AND SO, HERE WE ARE, a full eight months since I had a subcutaneous implantable cardioconverter defibrillator implanted in my chest. The S-ICD is an electronic medical device that helps prevent sudden cardiac death. Healthcare providers often prescribe ICDs for patients with certain cardiac conditions to monitor heart rhythm. When the device detects a very fast abnormal heart rhythm, it delivers a shock to your chest to reset your rhythm. This is called defibrillation.
How am I feeling? In a word, great! With the support and love of my family, my girlfriend, Sheila, and several close friends, I am completely rested up and looking forward to outdoor activities this summer. My doctor cleared me to play golf again—now if only I knew how to play. My father was a pretty good golfer, winning recognition on the teams at Libbey High School and later at UT. However, he passed away in 1956. Let’s just hope I have some of his genes.
As I indicated in part 2 of this story in November last year, I will be presenting a lecture this summer about the music of the Vietnam War era. My first venue is the VFW Post 2898 on Alexis Road in late June. I am also slowly but surely completing a how-to book, entitled The COMPLETE Guide to Selling Your House Without a Broker.
I was a real estate broker for over 30 years, have sold hundreds of homes, and now hope to give back to those Toledoans who trusted me over the years a chance to easily and successfully sell their house by owner and to save on a commission. Of course, if they can’t do it by themselves, I recommend the homeowner consult with one of the 1200 realtors in the area.
Someone once said, “The key to immortality is to live a life worth remembering first.” I’m not worried about immortality. I have learned to take life one day at a time, keeping an eye on the future. And I’ve learned patience (thanks, Sheila).
I had lunch with my friend Jim the other day, and I told him that, on recollection, I’ve had a pretty good and interesting life. I had the typical college experience, I was married to a wonderful woman, I had a mother who took care of me and four other siblings by herself, I had a loving Grandmother, and I’ve met many good people over my 76 years. And now I’m a writer and lecturer doing what I love doing, I have close friends, and I have a supportive and gentle girlfriend that I sincerely care about. Life is good.
God bless.
Daniel J. Jachimiak, BA, is a feature writer, journalist, and speaker. Dan can be reached at djachimiak@bex.net or 419787-2036. You can have a better life. ✲
