You just never know...

[deising]

Hi, all. This is not a post to solicit sympathies; I know you will all wish us well.

I do want to report that my dear Admiral suffered a brain hemorrhage/stroke on Tue. After realizing the symptoms of a potentially serious problem (despite not exhibiting any of the normal signs of stroke), I got her to the ER. The outcome so far is that she is very stabile with good vital signs and the only permanent damage is that she will likely have to live with a significant loss of her visual field on the left side due to the damage to the occipital lobe.

She is thin, stays in shape, doesn't have any vices except a sailor's affinity for the spirits, and is only 62. Her blood pressure is just on the high side of normal. The stroke came out of the blue and may never happen again. She will likely leave the hospital tomorrow with no restrictions except to ease back into her exercise routines and be extra careful driving. [We live in FL, so being half blind is not that uncommon.]

She is lucky in that it could have been fatal or had much more serious consequences. We doubt this will impact our upcoming 6-month cruise, but the lesson here is that if you really think you want to do something in your life, don't keep waiting.

[plaineolde]

Sorry to hear about this, but glad to hear her prognosis is positive. It sounds like she is the kind of person who has a good shot at adapting well. Also glad to hear you are keeping your cruise plans; hopefully you'll make it to the Chesapeake, and I might get the chance to say 'Hello.!'

[LCBrandt]

Re your bottom line message...roger that.

Daniela and I wish you both well. We know that Clyde will be there to help her recovery along, too. Hugs to all three of you.

Larry

[bstreet]

Duane, Suzanne and I are sorry to hear of your wife's stroke. As we found out this year, your line of advice is so very true. Hope all goes well for a speedy recovery.

[Laura]

Duane-
Ditto to all of the above.

But also THANK YOU for having the courage to post such an important message.
I happened to be going through some major life "stuff" the past year or so and I confess to times where I have been a wee bit less diligent about getting certain check up items taken care of.

Thankfully, things are going in a much better direction it seems and I have been more driven to take care of myself and other things because I know I should. Some days it was just harder to feel up to it.

Your message was both timely and inspiring- many thanks and best thoughts to both of you at this time.

I DO expect to see you both on the Chesapeake soon!!!!

I know your fellow officers and C36 family are here for you!

[ProfDruhot]

Duane,

Thank you first of all for your transparency in sharing with all of your 36 family what has happened to your dear wife. Isn't it amazing how we share our lives with others in our organization.

She sounds like she has a strong constitution and will recover from this medical challenge with time.

You advice is all of us is powerful and so true. I often share with my students and clients that we must be cognizant of what we want to accomplish and then move towards doing it.

Blessings to you and your wife Duane.

[deising]

Thanks to all of you, not just for your support, but for reinforcing the point: you just never know what lies around the next bend, so enjoy while you can.

[bboggs]

I'm sorry to hear of your wife's medical issues but happy for a relatively good outcome. We'll be sending prayers for a speedy recovery your way.

Many years ago, my wife lost her father very unexpectedly. He was just a couple of years from retirement and had plans for lots of things he'd at last be free to do. Ever since then, we've sought to balance saving for the future, against living our lives now. Its one of the reasons we have a boat, so we can enjoy while we are here. Of course we also have those hopes for "someday", but there are no guarantee's in this life, so my philosophy is to sample all you can from lifes buffet while you can, be thankful for everything and every second you have, and have no regrets.

Man plans, God Laughs.

[Gary Bain]

Sorry about the circumstance but happy about the perspective!

Look, I don't want to wax philosophic, but I will say that if you're alive you've got to flap your arms and legs, you've got to jump around a lot, for life is the very opposite of death, and therefore you must at very least think noisy and colorfully, or you're not alive.

Mel Brooks

[deising]

Quick update:

Eight full days after the stroke, Diane is doing pretty well overall. She definitely has vision loss but there is hope for more improvement. She was able to attend the Change of Watch for our cruising club last night where she was replaced as Commodore by the incoming leader. The few dances we shared had an even more special meaning.

[montenido]

Duane and Diane,
Thank you for sharing. Like the others, my wife Susan and I wish you both continued improvement and luck on your cruise. I am currently looking at retiring a bit early (54 years old) due to the unexpected loss of my sister. Every day is a gift and we just don't know when the presents are going to run out.
Enjoy your cruise and keep us posted.

Cheers, Bill