2 Years ago today

[Ross]

Though I hate thinking about it, it's been 2 years since my nightmare surgery occured. Now when it rolls around to September 3, it'll be 2 years since I came out of the vegetative state and joined the world again.

Man I never ever want to have to do any of that ever again.

For a trip down nightmare lane:

Do an advanced search for user superdragon and start at the bottom of the page and work your way up.

 

[wweir]

Ross,

I remember it well since I was scheduled for my surgery a few weeks after yours.

We both made it over the hill, even though you decided to take the long way over. I also agree and hope that we never have to go through it again as once is more than enough in my book. I must say I am constantly amazed when I read comments of folks that had to endure more than one trip over the mountain.

Trust you are doing well and enjoying the summer. We have a new granddaughter, Madeline - our first, so the wife and I are spending time visiting our daughters and sons-in-law in California every chance we get.

Walter

 

[EVELYN]

Hi Rossman

I've decided not to look at your threads.....I remember that time all too well! I remember checking this list many times over the days to see if your son had posted and how you were doing. I remember you being first and foremost in my prayers. I'm much happier to go with seeing your avatars, hearing your answers and having you back......NEVER AGAIN!!! We love you, Rossman!!!

Evelyn and Tyce

 

[hensylee]

I am with Evelyn - I'm not looking because just reading your post here makes me tear up. If I go read them right now, my whole day will be filled with tears (I might read them later, tho, when I can handle it). It was such a sad time. I remember how many times I went on the site to check to see if there was anything new and Steve was so good about emailing so many of us. We were so afraid we were going to find hard news every time we checked in and losing our Ross was not an option we could accept. God didn't have much choice with so many prayers coming in at one time so here you are, still among the living and telling about it. Bless you, dear Ross.

 

[epstns]

Hey, Ross,

I'm another one who isn't up to reading the past posts at the moment. Suffice it to say that I'm eternally grateful that you are here to shepherd us (and, yes, sometimes to amuse us as well).

We're all being watched over by One Above One -- may He keep you in His care evermore.

 

[Nancy]

Ross-

Those were very dark days. But here you are still with us and making jokes and taking care of this site.

You are a great representative of the power of the body to heal and the indomitable human spirit.

Congratulations on your rebirth!

 

[Sherry]

I had dropped off the boards at this time and didn't officially rejoin until later on that year, so I missed all of your nightmarish surgery and post-surgery. From what you have said over the years and from what everyone here has offered, it must have been a frightening time indeed. Thank God you're here with us today.

 

[Mary]

Ross,
I've tried to track your story around the archives before, but it was hard due to the long stretches of time involved and where the posts were located.

Now I can't get the two links to go to a thread; am I doing something wrong?.
Mary

 

[Glenda]

Ross I'm having the same problem as Mary. I can't get the threads that you posted to come up.

I'm so thankful that you are still with us. God just wasn't through with you yet. I've said that many times in my own case.

You are a blessing to many of us.

 

[Jennie]

Hey Rosso!

Happy Anniversary!! Two years and still ticking!! We are all celebrating with you!!

Yes, no need to have my memory refreshed, either. These anniversaries are a wierd thing, you have to think about them because still, the whole open heart surgery thing is something that completely boggles the mind, particularly when it's YOU that it got done on. Today is supposed to be a celebration of LIFE, but with it comes the re-living of the dark storm that brought you to this place of life. It can be emotionally exhausting.

Sometimes I think we are all like, I don't know, fish or something, a pack of pals, and we all, one by one, have to squeeze through this really tiny scary sharp hole in the reef to get out to the sea, and we have fish friends ahead of us on the other side, helping pull us through from that end, and other fish friends behind us, anxiously waiting their turns too, and helping push from their side. And we get really scraped up going through, and some of us almost "float to the top". But then, YEA!! we all go swimming our separate ways out to sea. But every now and then, on special occasions such as this, we come back and say, yeah, wow, remember that hole we had to go through??!! And we look at the hole again, but not for too long, because we are just happy to look at each other and see that we are all here on the other side and still swimming....

Anyway. Rosso, we all love you! You've come so far since that day two years ago. God pulled you through that mess for a reason, and I am GLAD. I hope you take some time to celebrate in some way (like a nice dinner?!) Many more good years to you!

lots of love,
Jennie

 

[Granbonny]

Ross

Ross

I, too, remember. I had just joined a few months before...and what a ride it was after your surgery. Everyday, afraid to look..and Steve was so wonderful to keep us posted. 2 years..wow..that's a lot of water over the dam..Keep on doing your thing...Love ya, bon

 

[Ross]

I guess posting the search links leads to time out and then it expires? Something new I just learned. Anyway, do a advanced search for user name superdragon, start at the bottom of the page and work your way up. It spans from 7/27/02 until 9/19/02.

I can't read it myself, but many have asked me to post my story. That is my story as told by my son, even through there is a lot of things happening behind the scenes that no one knew about, but it'll give you all the general idea of why I choose not to post a story.

 

[Christina L]

Ross, you're a miracle! You're also a gem of a person. Thank you for all you do on this board!

May you have many, many, many more anniversaries to celebrate!

God bless -

Christina L.

 

[Karlynn]

Ross, no wonder you don't want to write your story. Who the heck would want to relive that experience. It reminds me a lot of what we went through with my Dad after his bypass surgery. He contracted a staph infection, had his sternum removed and was in the hospital for 3 months.

Wasn't a member back then, but it sure did upset me to read it now. I'm so grateful you made it through. What would we all do without you kicking our butts on a daily basis.

 

[Yaps]

I couldnt get it to pull up

I couldnt get it to pull up

either, in any case Im so happy you survived.. to be here..

 

[SJJ]

Ross,
I just finished reading your son's posts regarding your surgical ordeal. I am so sorry that you and your family had to endure such a difficult time. I've no doubt that their support and your determination were significant factors in your eventual recovery. Despite some of your residual health issues, it's clear that you've reclaimed your life and we're fortunate that you're willing to share so much of yourself with all of us at VR.com. Your wicked sense of humor is treasured by each of us and we'd feel lost without you. Take very good care of yourself Ross- you have so many people who need you. Sue

 

[catwoman]

Ross:

Glad you're here today, despite your ordeal!

 

[fyrfytr]

Hey Ross,
I know you have gone through more than anyone should have too but I am glad you are here with your family and to help take care of the site and keep all of us in line.

Take Care

 

[bvdr]

Ross,

I've read what you have gone through and I can't even begin to imagine how hard that must have been. You are definitely here for a purpose. Even though I know you have many physical limitations, you are still helping so many of us ....and on a daily basis! Thank you so much.

 

[bvdr]

Ross, I just ran across a little tidbit that just seems to fit here somehow.

Yesterday is history
Tomorrow is a mystery
Today is a gift from God
That is why it's called "The Present"