I am not sure that I have ever seen so many people celebrate a man who is about to have open-heart surgery.
I thought that when people are in the hospital you are supposed to be anxious, nervous, worried and afraid. I thought that sadness and concern was the aura that hangs from the door of every patient who is about to undergo a serious procedure.
Gary doesn’t roll like that.
Gary hangs a sock from his door because he likes to make his nurse laugh. Gary like to make people laugh. Gary likes to enjoy his life and appreciate the good in it.
My friend, Gary, is having surgery today and while, yes, everyone is concerned, Gary has chosen to celebrate all of the good things in his life instead of focusing on the doom and gloom of potential, worst-case scenarios.
Gary’s weekend at the hospital has involved everything from friends, family, food, video games, cards, laughter, tears, stories, and jokes. There has been just about everything but a disco ball and a keg stand contest…but that’s only because Stacy had to draw the line somewhere. His crisis is my ideal.
Gary has managed to take something so potentially life-altering and turn it into an opportunity to rejoice and celebrate all that he has and all the people that he loves and the multitude of people who clearly love him back.
When you walk into Gary’s hospital room, you will likely see a room full of smiles and at least a couple of people laughing. The doctor’s biggest problem thus far has been identifying who is the patient because everyone looks happy which gives off the impression of health.
Sure, everyone is concerned but there will be time for worry if there is worrisome news. One of my favorite quotes is:
“I know that my worrying works because most of the things that I worry about never happen.”
There is no proof that prayer works best under duress as opposed to joy.
You would think that if Gary can celebrate surgery the least I could do is put a smile on my face and try to make it through a Monday. You would think that he and I are going through the same events today as much as I like over-dramatize my Monday woes.
We are thinking about you, Gary. Thank you for showing me how to rejoice in times of adversity.
I call dibs on the first game of Fortnite in the recovery room.
Peace, Love, and all things Beef related,
Beefcake