ANA Discussion Forum
AN Community => AN Community => Topic started by: CHD63 on October 25, 2009, 06:05:27 am
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To my AN Family:
Because I know many of you are good pray-ers, please keep my husband, Truman, in your prayers. He was admitted to the hospital Thursday night with severe atrial fibrillation in his heart, low blood pressure, and a very rapid heart rate. Last night he developed fluid in the lungs. This is a man who had not been in the hospital (as a patient :-*) for 55 years.
As you can imagine, I am exhausted and wonkyheaded with exhaustion do not mix very well. :(
Two of our children came yesterday so that is a big help.
Clarice
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Clarice,
I believe you know that I am sending major hugglez for your husband and you. Thoughts and prayers are abundant and I'm thinking of you all during this time. Please hang in there.
xoxoxo
Phyl
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Clarice, I am praying for your husband's speedy recovery and for you and your family during this stressful time. Hang in there!
Cheryl
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Hi Clarice,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your husband. It's not easy when are loved ones are in trouble.
Trust that Truman will be okay,
Rich & Scarlett
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Clarice,
You and your husband are definitely in my prayers. I hope he has a quick recovery and you are able to keep the wonkyheadedness to a minimum. Let the nurses take care of him - you take care of you!
Keep us posted.
Lori
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Clarice~
I am so glad that you shared this with us - Dave & I are certainly praying, not only for Truman, but also for YOU!
Peace & comfort to you both...
Love ya!
Kay ;D
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Oh, no! Thoughts and prayers to Truman; hope he's all fixed up very soon.
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Clarice,
I'm a newbie here and realize the importance of prayer. Once can't have too many of them come their way. I wish your husband Truman a speedy recovery and your entire family well health. God Bless...
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Thoughts and
prayers are with you! Mickey
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Oh, Clarice, you know all of us here are with you and Truman. Glad you have some family there now to help you. Keep us posted as you can.
Cindy
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Clarice, Truman and Family,
Thinking and praying for all of you. Please keep us updated, when possible.
Anne Marie :-* :-*
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Clarice,
I know how difficult that can be for someone who's never had to be hospitalized. Glad to hear that your children are there for support. My prayers are with you and your husband.
Patrick
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Prayers that all goes well for Truman and you too, Clarice.
Sara
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Clarice,
I'm so sorry to hear about your husband. You are both in my prayers. Please keep us posted on how you are all doing.
Wendy
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Many hugs and prayers your way!!
xoxo
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Clarice,
I will immediately sit down with my two children and say a prayer for your husband, Truman. Also sending prayers for you that you will feel well and have strength through this. Please keep us updated!
Lyn
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Clarice and Truman,
The power of prayer cannot be under estimated. And you have lots of prayers being said for you and your family. Praying for strength for you all.
Patti ut
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Clarice ~
I'm so sorry to learn of this sudden medical crisis involving your husband. As a lifelong Christian who has seen the power of prayer in action - in my life and in others - too many times to mention, I fully realize it's ability to change things. I will definitely pray for your husband, Truman, that he can be restored to health and be back with you, soon. I'll add prayers for strength for you and your children, too. May God bless you with patience and may you feel the calming presence of the Holy Spirit at this time.
Jim
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Clarice,
Consider it done until you let us know everything is OK.
- Dennis
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Clarice -
I am sorry to hear about Truman (what a beautiful name). He will be in my prayers and like Dennis said, consider that a given until we hear from you that all is okay.
Please get some rest yourself and try to not worry; we are all thinking of you and Truman.
Best,
Jan
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Clarice,
You know that Truman will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Kate
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Oh, I knew I could count on all of you!!! I cannot express adequately enough how warm and comforting it is to know that so many are praying not only Truman, but for me, as well. When I had my AN surgery in February, 2008 I went in to surgery completely calm and it was only because of all of the prayers being said on my behalf. Now I am feeling that same calm as prayers are being said for Truman.
He is feeling much better than he did 24 hours ago and I truly believe it is all of the prayers! Amazingly the A-fib has reverted to normal ...... the cardiologist cannot figure out why, in the midst of a congestive heart failure crisis, it would revert at that point. He is still having difficulty breathing tonight but he is oh so much better. He will have a nuclear stress test in the morning because he also has a left bundle branch block that they want to check ..... as well as check for any other coronary-related issues. So, keep the prayers coming for a while longer.
One of our sons is still here so it is wonderful to have that support. I am very tired, not only from staying at the hospital, but not resting very well overnight either. It seems when it is quiet and dark my mind keeps processing the events of the day.
Thanks so much for your care and concern. Clarice
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Clarice~
I am praying specifically right now that you will get a good, restful night's sleep!
K ;D
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Clarice,
So glad to hear that they are getting a handle on Truman's health issues.
You and Truman are definitely in my prayers.
Hang in there, rest when you can. He is in good hands.
Maureen
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Clarice, sending prayers your way for a quick and complete recovery for your husband. God bless!
Denise
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Hoping you get the rest you deserve and keeping you and your husband in my thoughts.
Sue in Vancouver, USA
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Count me in Clarice! Having been under the knife for a Triple Bypass in April '08 at the age of 50 and Six Stents put in since, I know a thing or two about Heart troubles. I wish your Husband well and will keep him in my thoughts!
Try and rest!
;)
Doc
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Clarice,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and Truman.
Don
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Clarice
I'm just reading about what is going on with your husband. I'm happy to hear that things are looking more positive. I'm sending lots of healing prayers and thoughts your way and Truman's way.
Erin
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WOW, you all are good!! Unless something weird happened overnight, Truman is to be discharged today after a very scary week! His stress test did not reveal any additional problems so we are most grateful!
Truman was very touched when I told him about all of your posts. He said "Tell them thank you so much for all of their concerns."
Maybe it takes wake up calls like ANs or cardiac issues to make us all more aware of how important we are to each other. Thank you to all of you from me, as well.
Clarice
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That is great news, Clarice! Glad Truman is coming home...I know you will take good care of him!
K ;D
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Clarice,
What wonderful news! Hopefully you and Truman are home and you are both relaxing and napping as necessary. I'm keeping you both in my prayers for now and hope that everything continues to go well.
Sending wellness wishes,
Wendy
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Clarice ~
I just want to 'pop in' to offer my congratulations to you and your husband on the event of his release from the hospital. It was a privilege to be asked to pray for Truman a great joy to learn that, I believe, the prayers were heard and answered. May your husband recovery nicely and may your marital bond only become stronger. I pray that even better days await you, both.
Jim
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Hi Clarice,
Sorry for the late reply. I see that your husband is out the hospital. I am so glad to hear that. Wish him the best for me.
Vivian
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Great news! The power of prayer! I am so glad he is feeling better and can rest at home.
Cheryl
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Clarice,
My heartfelt prayers and wishes for a speedy recovery for your dear Truman and strength to see you through this difficult time! Blessings in abundance coming your way,
Jackie
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Great news!
Now you and Truman rest easy.
Maureen
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Hi Clarice,
I'm so glad Truman is doing better. I just got on and found this post. I will pray for him as well. I hope you can get caught up on your rest as well. Thank you for keeping everyone updated with how he's doing (and you too)!
Keri
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So pleased for both of you. Rest up, have a nice quiet tea and hold hands.
All the best darlings!
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Prayer is very powerful.
I'm so glad Truman is home and I hope you both are doing well.
Jan
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Yeah, we are good pray-ers, aren't we? ;D
Glad your husband is home - I'm quite sure he is too.
Will keep praying for continued health!
Lori
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Thank you seems like a very small phrase when what we both feel is such a deep sense of gratitude for all of you and your concerns and prayers!
Truman came home yesterday afternoon, very tired, but oh so glad to be home in familiar, quiet surroundings. We are in the process of adjusting his meds, which will be a balancing act for some time to come.
When I showed Truman all of the posts of prayers on his behalf, we both sat and cried that only a few of you have met him (at the Symposium) in person, but so many were praying anyway.
Understandably I am very tired, as well but having to push myself this past week has forced me to do some things I did not think I could do ..... so in a bizarre way it has improved my self-confidence. Still pretty wobbly on my feet while I am so tired, but otherwise I am doing OK.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Clarice
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I enjoyed meeting you and Truman at the symposium. Please give him my best. And please take care of yourself as well as Truman!
Sara
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I enjoyed meeting you and Truman at the symposium.
I 2nd that sentiment... and tickled to hear that Truman is home resting comfortably..... and sending wellness wishes, healing hugglez and all that good stuff to you all! :)
xoxo
Phyl
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I know I met you at the symposium, but I'm not sure if I met Truman.
Regardless, you know us, like Lori said we are pray-ers.
Hope both you and Truman get the rest you need.
Hang in there,
Jan
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To my AN Family:
Because I know many of you are good pray-ers, please keep my husband, Truman, in your prayers. He was admitted to the hospital Thursday night with severe atrial fibrillation in his heart, low blood pressure, and a very rapid heart rate. Last night he developed fluid in the lungs. This is a man who had not been in the hospital (as a patient :-*) for 55 years.
As you can imagine, I am exhausted and wonkyheaded with exhaustion do not mix very well. :(
Two of our children came yesterday so that is a big help.
Clarice
My prayers also go out to you and your husband....
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Clarice,
Prayers said and more coming your way.
Hugs,
Brenda
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Praying has always been a part of my daily life but it has been wonderfully overwhelming to read of all of your prayers for us during Truman's recent medical crisis. Prayer is truly what has kept us going.
Predictably I have been very tired since he came home on Tuesday ..... sort of a delayed reaction perhaps. Truman has always been my caregiver and switching roles has been harder for him than me. He has been so concerned about my fatigue. We have only done the essentials this week so that has helped.
Actually we went for a short walk today ..... it was 79 degrees here today!!! Expected to be in the 30s by Sunday (more normal). The walk outside was good for both of us. As we ANers know walking is probably the best therapy we can do. Walking the hospital corridors was a trip for me ...... I always feel like I am going to bang into the walls when I walk down hallways. (Sometimes I do! ::))
Thanks again to all of you for your prayers (you all must have direct lines! :-*).
Clarice
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That's the great thing about prayer, Clarice. Everybody has a direct line.
Keeping you and Truman in mine,
Sara
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Hi Donnalynn .....
We are perking along, slowly. Truman continues to be weaker than I think he should be so we are looking forward to talking with the doctor on Thursday ..... perhaps a medication adjustment will help. Correspondingly, I have been more tired, mostly because I have assumed additional responsibilities I had not been doing before.
It seems I have developed a shoulder problem since my AN surgery. Because it is so much more comfortable to sleep on my non-AN side, I apparently have abused my right shoulder and it has become much worse this past two weeks. I mentioned it to my chiropractor some months ago and she said she could work on it if I needed her to, so I may have to call her. I definitely do not want to deal with a rotator cuff issue right now!
Thanks for asking and I so much appreciate everyone's prayers ..... it is what has kept us going.
Clarice
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Donnalynn .....
Thanks so much for your continuing support ..... it means a great deal to both of us.
You have many good suggestions! As for the vitamins, we have both been long-term takers of vitamins, including a multiple vitamin, extra vitamin D, extra magnesium, big extra vitamin B, salmon oil, etc. With a strong family history for osteoporosis, I take several different kinds of Calcium, as well.
Although I think we eat plenty of veggies and fresh fruit, I know we could probably do better. We got into a bad habit of eating out (or carrying in) too much following my surgery. (Truman is a wonderful husband but he is not a cook.) Ever since my days as a La Leche League leader when our children were babies, we have eaten nothing but whole grains (virtually no white flour in the house). I am always so dismayed when hospitals bring white bread/rolls/toast on the meal trays ..... our whole family says a collective "yuck" when that happens. We looked with question marks when the doctor told Truman to go on a low sodium, low fat, low cholesterol diet ...... we've been on that for years. A box of salt will last us several years. I routinely cut the sugar in half in any recipe I make. Oh well, you know all of this ..... but it was just a tiny bit insulting for the doctor to insinuate we were not on a good diet already.
I am not taking an anti-depressant, although there have been times when I probably would have benefited from it. We have been trying to walk every day because I know that is a powerful stress reliever. There again, my reduced walking during all of the balance issues did not help my stress level. I keep trying to tell myself that instead of taking a nap, go for a walk ..... sometimes it works, sometimes I give in and take a nap (my escape sometimes).
I have not seen Zeel cream in the health food store. I need to go today for flax seed anyway today, so I will look for it. I have some cream with Capsaisin in it ..... should dig it out and try it.
Donnalynn, thank you so much for not only taking the time to send the helpful suggestions, but also for your thoughts and prayers!
Clarice
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Donnalynn and Clarice.
Ah you ladies have lots of wisdom and experience in living a fulfilling life!
I'm taking notes!
Continued well wishes to Truman and Clarice.
Hope you have a nice day with walking, holding hands, all that fun stuff. :)
Maureen
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Clarice... what can I say? Sounds like you are doing everything right for Truman... and my dear DonnaLynn has some great suggestions as well. Sending continued healing hugglez in your direction for Truman... and hang in there. He's very very very lucky to have you as his wife! :-*
Phyl
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Donnalynn .....
You are so right about needing to ask others to help. It is much easier to give than to receive!! I am not good about asking for things, even when I need it. Numerous friends have said "Let me know what I can do to help." ..... you know the rest. Our daughter-in-law is coming tomorrow so I know she will help me put some good "easy to thaw" meals in the freezer. Plus, we'll get to squeeze those precious granddaughters!
As if we didn't have enough going on, Truman did something to one of his knees yesterday while he was napping on the couch. ??? ??? ??? So, no walk today. Need to call the doctor in the morning if it is no better to see what he can take for pain and better mobility. Regular appointment on Thursday to check his heart.
Oh, I'll just think Lake Louise and Banff and everything will be better!! ;D
Clarice
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Hi Clarice,
I haven't been on here as much as I'd like lately, and was thinking about you and your hubby.
Thanks for sharing updates. We'll all continue to pray!
Hope you can get some more nice walks in soon.
Keri
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Hi Keri .....
I had missed you and wondered if you were just incredibly busy or not doing well ...... hope it is just busy.
Truman is doing much better now that he has adjusted to new medication. We are walking when we can, but need to make it part of our daily routine instead of just when we think about it!
Our two sons were here last week-end and did the last mowing and leaf clean-up of our yard ..... I would have worried myself sick if Truman had tried to do it himself. It was a beautiful week-end so the boys enjoyed "playing" in the yard. ;D
Come back and join us on a regular basis, Keri!
Clarice
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Oh Clarice ~ I am so glad that things are going well and Truman is feeling better! Glad your sons could get the yardwork done so y'all don't have to worry about it!
K ;D
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Thanks, Kay .....
How are you, Dave, and your precious girlies?
Clarice
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Hi Clarice,
I'm glad to hear Truman is doing better -- you sound much less stressed too, so I'm glad to hear you sounding better too.
Wendy
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Thanks, Wendy .....
Sometimes it takes an event like this to value what we have!!
Clarice
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Hi Clarice,
Hope you have a great weekend and Truman doesn't try to rake the leaves that have blown down since last week. (we spent all last weekend raking; now it looks like it's never been done!)
Thanks for the nice words. It's been good to be back on and trying to catch up with everyone.
I hope Truman is continuing to improve.
Keri
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Hi Keri .....
So good to see you posting again.
Truman is continuing to improve. He even helped to unload a truckload of firewood yesterday and had no ill effects. Still makes me nervous when he does that, but I cannot hover forever.
We went to the symphony concert tonight ..... more my speed. :D
Are you heavily into Christmas music preparation these days?
Clarice
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Oh, Donnalynn .....
I absolutely love harp music so maybe it was you I heard just now!
We went to the symphony concert last night and one of the works was Berlioz' Symphonie Fantastique, which uses two harps and they were so beautiful! Truman directs the Charleston Civic Chorus and we are doing a collection of Christmas Dances by Stephen Paulus with harp and flute for our Winter Concert next month. A good friend of ours is a fabulous harpist at WVU and she will be playing with us. Christine was at our church on November 1st when our choir sang the Rutter "Requiem" for an All Saints' Service and she did a harp prelude that was out of this world.
Do you play a celtic harp or the full, large version? Either one is wonderful, but they have different characteristics.
When I was in high school I went to a summer music institute at Northwestern University and my roommate was a harpist. She let me try playing her harp ..... I was lousy at it and have always admired all of you who have mastered this glorious instrument.
Thanks for thinking of us. Guess I must have really needed the psalms today because I was a bit of a nag today when Truman was trying to do too much in the yard and garage this afternoon.
Clarice
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Clarice,
I just saw this post the 1st time today... I was out-of-the-loop and have not been on the forum (family stuff). Sounds like some prayers have been answered!!
I'll still keep you both in my prayers... however late they are.
DHM
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One of my favorite Christmas CDs is harp music. It has a lovely rendition of "Dona Nobis Pacem," which is one of my favorite holiday pieces.
I bought the CD at Target on clearance several years ago and play it every season. Just about time to get it out!
Sara
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DHM .....
So glad to see you posting again ..... I had missed you and prayed you were not having more medical issues! Certainly hope your life has settled back down again. You have so much to give on this forum ...... Hang in there.
Donnalynn ....
Thanks so much for the harp information. When I get home from church this afternoon I am going to look up Sunita Staneslow ..... I am not as up on my harp artists as I should be. Well, practice hard because when we come to Alberta for an AN gathering, we will expect a concert!!
Sara .....
Need to check at Target and see if they still carry a CD of Christmas harp music ..... that would be so soothing! It is no where the same, but I have the harp glissandos as my ringtone for the alarm on my cell phone. When I take a short nap, I set that alarm or I would sleep way too long and then it is curtains for sleeping that night. The harp is such a calm wake up sound ..... it puts me in the right frame of mind.
Clarice
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Donnalynn .....
Just googled Sunita Staneslow and thoroughly enjoyed the samples I could download of her playing. Could not get the harp and violin sample to work ..... I'll try again later another way. Noticed she also has done some harp and clarinet concerts ..... goodness, which will you do?? ;)
I am going to look on Amazon and see about ordering a CD of her Christmas music. Thanks for the tip.
Clarice
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Hi Donnalynn .....
What a neat thing about Sunita ..... maybe I should go directly through her website instead of Amazon ..... or do you think she gets the proceeds from Amazon?
Just came from a stimulating and excellent organ recital at First Presbyterian Church ..... but, my ears are still ringing ..... tinnitus kicked up big time! ..... and I do not do well in crowds during receptions either. One of the casualties of having had an AN that I do not like ..... :(
Clarice
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i believe i would really like to hear you two ladies play!
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Keri .....
I would vote for a harp duet by Donnalynn and Sunita any time ..... Maybe part of our Canadian Holiday! Actually Donnalynn belongs to a harp circle so if Sunita cannot come, maybe we could all enjoy Donnalynn's harp circle playing.
Donnalynn, how many are in your harp circle?
Keri, you play the piano/organ don't you? You and I could play duets, as well ..... 8)
Clarice
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Clarice,
I'm glad to hear that Truman is continuing to do better. Like anything else, the key is to stay active but not overdo things.
Best wishes to both of you and prayers for his continued improvement.
Wendy
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Wendy .....
Thanks. Truman continues to get stronger and I think they are finally getting a handle on his anticoagulant med. We both are working on getting more exercise. As long as this nice weather holds out, we have a beautiful park close by with a level walking trail that we have been using.
Donnalynn .....
Thanks for the info on your harp circle ..... what a neat way to celebrate surviving breast cancer. I had my annual mammogram last week and thank God it was once again unchanged. My mom died from breast cancer many years ago so my sister and I are very careful about exams. I had one scare 10 years ago, resulting in a biopsy with removal of microcalcifications, which were benign.
Clarice
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Donnalynn,
What a great story about how your harp circle was founded. I'll bet you touch many people with your playing and your story.
Clarice,
I'm sorry about your mom; what a tough thing (even though you said it was a long time ago - still tough). I'm glad you're all clear.
I play piano, a bit of guitar and (much more infrequently than I'd like), hammered dulcimer. I love to write music but have no traiining (one of these days will share some of my music on this site). I would love to be able to play classical music, but am not too much of a note reader. I play by ear and kind of noodle around on chords and stuff. I have an ensemble at my church and I love playing with them (violin, recorder, guitars, flute, sax). I love playing celtic or folky music. I have a banjo but haven't learned how to play it (it's a pain to tune!)
Yes, we should all get together and jam!
Keri
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Keri .....
Thought I had read you post a while back about playing at church ..... hadn't lost my mind. :o I think it is terrific that you use your musical skills in so many different ways. ..... and the hammered dulcimer .... that is not easy and such an interesting instrument.
Although our professional lives have been classical music, both Truman and I enjoy a variety of music and in retirement have worked with other types, as well. Any good music, no matter the type is valuable for the soul! I'm just not in to "thumpers" very much. :-X
Clarice
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Maybe being a musician is a requirement for being an AN'er?? I also play the piano (mostly for church & choir) and have been finding playing helpful in my recovery. My husband needed an accompanist for an upcoming student recital at the local college, so I've been helping out with that too. It's been good for eye coordination for me, not to mention just good practice!
Denise
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Clarice and Truman,
I just found this thread and am so sorry you are dealing with another medical crisis. Sounds like Truman is improving and continues to feel better and better. Love all the music stories--did you know that I play the flute? yep since I was in the 4th grade. Not great at reading music but I have a great ear. I have an electric pick-up in my flute that can be put through a sound board for some pretty wild special effects.
I hope Truman continues to make progress, and you will both be in my prayers!
Hugs,
Capt Deb
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You know, Denise and Deb, I have often wondered if there could be any connection with ANs and musicians ..... sort of like, we use our hearing in a much more sensitive way than most people ...... oh, there probably is not any connection ..... just ironic that to those of us who valued our excellent hearing, it is an insult in a way.
Denise, I have played the piano since I was four years old, added organ into the mix in high school ...... I was a piano teacher, organist, and pianist from when I was in high school until I retired completely three years ago ...... then it became just too much frustration to have the responsibility on a regular basis with my health issues. Congratulations on accompanying the student recital! Is your husband a college professor also?
Deb, yes Truman is continuing to improve and we are just praying the severe atrial fibrillation does not return! He has some other heart issues but the cardiologist thinks they can be managed with medication and he is feeling much better. And, you a flutist!! How marvelous!!! Do you play jazz flute? We have a good friend who is a jazz flutist and I love to hear her play. When you get your headaches under control, we will have to get together (we only live about 5-6 hours from each other, you know).
Thanks everyone for your continuing thoughts and prayers.
Clarice
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Yes, I play a little jazz and I love to play blues. I have pretty good improvisational chops. Just tell me what key you are in! I have been in 6 different bands playing everything from Jazz to bluegrass to rock and roll to "Caribbean country" and "West Indian folk". I played on an album called "Bluenose" with a guy called Michael Beans. He was my music partner for years and I got to play with him again right before my diagnosis on a trip to the BVI. His website is here:
http://www.beansmusic.com/ (http://www.beansmusic.com/)
Haven't played much since I lost my hearing, but I'm taking my flute to Sarasota this year as I have some music friends down there that want me to play with them. BTW I am an awesome spoon player!! Yee Haw!
Hugs to Clarice and Truman,
Capt Deb
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I actually graduated with a music education major and taught vocal/general music for six years before changing directions. I met my husband in college, also a music major, and he spent his career as a public school band director. He just took an early retirement last spring due to a cut at his school, and this opportunity to teach woodwinds at the local community college kind of fell into his lap. It's part-time, but he's also giving guitar lessons through community ed part-time and things have worked out great. It also gave him a little extra time to spend this fall with me through my recuperation! :) We teasingly call him "professor," but no, he's not. He can play just about anything, but me, I'm "just the pianist." He married me, of course, so he could have his own accompanist! ;)
Clarice, my father dealt with atrial fib so I understand a bit of what you're going through. It can be a scary thing but also manageable. My prayers continue for both Truman and you.
Denise