KEY WEST LOU / NEARER, MY GOD, TO THEE

My recent five week stay at Mount Sinai Hospital in Miami where I underwent three heart surgeries did cause me to experience thoughts of death. My death. On two occasions, I thought I would never leave the hospital, that I was going to die.

Fortunately, I did not.

However death still runs through my thought process some of the days since my discharge. Marty Leshaw’s death did not help.

Two death comments by noteworthy persons come to mind. Benjamin Franklin’s: “In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” Can’t argue with it. Saint Augustine came up with one that has a touch of humor: “Life is always fatal. No one gets out of it alive.”

This month’s Columbia magazine published by the Knights of Columbus has an interesting article touching on death titled “Spiritual Lifeboats on the Titanic.” The story of three Catholic priests who were on the Titanic and provided comfort and absolution to its passengers till the end. The three priests went down with the ship.

The title of today’s blog comes from the last paragraph of the article whose quote begins…..Nearer, My God, To Thee.

An elephant escaped its circus to roam the streets of Butte, Montana. A big female elephant took a quiet rambling walk down Butte’ streets. Neither injury to person nor damage to property occurred.

A safe and sound trip for the elephant.

The elephant is part of the Jordan World Circus. She was being washed when a passing vehicle backfired. Scared her. She broke free and began her meandering trip through Butte till captured unhurt.

Let’s stay with animals for a moment. This time camels.

Kenya is having a milk source problem. Cows are a diminishing breed in Kenya. A viable alternative are camels.

They are referred to as “the future” by the people of Kenya. They are being imported to replace cows.

Let’s hope it works!

Florida has given birth to some outstanding political leaders. Persons who are mentally and otherwise equipped to lead. Not DeSantis or Trump types.

One is Bob Graham. He died this week at the age of 87. Governor. Senator for nearly four decades. Respected. He made a short lived bid for the 2004 Democratic Presidential nomination. He was a fierce critic of the U.S. led invasion of Iraq.

Florida and the Nation need more political leaders such as Graham.

Mount Sinai’s follow up with discharged patients is amazing. Overwhelming. Sometimes too much.

Yesterday’s was not, however.

One of the aortic valve team physicians is Dr. Luis Mourn. He finally was able to reach me yesterday. I was avoiding the call. Getting tired of so much follow up. Glad we finally talked, however. At length. Got into teeth repair following a valve surgery. Dangerous. Could die. That death thing again. He made sense, however.

I am facing heavy dental. Loss my upper plate when I first passed out. My lower implants got screwed up. Landed on my face. Two dentists involved. In fact, seeing one later this morning for the second time. He’s the plate man. Two days ago saw the implant dentist.

Dr.Mourn’s warning…..No dental work till May 22. Then only with an antibiotic taken 30 minutes before being worked on.

I did not know. Apparently neither dentist did either. They both knew of my heart surgeries and made no mention.

Good job, Mount Sinai! I shall see the rules are followed.

USA Basketball announced its men’s team for the Paris Olympics. Included are LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant. A winning combination.

Enjoy your day!

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