Memories of my heart attack in 2012.

[John Schmidt]

While packing to move I came across a large padded envelope in my nightstand I didn't recognize at first. When opened and dumped on the bed, there were dozens of get well cards from members from across the country wishing me well. Some of you might remember that difficult time in July & August when it was thought I'd beat Rita to the Pearly Gates....almost did, coded 3 times in the ambulance and more in the OR. Those cards meant a lot to me then and the memories they brought back were heart warming all over again. I took the time to read through every one again, some names no longer appear on the board but that was seven years ago so folks move on. After much effort on my part in the gym I was pretty much back to normal within a year, an event that proved vital in the years to follow while caring for my Rita.

In the future whenever a member is taken down for any reason, please take the time to send a card or a text....something! You never know the impact it will have, in my case it was seven years later and still gave an exceedingly warm feeling of gratitude. Just wanted to pass it on so as we age we can remember to respond when a fellow member succumbs to the passing of time. 

[old2soon]

       Seven Years! Who'd a thunk it?  Glad yer still here with us John!  Let's just say when i was in New Haven last week I was Very Moved. Again-glad yer still north of the lawn.  RIDE SAFE.

[Oss]

not just get well cards John although they are wonderful and uplifting both at the time and later....

I have never forgotten all to the prayers and assistance to Alana's Army when she was beating lymphoma and doing the half marathon after her last treatments.  (she gets her stubborn crazy from her father- her good looks from her mother)

Now she is the married, mother of a daughter who will be 16 months old this week

As I often say, and many agree, this family, such as it is, has shown again and again more love and support than many families that we were born into

Glad you are still on this side of the lawn John,

Best wishes moving forward

Oss

[John Schmidt]

Oss, I couldn't agree more. The strength of character shown by our members towards the others is quite amazing.

[Charlie McCready]

John, I try to keep up with your posts. Hate you're having to move to the far north but looking forward to the next time we can get together.   Take care, be well my friend !!

[John Schmidt]

Charlie, I was wanting to stop by your place on my way back south but just ran out of time. I'm looking forward to some catching up hopefully at the next Inzane. Come to think of it, I've got a lot of "catching up" to do with our members/friends....old and new. A bunch of them I want to spend some time with and get to know them beyond the shadow of the computer screen. I've rec'd. so many words of encouragement and support in recent years that I'd like to thank them in person if possible. God willing I'll be there.