"Not On My Watch"

Nine days from surgery. I am optimistic of course, as always. Failure of any sort, is not even considered an option, as is any medical mishaps.
As my cochlear buddy Abbie told me back in April, on the eve of my first surgical implant when I blogged about my worries after the surgeon outlined the circumstances that can happen (paralysis, taste disorder and death) " Not on my watch, Sir". Abbie typed in my comments in response to my fear of the worst case.

That made me feel good. I believed her then and do now. I have good people in my life with positive thoughts, wonderful advice, and amazing spirit. I like it.

Little things mean a lot? No sir, little things mean EVERYTHING. I have never forgotten those words that Abbie typed in my comments, because they took away a fear, and brought a calmness and determination in me that still serves me as I get ready for my third surgery in six months. A surgery that will once again require a high speed drill to come precariously close to serious parts of my brain.
But will only do good.
This I know!

I have never met Abbie, but she was one of the first blogs I read. Ever.
I was deaf as a stump and investigating the possibilities of hearing again. I did an internet search of Cochlear Implants and of course got a large buffet of web sites. One such site was advanced Bionics, the company that manufacturers my current implants.

AB has a web site that features all the information, and an area of blogs of current cochlear implant folks. Abbie was the first one I read. I liked her blog, her spirit, her determination, and I found a woman who fought for what is right.

Chronicles of a Bionic woman is her blog. Not only is it a great read, but it has mentored me, taught me, enlightened me, informed me and helped me understand the world of the deaf, and the new world of cochlear implants and the impact, challanges and nuances that come with them.
Abbie is a selfless wonderful woman, who helps any and all at any time, that require assistance. I am grateful to her.

No matter which way the wind blows, I remain optimistic about the future. Yes the economy is doing a bit of skid, and the market has blown holes in the good ship of savings for Dan's school and our retirement plans, but markets do that sort of thing, and and economies do flame out occasionally. Both of them have a way of doing a required and inevitable bounce.
We are all gonna be alright.

It will be four years before Dan requires his funds, that are nested in government registered educational savings plans, and by then the market hopefully will have done it's correction and give him the required "doe, rae me", to pay for some higher education.

If this downturn is a long one, we can ride it out with the best possible outlook and positive thoughts we have. No point in the opposite. It changes nothing. My hope is that my bilateral cochlear hearing will happen, and my physical health will continue to grow daily to put me back in the world as "normal" as a guy with magnets on his head, and no balance, can be.

I embrace the daily challanges associated with my recovery and health and welfare of this family. It defines who I am.
But I have had a lifetime of curve balls hurled at me in the past 12 months. I am reminded of the line in the Bob Dylan song "It's alright Ma, (I'm only bleeding),
"I've had enough, what else can you show me".
But I also welcome a day/week or if I should be so blessed, a month of "non medical" issues.
I'm due for a healthy happy streak, I just feel it!

But you know what; I am surrounded by an amazing group of people. Both in the flesh, with my family and friends, and with people I have never met. People like Abbie, who show me what can be accomplished and what must be accomplished. Abbie is one of many writers who grace my screen with positive, spirit lifting, life moving words. She is one of many that confirm, that no matter what, we have an amazing place to hang out at, and life, no matter what our predicament, or how many curves balls come at us, it is still a pretty cool thing to be a part of.
Pretty amazing indeed!

Yes I only have 5 out six strings on my guitar. But the music is wonderful because I choose it to be.

My concerto is made possible by the people in it.
And I know nothing bad will happen on Abbie's watch.

Warmly,

David