A small update

Jenny and I saw Mike this morning and discovered that he had been up most of the night coughing. He was visibly exhausted from this as everytime he coughs, his chest would ache at a level that I cannot fathom. Never having had my ribs cut through with a saw, I can only hope to imagine what level of pain this would cause. Luckily for him and those of us who are concerned for him, Dr. Song said that of all the post-operative problems that Mike could be having, this is the best one. Coughing is important to clear the lungs of any fluid that may gather there. His lungs have been listened to and there is nothing in them which is a very positive sign. Dr. Song said the coughing would get better and that Mike would be moved out of ICU sometime today and into a room in the Cardiac ward where he would be more likely to get rest, something that has eluded him since his procedure.

Mike wanted me to convey that he has in his possession a glass heart that was given to him by a wonderful family from his congregation at St. Claire Catholic Church. This piece of glass, beautiful as it is to the eyes of the unknowing, actually contains a hidden beauty that only those who know the history of it are privy to. While I don’t know the entire story behind it, I do know that this trinket as one OHSU nurse referred to it has been with others who have been through life-altering surgeries. It has been touched by the prayers of many people over its history which I believe is around 10 years. It has served Mike as a focus point and a physical manifestation of the love and support that St. Claire has given him since he became a member of their congregation last year. It has been a symbol of the peace borne from the knowledge that a community of people have him in their hearts and prayers. Mike knows he is being prayed for by many. He is well aware that his St. Claire community is at his spiritual side throughout this amazing and harrowing experience. I rarely see Mike at a loss for words, but when talking about what this piece of glass he holds in his hand means to him, it is obvious that words alone don’t do his emotions justice. It has been and will continue to be a cornerstone of his healing process.

Thank you Whitty family for this piece of glass whose meaning eclipses its physical nature. Thank you from Judy, Jenny, myself and the rest of his friends and family. It is people like you that make a difference in the lives of others and I know Mike wants you to be aware of what an impact you have made in his.

Pat