Brad Bishop update

This was forwarded to me from Mary Schadwinkel:

From: "Mary Essay" <essayfam@bbc.net>

Date: September 13, 2016 4:46:31 PM MDT

To: "'Mary Schadwinkel'" <mkschad@bbc.net>

Subject: RE: Hello

Hi Mary,

Yes, it has been a long hard roller coaster ride for Brad and Ann.  As you
know Brad has been ill for many years, going back to the late 70's when he
was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma.  Has had lung issues, had H1N1 6
years ago that took it's toll, etc., etc.  He has been sick really since
last fall and had a rotator cuff repair done in December that he never
really quite recovered from.  He has been on oxygen since last fall and has
had several hospitalizations for pneumonia.  He was being treated by a
pulmonologist who recommended that he see a cardiac surgeon for evaluation
and further testing.  It was discovered that both his mitral valve and
aortic valve needed to be replaced and so the decision was made for him to
undergo this very risky surgery on July 25.  Since his surgery there have
been many setbacks and he was in the ICU for a little over 6 weeks.  He
recently was moved to a rehabilitation hospital for further care.  He is
awake at times but has a trach in and is receiving ventilator support.  He
receives tube feedings and also his meds through a tube.  He just recently
has been sitting up in a chair and trying to wean from the ventilator
support for about 2 hours at a time. Quite a deal!!

Ann has been super strong, spending most days at the hospital and is now
back to work yet still going to Kindred Rehab Hospital over her lunch hour
and then after work. She has lots of family/friend support which they are
thankful for.  Please remember them in your prayers.  If you want to send a
card it would probably be best to send it to their house and then when can
take it to show Brad.  9497 Cody Drive, Westminster, CO 80021.

How to Act at Your Class Reunion

Tips for How to Act at High School Class Reunions

Taken from Ann Landers' advice column, June 9, 2000

1.  No whining or moaning over what "might have been," or anything else depressing.  No one wants a pall cast over this happy event.

2.  Seek out people who have made a difference in your life, and thank them. They will appreciate it.

3.  Check your midlife crisis at the door.  No one needs to know you are having an affair or that your spouse just left you.

4.  Do not brush off anyone who wants to talk to you.  It doesn't matter whether or not you liked that person in high school.  We have all changed.

5.  Bring an extra hankie, and cry all you want when you are overwhelmed by nostalgia and old friends.  Tears can be a great catharsis.

6.  All responses to questions should be at least two full sentences.  Don't be abrupt.  It will make you appear snobbish.

7.  Don't do too much bragging.  It puts a spotlight on your insecurities. The best compliments are the ones you get without fishing.

8.  Any remarks about your baldness, weight or wrinkles should be countered with something humorous or self-deprecating.  No offense is intended. Sometimes, when people are surprised at the change in the appearance of an old friend, they don't know how to deal with it, so they try to mask their surprise with humor.

9.  Be careful how you approach others.  Be respectful.  Remember that you are dealing with someone's wife, husband, mother, or father.

10.  Be yourself.  We remember you from way back, and will accept you the way you are.