New Email address

Hey incase u have trying to email me I have a new address, Gordy_Gibbs@comcast.net. So now theres no excuse to communicate with me. Dianne LeGate will u re-email me the class list. I lost all my address .

As far as my health, I doing pretty good, I get tired real easy, I can fix that with a nap. I love being home. Catching up with all the things that needed to be done along time ago. I go back to Chicago for a proceedure to fix a blocked artery in my leg on the 1st of may. then I start getting my bio's in Grand Rapids.

Take care hope to see every one soon

Finally Home

Gordy is finally home. He is feeling really good. As you all can imagine he is very excited to be home as well as a little overwhelmed. He will be able to get back to a normal life now with his family. We are all so very happy for Gordy and his family.
There are a lot of people our family would like to thank. The doctors and nurses at Northwestern Memorial Hospital were amazing. The wonderful people at the Residents Inn made Gordy's time in Chicago a lot easier to bare. All the well wishes and prayers from family and friends were very well received. We thank you all. And most of all we would like to thank our mother for all her love and caregiving she gave to Gordy.
Mom, you are an amazing woman. It takes a special kind of person to put your needs aside in service to another. You did this everyday and we want you to know that your hard work did not go unnoticed. Your strength, determination, and willingness to be there for Gordy is a selfless act. For every encouraging word you spoke, every tear you wiped, or meal you cooked, please know that your contributions mattered. After all, when you consider the big picture, what could possibly be more important than sharing your love with your son. We are thankful to have a mother like you. We love you!

Thanks again and best wishes to my brother who is loved so much!
Deb

Everything is going good, I'm back to the hotel getting better every day. I want to thank everyone for their prayers and concerns. I would have never made it without the support I received. This is such a blessing I don't know what to think or how to act. God must have special plans for me. The fact that I get a new lease on life is a miracle in it self. I expect to go home between 3/7----3/15 if all goes well. I feel pretty good considering what I've been thru. Thanks again and God bless you all
Gordy

Valentines Day Gordy gets his new heart

Last night Gordy got the call he has been waiting for since he arrived in Chicago. He had heart surgery last night at 10:30 Chicago time. Its so wonderful to have this happened on Valentines Day!

Kim had arrived to visit Gordy yesterday afternoon. His support group friends were all there with him when he got the call. My mom was on her way back home by train.

We just got word that the surgery was a success and Gordy is doing very good. As soon as we hear more information we will let you all know.

Continue to keep Gordy in your prayers and may he have a speedy recovery.

Deb

Still waiting

Two more transplants came and went, none with my name. Clayton got his heart, we had played cards with him the night he got the call. I'm happy for Clayton and his family, I hope he recovers quickly. I dont know who the other person was. Its becoming harder and harder to maintain a good attidude. I need to get home. Please continue to pray for me.

Guys come to visit

On friday the doc's listed me on the 1a list, which means I'm on the first priority list.
Bob Andree, Scott Mc Donald, Tim L Claire, Dan Caverely, and Gary Marsman came and visited me Saturday the 19th, They took my wife and I to the Bulls vs. Pistons game at The United Center. We had great time. I'm very fortunate to have such good friends, they kept us laughing and brought my spirits up. Thanks guys I love you all.

Tim O' Connell is staying with me this week. We plan on getting out a bit, Its been so damn cold here that you cant do much outside. We are going to check out the ULC gymnastics practice out today

long 5 days

Its been a long 5 days in the hospital, All my numbers turned out good, The doctors are real happy. On Monday I should be able to go back to the hotel. Like Deb said I'm back on the transplant list. Since I've been here I know of 4 transplants, they all turned out good. Its amazing how far they have come with the success rate. in the 80s it wasn't very good, so far this hospital is at 100% success rate. Who's to say where things will be 10 or 20 years from now. This LVAD they put in me is wonderful, I'm able to live almost normal, Ive had plenty of time to think and reflect, getting a second chance at life in its self is a gift. I will be a different person. There will be changes in my life. Things I took for granted will no longer be considered guaranteed. I look forward to being a better husband, father and friend. Things that appeared to be important in my past life will no longer mean so much. Although I still want to golf allot, but I will more likely go with my wife and kids more often. Its been real hard being away from all my girls. I didn't spend the time with them like I should have in my past life. I can't wait to get home and use my second chance at life to be the best I can. To all my friends, live today like its your last, climb that mountain, jump out of that plane, love deeper, and talk sweeter you might not get as lucky as me and get a second chance. Love you all. Gordy

Keep it strong