GRADUATION DAY

He did it! Jeff reached a major milestone along the road of recovery. He successfully completed his weeks of cardiac rehabilitation. Friday was his graduation day. I am so proud of him!

The 32 sessions of monitored exercise provided wise instruction, helpful motivation and camaraderie for us. Jeff quickly made friends among the staff and other participants. He had good conversations with folks while waiting for his heart rate to reduce close to his high resting rate after each class. We will miss those good folks, working heroically toward healthier living. Removing his portable heart monitor after the last class brought to a close this lap on our road of recovery.

One of the “coaches” in the program went through all the “graduation” information with Jeff. We were pleased to note that their assessment shows Jeff increased his exercise
capacity 163% from start to finish. What a great payoff for Jeff. His stamina is back to his pre-surgery normal and his strength has increased.

Jeff received a certificate, piece of dark chocolate, book and papers given to each graduate.  

Unless you saw Jeff soon after surgery it is difficult to recognize the significance of how hard he had to work to get back to where he is now. When he first came home from the hospital it took all his strength to walk from the recliner across the room and into the bathroom. He napped several times a day. Now he works out for an hour at least three times a week. He walks more than 150 minutes per week, in addition to his work outs, and is able to walk at about a 4-mph pace (even including uphill!). He does not need to nap anymore, though we both enjoy the occasional afternoon power snooze.  

These are samples of the type of artificial heart valve and Dacron tube (replacing part of his aorta) that are now working well in Jeff. Amazing to know these are what now enable him to work hard and function well.  

The prayers of many people, literally all around the world, have carried us. Prayers have brought us comfort, infused us with strength, motivated Jeff to persist in his good work, brought healing and filled us with courage. We are forever grateful we are not alone on this road of recovery.

And so we invite you to celebrate with us. As we await his next cardiology appointment next week we choose to use our days celebrating the work God is doing in us. We rejoice in his provision. And I thank Jeff for his hard work in climbing his way back to strength and endurance. He forever remains my Hero of the Scar!

Christine