Everything is going good, I'm back to the hotel getting better every day. I want to thank everyone for their prayers and concerns. I would have never made it without the support I received. This is such a blessing I don't know what to think or how to act. God must have special plans for me. The fact that I get a new lease on life is a miracle in it self. I expect to go home between 3/7----3/15 if all goes well. I feel pretty good considering what I've been thru. Thanks again and God bless you all
Gordy

Valentines Day Gordy gets his new heart

Last night Gordy got the call he has been waiting for since he arrived in Chicago. He had heart surgery last night at 10:30 Chicago time. Its so wonderful to have this happened on Valentines Day!

Kim had arrived to visit Gordy yesterday afternoon. His support group friends were all there with him when he got the call. My mom was on her way back home by train.

We just got word that the surgery was a success and Gordy is doing very good. As soon as we hear more information we will let you all know.

Continue to keep Gordy in your prayers and may he have a speedy recovery.

Deb

Still waiting

Two more transplants came and went, none with my name. Clayton got his heart, we had played cards with him the night he got the call. I'm happy for Clayton and his family, I hope he recovers quickly. I dont know who the other person was. Its becoming harder and harder to maintain a good attidude. I need to get home. Please continue to pray for me.

Guys come to visit

On friday the doc's listed me on the 1a list, which means I'm on the first priority list.
Bob Andree, Scott Mc Donald, Tim L Claire, Dan Caverely, and Gary Marsman came and visited me Saturday the 19th, They took my wife and I to the Bulls vs. Pistons game at The United Center. We had great time. I'm very fortunate to have such good friends, they kept us laughing and brought my spirits up. Thanks guys I love you all.

Tim O' Connell is staying with me this week. We plan on getting out a bit, Its been so damn cold here that you cant do much outside. We are going to check out the ULC gymnastics practice out today

long 5 days

Its been a long 5 days in the hospital, All my numbers turned out good, The doctors are real happy. On Monday I should be able to go back to the hotel. Like Deb said I'm back on the transplant list. Since I've been here I know of 4 transplants, they all turned out good. Its amazing how far they have come with the success rate. in the 80s it wasn't very good, so far this hospital is at 100% success rate. Who's to say where things will be 10 or 20 years from now. This LVAD they put in me is wonderful, I'm able to live almost normal, Ive had plenty of time to think and reflect, getting a second chance at life in its self is a gift. I will be a different person. There will be changes in my life. Things I took for granted will no longer be considered guaranteed. I look forward to being a better husband, father and friend. Things that appeared to be important in my past life will no longer mean so much. Although I still want to golf allot, but I will more likely go with my wife and kids more often. Its been real hard being away from all my girls. I didn't spend the time with them like I should have in my past life. I can't wait to get home and use my second chance at life to be the best I can. To all my friends, live today like its your last, climb that mountain, jump out of that plane, love deeper, and talk sweeter you might not get as lucky as me and get a second chance. Love you all. Gordy

Keep it strong

checking pressures

The doctors put the swan catheter in yesterday to check Gordy's pressures. The pressure levels where great so they took the swan out. Gordy has been put back on the transplant list as a B1. The reason he is not on the top priority A1 list is because patients can only be on the this for 30 days. At this time the doctors prefer not to use up those 30 days. He will remain on the B1 list for now. It's difficult to explain. Anyway, the doctors know what they are doing. Once his blood levels come up to a 2.0 or better he will be able to return to the hotel. Looks like that should be on Monday.

When I talked to Gordy today he sounded really good. He is looking forward to seeing his buddies next weekend. Sounds like there may be a Bull's vs. Piston's game in the works. I'm sure that will be very exciting for Gordy.

Gordy; Within the next week or so Greg, Becky and I will be out to see you. Let's make some plans...

Love ya, Deb

Gordy's myspace

Gordy, I found the link to your myspace. Here it is....

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=284399740

Looks like you need some help with your myspace. Once you get back to the hotel we will have to see what we can do about it.

Love ya, Deb