Odyssey to Orlando

With an 0630 hrs flight from Houston to Orlando tomorrow morning, I don't expect I'll get much sleep tonight, if any at all.

All of your goodwill and prayers for my Dad will be most appreciated. Without going into all the details, he's going to be attended to by the best-of-the best at the hospital at the University of Florida at Gainsville. I'll be doing the driving for he and my step-mom, from Orlando to Gainsville and back.

What they're going to do is fix a hole in his heart, by means of the long route up through the veins from his leg.

Blogging may be spotty along the way, but I shall endeavor to stay in touch here. I'm looking forward to posting good news of great success from the procedures, most of all.

In a related matter, I posted this gun for sale about a month ago. Sadly, there was lots of interest, but no buyers. If you're looking for an unfired gun which they quit making about fifteen or twenty years ago, well, here's your chance.

That Ruger urgently needs to find a good, loving home this time.

Comments

[Michael Smith]

Dear Jim -

I am a (somewhat more than) occasional reader, and am truly sorry to hear of your father. Just a word of support; I am the second of seven kids, and when growing up, the sixth kid was born with a hole in the bottom two chambers of his heart. In effect, he was drowning in his own blood, as clean blood (red) mixed with dirty blood (blue), and his body was not getting enough oxygen. He had surgery at two days old, and they fixed the problem. He is still with us today, 27 years later. If doctors could do that then, imagine what they can do now for your dad!! Keep your chin up, and tell him to do likewise. A positive mental attitude will help him (and you) immensely!

Keep us posted, and we will keep him in our prayers.

Michael Smith,
Cinnaminson, NJ

[Marcus]

Hey friend... I wish I could help out and buy that Ruger from you and make both of us happy, but I can't right now.

What I can do is put a gas tank or 2 into your "PAYPAL", in the form of a donation to ease your mind as you take off from work and care for your dad. I want you & Linda to have a safe trip and most of all that your dad recovers swiftly!

Now, Jim....look away from the comments.

(Come on people...hit the Paypal!)

[LC Steve]

My prayers go with you, Jim. Best of luck to your father (and mother) and you during this time. Keep us posted as you can, but don't worry about us; we'll be here when you get back. Family first!

[Valerie]

Jim

Safe travel ro, within, and from Florida.
May all go well with the surgery and your father's recovery. Amazing, truly amazing our medical care in this day and age. Will pray for all involved.

Don't worry about blogging, you focus on doing what needs to be done.

[Indigo]

Best prayers for Dad, and your family.

[dragonfly jenny]

Adding my prayers to the chorus ...

[Jay G]

Jim,

First off, ditto what Marcus said. Best wishes to your dad, and a little (unfortunately, quite little) something to help with the gas around FLA...

Keeping my fingers crossed and saying prayers to the Big Guy for you and your dad.

[Joel (No Pundit Intended)]

Jim,

Your Dad is in the Gaines' family prayers.

While you are taking care of everyone else, don't forget to take care of you.

Side note, I will post your surplus issue on my site and see if that generates anything. I will also ping my FIL and BIL to see if either one of them is interested.

Joel

[anna]

My prayers go out to you and your family.

[La Shawn]

Safe travels, Jim. You and your family are in my prayers.

[Eric]

..best of luck to you and your family, Jim... I hit your tip jar this morning.. and, if the pistol is still for sale when you get back, I'll take it off your hands on principle... once again, all the best to you and your family...

[Jack]

You and your father have my best wishes, Jim. Sorry I'm not able to bid on the pistol. Living in France is putting a crimp on me buying certain items...