To My Brave Heart


Your heart -- since before you were born, that miraculous machine has been beating steadily, with the sole purpose of keeping you alive. 💓
We knew this spring and summer were going to be hectic with renovations and the move to our new place. Amidst the productivity and packing, we didn't foresee the added stressors that were to come. Rich is one of those rare people who was born with a bicuspid heart valve rather than tricuspid. Bicuspids are known to more rapidly deteriorate and close off as one ages. Although he was feeling well, his cardiologists, who have monitored him for years, surprised us when they said it was time for a replacement. Like when? Like, next week ... is never a good time.

Undergoing open-heart surgery is one of life's most daunting challenges -- a moment where everything slows down, and the strength you didn't know you had begins to rise. It's natural to feel anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about the fact that an ever-beating heart will be exposed and stopped for 4-6 hours. Facing the operating table is an act of incredible bravery and trust. 

To my brave sweetheart who is home and on the road to recovery... the days ahead will be filled with discomfort and vulnerability, but each breath after surgery is a powerful reminder that your loving heart is still beating, your life is still unfolding, and your next story is beginning. 💗

Rich's surgery took place on August 13th.  Many thanks for the support of family and friends, all the positive thoughts and messages. It has meant the world to us.

Photo: The above photo was taken in 2023 after Rich"s hernia surgery. Let's just say that the photo in ICU after heart surgery had many more tubes, wires and things that go beep. 


Comments

  1. AnnetteAugust 24, 2025 at 2:12 PM

    WOW, I simply cannot imagine the stress and anxiety associated with what you were/are going through. So good to hear that Rich is on the mend. Keeping you both in my prayers. Myk says HI and is sending positive vibes your way :) Take care, get well soon and Cecile courage your way through all this as well. With loving thoughts - Annette & Myk

    ReplyDelete
  2. Celine SAugust 25, 2025 at 4:09 PM

    Relieved to hear that all went well! We look forward to seeing you soon! ❤️

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Fixer Upper

Image
Photo of my feet in the sawdust, next to the cut saw and a can of paint. July, 2025. We've done many rounds of home renovations over the years, so as we age, we think "we are good at this". Won't it be fun to walk down memory lane, or, imagine we're starting our own episode of Fixer Upper? E xcept instead of a TV crew, it's just you and your weary spouse. Home renovations on HGTV look so effortless: a couple knocks down a wall, picks out some throw pillows, and voila instant dream home, all while wearing shiny designer heels. In reality, the only reveal you're getting is your bank account balance, and it's scarier than anything on a demolition day. Home renovations start with "we'll keep it simple and stay on budget." Until, what we've come to call the "might-as-well syndrome" kicks in. Flash forward three months and you are seriously considering a GoFundMe to pay for quartz countertops. Every trip to the hardware store add...
Read more

Letting Go

Image
"Just like the trees in autumn, it's time to shed what's weighing you down so your energy can return to balance. This is a moment of recovery before a new season of renewal begins... Growth often asks for surrender." ~ Kyle Grey I'm loving our new home next to the river and walking its many paths and trails. The trees burst with colour as they prepare for the long winter ahead. They don't resist the change or cling to their leaves -- they simply let go. Perhaps there are times we have to release an aspect of ourselves, a story, a dream,  or even a relationship we've outgrown,  that's no longer aligned.  When we cling, we try to control reality.  When we let go, we invite flow; we make space for possibility -- something new to take root and  flourish.  Trust the turning of the seasons.  Time for this classic earworm! Turn, Turn, Turn by The Byrds Recent photo by Julian Miller, Angus Ontario. Oct 2025
Read more