Andy Won't Play Tenors

So, will Andy ever be able to live a normal life? A hint could be found in a conversation I had today with a gentleman at the LDS Lindon Cannery. After canning peaches for a couple of hours, we had to lift the lids off of the ovens for cleaning. The man assigned as my work companion said he shouldn't lift the 50 pound covers. "That's fine ... do you have a hernia," I asked. "No," he said. "I have a pacemaker and my doctor said I shouldn't lift anything close to 50 pounds ... the electric leads could be pulled out of my pacemaker." "Well, it's not worth that," I said.

I inquired how the pacemaker had served him during the past two years. He explained that it was great and helped him live a more fulfilling life Furthermore, he said that he had only been "zapped" by it once (he was playing basketball--does this guy realize how many people have died, been killed, are permanently injured or at least crippled by participating in ward basketball games I thought to myself?) He said he does fine as long as he doesn't overdo things, stays on the diet established by his doctor, gets a little exercise, and takes his medication RELIGIOUSLY, uh, and doesn't lift heavy things.

I asked him if he golfed. "No...I don't have time, and I probably wouldn't want to carry a bag that is that heavy around," he said. Hmmmm, that means that if Andy recovers he might be playing the snare (on a stand), but he won't be carrying the tenors around any time soon. Golfing won't be a problem with a good friend and the help of a cart. This man's heart is now functioning at around 25 percent of capacity; similarly, Andy's heart is beating at approximately 30 percent right now. I know what you are thinking . . . how old is this guy? Well, he is 70-years-old. Nonetheless, watching this guy peel peaches and shovel pits gave me, and all of us, hope that Andy can recover to live a somewhat normal, although slower paced life, as long as he continues to do the things mentioned above. Besides, what defines a "normal" life anyway, right?

Finally, Andy said that he now has some sticks and he has been practicing. Let's just say that he has some ground to make up, especially his left hand ;o) He's working on it, but at his own pace . . .

Shopping with a Woman

"My doctor just kept on smiling today," Andy said. "It's hard for him to believe that I lived and that I am improving so quickly," he said. Andy enjoys seeing others smile when they see him. In my opinion, he can't keep smiling himself these days (this might explain the fetish he has with brushing his teeth seven times a day) since he is now a walking miracle.

Speaking of smiling and miracles . . . Andy returned this week to Utah Valley Hospital to pick up some clothes. The smiles he received were pretty cool he said. Some squinted to see if it was really him, or his sidekick brother Raymond. Once they realized it was really him (vertical), they welcomed him back and congratulated him.

Andy has enjoyed beating the odds and doing things his way. He explained to me today that he believes he survived because of his stubborness and unwillingness to accept his fate. Well yes, but that doesn't explain why you ripped all of the life-supporting tubes from your body Andy . . . "I'm a fighter," he responded. Indeed. This also explains his attempt to shower solo 30 minutes after his pacemaker surgery ;o)

Futhermore, he is learning to temper his enthusiasm to do things his way into a desire to do what the doctors say. He continues to lose more weight on the now ordained diet given to him by his doctor; he even claims he is committed to stick to it. He is trying to get back into fighting shape at a gradual pace so he can begin a new medication designed to strengthen his heart--cool!

Where was I? Oh yeah, Andy is prepared to follow some new rules, unless that means he can't drive. He had to go to Deseret Industries, an often popular LDS second-hand store, you know. "Going to Deseret Industries with Ray, was like shopping with a woman . . . I couldn't get him out of there," he said. There must of been some cool shorts and tee shirts on sale. Andy seems to be on his way to greatness . . . gradually . . .

Everybody Loves Raymond

Andy continues to improve each day. Déjâ-vous right? But that's a good thing. He is working out at his new pad across from the LDS Hospital. Doing what? Well, he is doing small laps around the kitchen and common area of his house and getting up from the couch to change the channel from ESPN to Oprah in the afternoon (he doesn't have a remote).

He said he had a great visit from approximately eight drumline members on Sunday, and that there was a possibility sometime this week that he might stop by either the Bingham and/or Lone Peak Drumline practices to say hello. No . . . he's not driving and neither is Raymond. Andy said he was going to give that a couple more weeks just to make sure nothing happens while he cruises State Street.

For those of you who would like to contact Andy, please call 801-408-1413. Good luck trying to tell if it is Andy who answers, or his brother, Everybody Loves "Raymond." One more thing: Andy has a checkup with the doc tomorrow. Hopefully everything will be on the right track so he can someday fulfill his dream of getting back on the golf course!