, Obama, etc.
What do I think? I'll share those thoughts as the story unfolds.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
What! Me play Santa at the Mall?
I was 25 and working for Northwestern Bell in Omaha in the mid-70s. It was a Sunday and my sister called. She had gotten a job taking pictures of children with Santa Claus at the Southroads Mall. The Air Force serviceman who was playing Santa became ill and they had no replacement. My sister talked with the Agency supplying Santa Claus and said I'd be a great one and could come down. Gee thanks.
Reluctantly I made the 10 minute drive to the Mall and exchanged clothes with the serviceman and played Santa. I must have done well as the next thing I know I have been hired and am working all the time.
One day I noticed a family in line having this conversation about something. As they get closer I notice that they have a son probably around 10-12 who is blind. I come to the assumption that the discussion is about whether or not he should go up to speak with Santa. Finally they are the next ones up. Their daughter comes up and I listen to her wishes. Once she is done she goes down the few steps back with her family and they begin to leave.
I get up and walk down to the young blond boy and say "You haven't talked with Santa". I then took his hand and led him up the stairs. I asked what he wanted for Christmas and he said a GI Joe. I had him feel my beard and gave him several candy canes and then walked him own to his family. He mother was crying and said thank you.
After the day was over my sister said the mother told her "There really is a Santa Claus". This is still a very emotional memory for me. I often think of that little boy and how he is doing and hope he has had a wonderful life up to now..
I often wonder, if I had not worked as part of the ER in Vietnam would I have done the same thing? I believe I would or at least hope I would have.
It's rather strange that in early the mid-90s I went for an eye appointment in Denver and the eye physician stated "Do you know your going blind?. I was stunned and said no. He told me I had Fuch's Dystrophy and would need cornea transplants.
Isn't life funny at times? Do you ever wonder why things have happened in your life? Sometimes it seems the pieces fit together. And at that time, or sometime after, your feelings and emotions tell you that you did something really great and have touched someone in a very special way.
Reluctantly I made the 10 minute drive to the Mall and exchanged clothes with the serviceman and played Santa. I must have done well as the next thing I know I have been hired and am working all the time.
One day I noticed a family in line having this conversation about something. As they get closer I notice that they have a son probably around 10-12 who is blind. I come to the assumption that the discussion is about whether or not he should go up to speak with Santa. Finally they are the next ones up. Their daughter comes up and I listen to her wishes. Once she is done she goes down the few steps back with her family and they begin to leave.
I get up and walk down to the young blond boy and say "You haven't talked with Santa". I then took his hand and led him up the stairs. I asked what he wanted for Christmas and he said a GI Joe. I had him feel my beard and gave him several candy canes and then walked him own to his family. He mother was crying and said thank you.
After the day was over my sister said the mother told her "There really is a Santa Claus". This is still a very emotional memory for me. I often think of that little boy and how he is doing and hope he has had a wonderful life up to now..
I often wonder, if I had not worked as part of the ER in Vietnam would I have done the same thing? I believe I would or at least hope I would have.
It's rather strange that in early the mid-90s I went for an eye appointment in Denver and the eye physician stated "Do you know your going blind?. I was stunned and said no. He told me I had Fuch's Dystrophy and would need cornea transplants.
Isn't life funny at times? Do you ever wonder why things have happened in your life? Sometimes it seems the pieces fit together. And at that time, or sometime after, your feelings and emotions tell you that you did something really great and have touched someone in a very special way.
1st Black President / Slavery
I was reading some news articles today regarding Presidents who had slaves both in and out of the White House. Some were even blatant about it. The news also talked about Michelle Obama and I believe it said her great-great grandmother being a slave.
Regardless of the past, the citizens of this great country elected a Black President. This President is a role model for all other African Americans and so is his family. Those African Americans who fought for their freedom should be proud of their sacrifices and I believe this is the end result.
I had to work as a greeter and Wal-Mart for additional income recently. At 58 I don't really remember much about the marches or riots but, I do know this. Those people believed in what they were doing and made great sacrifices for their generation to come. In work at Wal-Mart I made many acquaintances with both young and old African Americans. The difference however if night and day. I found the older to be very kind. It was great getting to know them and seeing them often as they came in and we talked about Omaha, growing up, jobs, etc. Never did I feel there was a racial divide, just people enjoying talking with each other - nothing more - nothing less.
However, this was not the same with those younger African Americans. What I experienced with them was that they found it easy to talk down to me and others working there. If something did not go their way, they always referred to me or others being racist. Last Christmas Eve they closed the store early so we could also spend Christmas with your families. Right after it closed and they were checking out the last customers a young black couple were trying to get into the store. I told them I was sorry but that we were closed and why. I was immediately called racist for not letting them in and supervisor was called over. The store was closed to all customers regardless of race. However, they were allowed and I was again called racist. I told them I was doing the job and following the direction given by management. With glee they said "your doing a lousy job". What a great Christmas spirit.
I find it interesting that many of our younger generation seem only interested in themselves regardless of race. But I do find it a disgrace that the young black Americans are riding on the coat tails of generations before them and I wonder if they really have an idea of the sacrifices made for their freedoms.
I hear Bill Cosby speak about this. He states why are they being named African names. They are not African, they are American and that fathers need to step up to the task. I don't believe they are owed anything in life. It has come full circle and they can no longer not believe they can aspire to a high office or job or blame their woes on racism. Does it still exist? Yes, but I do not believe it is the same barrier it was years ago. The barriers our young generation face, regardless of race, are those barriers they put up themselves. It's time to stop the woe is me and begin to shine as a human being and an American.
And being a father, I believe too many children are not able to thrive to their potential due to missing fathers. It's time for them to step-up to the task. You made them, now step up to the task they need you to play with them, discipline them, love them and set an example.
Be proud of yourself and do the right thing. It's surprising what you can accomplish.
Regardless of the past, the citizens of this great country elected a Black President. This President is a role model for all other African Americans and so is his family. Those African Americans who fought for their freedom should be proud of their sacrifices and I believe this is the end result.
I had to work as a greeter and Wal-Mart for additional income recently. At 58 I don't really remember much about the marches or riots but, I do know this. Those people believed in what they were doing and made great sacrifices for their generation to come. In work at Wal-Mart I made many acquaintances with both young and old African Americans. The difference however if night and day. I found the older to be very kind. It was great getting to know them and seeing them often as they came in and we talked about Omaha, growing up, jobs, etc. Never did I feel there was a racial divide, just people enjoying talking with each other - nothing more - nothing less.
However, this was not the same with those younger African Americans. What I experienced with them was that they found it easy to talk down to me and others working there. If something did not go their way, they always referred to me or others being racist. Last Christmas Eve they closed the store early so we could also spend Christmas with your families. Right after it closed and they were checking out the last customers a young black couple were trying to get into the store. I told them I was sorry but that we were closed and why. I was immediately called racist for not letting them in and supervisor was called over. The store was closed to all customers regardless of race. However, they were allowed and I was again called racist. I told them I was doing the job and following the direction given by management. With glee they said "your doing a lousy job". What a great Christmas spirit.
I find it interesting that many of our younger generation seem only interested in themselves regardless of race. But I do find it a disgrace that the young black Americans are riding on the coat tails of generations before them and I wonder if they really have an idea of the sacrifices made for their freedoms.
I hear Bill Cosby speak about this. He states why are they being named African names. They are not African, they are American and that fathers need to step up to the task. I don't believe they are owed anything in life. It has come full circle and they can no longer not believe they can aspire to a high office or job or blame their woes on racism. Does it still exist? Yes, but I do not believe it is the same barrier it was years ago. The barriers our young generation face, regardless of race, are those barriers they put up themselves. It's time to stop the woe is me and begin to shine as a human being and an American.
And being a father, I believe too many children are not able to thrive to their potential due to missing fathers. It's time for them to step-up to the task. You made them, now step up to the task they need you to play with them, discipline them, love them and set an example.
Be proud of yourself and do the right thing. It's surprising what you can accomplish.
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