John Schmidt
Member
Posts: 15192
a/k/a Stuffy. '99 I/S Valk Roadsmith Trike
De Pere, WI (Green Bay)
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« on: July 01, 2013, 08:51:19 AM » |
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It was this day last year I was lying in a hospital bed, unconscious, not expected to live. I didn't open my eyes for ten days and they were worried about brain damage(my wife maintains that's been the case as long as she's known me).  It was Sunday, July 1st, at about 2:30am that I was struck down without warning with a major heart attack. Why I'm still here I don't know, and won't question it....just thankful. I was released five weeks later(Aug. 6.), and the struggle to rehabilitate myself began. In less than two months I was back on the bicycle, not going far but just getting my balance back. It all came with a rush, both of skill and strength. Then about Oct. 10, much to my wife's dismay I took the motorcycle around the block, a distance of two miles. It felt as natural as walking and I had tears in my eyes when I pulled into the driveway. I haven't looked back since. By November 1, I was back in the gym, weak as a kitten but determined. I set a goal for my 75th b'day on April 2. I wanted to be at, or beyond, the level of strength I had the afternoon prior to my attack and I reached that goal nearly two weeks prior to my birthday. That was the best present I could give myself....and Rita, my sweet wife. God is still in the miracle business. As a result of my rehab effort, I do pretty much whatever I want. Along with taking care of my wife, I play golf a couple times a week, go to the gym 2-3 times a week, ride the Valk when it's not too hot, and still take the bicycle for a spin a couple times a week as well. Basically the same life I was leading before all this happened. Life is still wonderful.  |
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Hooter
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« Reply #1 on: July 01, 2013, 08:55:52 AM » |
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Second chances at life make you change the way you do business! Life is good even in these times when something like that happens. Other trivial things just don't matter anymore! |
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You are never lost if you don't care where you are!
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musclehead
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« Reply #3 on: July 01, 2013, 09:12:33 AM » |
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'in the tunnels uptown, the Rats own dream guns him down. the shots echo down them hallways in the night' - the Boss
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BonS
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« Reply #4 on: July 01, 2013, 09:14:16 AM » |
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I think it's all about good luck and good attitude. Apparently John, you have both. Congratulations! We have a winner!! |
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Gary
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« Reply #5 on: July 01, 2013, 09:32:28 AM » |
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Yup, Happy 1 Year Anniversary! May you enjoy many more to come. |
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RainMaker
Member
Posts: 6626
VRCC#24130 - VRCCDS#0117 - IBA#48473
Arlington, TX
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« Reply #6 on: July 01, 2013, 09:35:44 AM » |
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Happy Rebirth-day! |
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 2005 BMW R1200 GS 2000 Valkyrie Interstate 1998 Valkyrie Tourer 1981 GL1100I GoldWing 1972 CB500K1 |
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Master Blaster
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« Reply #7 on: July 01, 2013, 09:38:09 AM » |
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Awesome story, at our age its somewhat a maracle. Congratulations and keep up the good work, and it really is work, the comeback trail.
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"Nothing screams bad craftsmanship like wrinkles in your duct tape."
Gun controll is not about guns, its about CONTROLL.
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Patrick
Member
Posts: 15433
VRCC 4474
Largo Florida
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« Reply #8 on: July 01, 2013, 09:51:24 AM » |
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Boy, how time flies ! Glads to hear that you're doing good.
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Jess Tolbirt
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« Reply #9 on: July 01, 2013, 10:06:11 AM » |
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puts a tear in my eye just reading this,, i am happy for ya!!!
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Robert
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« Reply #10 on: July 01, 2013, 10:15:33 AM » |
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John its a great report, glad you have come through and able to live rather than survive. Congratulations. I may not be there but I do celebrate with you! |
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« Last Edit: July 01, 2013, 10:23:48 AM by Robert »
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“Some people see things that are and ask, Why? Some people dream of things that never were and ask, Why not? Some people have to go to work and don’t have time for all that.”
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czuch
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« Reply #11 on: July 01, 2013, 10:26:49 AM » |
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We were all worried. Glad youre still here.
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Aot of guys with burn marks,gnarly scars and funny twitches ask why I spend so much on safety gear
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Art708
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« Reply #12 on: July 01, 2013, 10:52:03 AM » |
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Good on ya John!! May the good health continue for you. I had 3 bypasses in '92 and a stent in '08. By the grace of God I am still here and pretty healthy. Congratulations on your recovery and well being.
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Art 2014 Kawasaki Concours 14 Black  |
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Michael K (Az.)
Member
Posts: 2471
"You have to admire a healthy tomatillo!"
Glendale, AZ
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« Reply #13 on: July 01, 2013, 11:38:14 AM » |
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Glad to hear that you're as feisty as ever! Let's go ridin!! |
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"I'd never join a club that would have me as a member!" G.Marx  |
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wiggydotcom
Member
Posts: 3387
Do Your Best and Miss the Rest!
Yorkville, Illinois
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« Reply #14 on: July 01, 2013, 11:46:45 AM » |
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That's a great beginning to your second life, John. I'm glad you are doing so well!
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VRCC #10177 VRCCDS #239  |
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« Reply #15 on: July 01, 2013, 11:52:48 AM » |
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Tough old bugger Eh? |
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Rams
Member
Posts: 16158
So many colors to choose from yet so few stand out
Covington, TN
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« Reply #16 on: July 01, 2013, 11:53:04 AM » |
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Life is still wonderful. This is what I wanted to hear. I'm glad you're still with us and able to enjoy life. Ron |
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VRCC# 29981
Learning the majority of life's lessons the hard way.
Every trip is an adventure, enjoy it while it lasts.
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flamingobabe #44
Member
Posts: 1655
# 44
Friendswood, Texas
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« Reply #17 on: July 01, 2013, 11:59:00 AM » |
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glad you are still here to talk about it
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John Schmidt
Member
Posts: 15192
a/k/a Stuffy. '99 I/S Valk Roadsmith Trike
De Pere, WI (Green Bay)
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« Reply #18 on: July 01, 2013, 12:49:44 PM » |
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Glad to hear that you're as feisty as ever! Let's go ridin!! I'm all for that Mike, but this time I get to lead. Long story folks, an inside joke....on Mike.  |
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billyboy
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« Reply #19 on: July 01, 2013, 01:30:39 PM » |
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You are one blessed man John.  And many more. |
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old2soon
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« Reply #20 on: July 01, 2013, 01:58:11 PM » |
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Glad yer still posting for you and the Wife and the board in general. You sir are living proof that GOD does indeed move in mysterious ways. RIDE SAFE. |
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Today is the tommorow you worried about yesterday. If at first you don't succeed screw it-save it for nite check. 1964 1968 U S Navy. Two cruises off Nam.
VRCCDS0240 2012 GL1800 Gold Wing Motor Trike conversion
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shortleg
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« Reply #21 on: July 01, 2013, 02:10:35 PM » |
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When something like that happed to me in 2000
it made me see life a whole different way.
God did not have a place for you yet.
There must be something left to do.
Shortleg[Dave]
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FloridaValkRyder
Member
Posts: 1677
If your offended , you need a history lesson!!
Apopka, Florida
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« Reply #22 on: July 01, 2013, 03:39:53 PM » |
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Glad to hear that you're as feisty as ever! Let's go ridin!! I'm all for that Mike, but this time I get to lead. Long story folks, an inside joke....on Mike. I know..I know.....GPS or something right...??? Oh well....  Happy 1 year birthday John. You are such a good man and have been a good friend to me! God Bless you and that lovely wife of yours!! Jeff |
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I still miss her.
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Charlie McCready
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« Reply #23 on: July 01, 2013, 07:24:36 PM » |
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I'm glad you're celebrating today John. The short visit we had in March made the whole trip for me. It was great to see you just as you were when I saw you in 2010. Hang in there....keep on keeping on..... Very glad you're still with us !!!!!
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Tropic traveler
Member
Posts: 3117
Livin' the Valk, er, F6B life in Central Florida.
Silver Springs, Florida
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« Reply #24 on: July 01, 2013, 07:43:03 PM » |
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Very glad you made it! Will see you again soon.  |
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'13 F6B black-the real new Valkyrie Tourer
'13 F6B red for Kim
'97 Valkyrie Tourer r&w, OLDFRT's ride now!
'98 Valkyrie Tourer burgundy & cream traded for Kim's F6B
'05 SS 750 traded for Kim's F6B
'99 Valkyrie black & silver Tourer, traded in on my F6B
'05 Triumph R3 gone but not forgotten!
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MacDragon
Member
Posts: 1970
My first Valk VRCC# 32095
Middleton, Mass.
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« Reply #25 on: July 02, 2013, 04:33:26 AM » |
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Time does fly. I remember when it happened. I don't know you yet, except for here... always enjoy your posts and we were all deeply concerned last year. Our prayers helped I'm sure. God didn't need you up there yet...
Ride safe and often
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 Ride fast and take chances... uh, I mean... ride safe folks. Patriot Guard Riders |
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cookiedough
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« Reply #26 on: July 02, 2013, 08:15:19 AM » |
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Same but a few days ago for our boss at work. He's fit as a fiddle and can walk quicker and probably longer than I can at age 64. He had a heart attack at work much to our surprise a tad over 1 year ago. He came in a few days ago and mentioned it was one year ago today he had to be med flighted to hospital. I just said, 'happy anniversay' - we all had a good chuckle over that one. Firmly believe 'attitude' plays a huge role on recovery and once you loose that positive attitude is when things decline. Keep up the good work! |
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Daniel Meyer
Member
Posts: 5492
Author. Adventurer. Electrician.
The State of confusion.
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« Reply #27 on: July 02, 2013, 09:37:13 AM » |
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Glad you made it through! Rock on!
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CUAgain, Daniel Meyer  |
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