Saturday evening, Feb. 7, we enjoyed being with some heart transplant friends. Next to Vernon is Chuck, and next to Chuck is Russ, then Charlene. Chuck lives in Kissimmee, not too far from us and we've met him several times recently. But Russ & Charlene live in Fort Myers, which is at least 3 hours away. So we don't see them often. They let us know they would be in the area and proposed getting together with Chuck for dinner. We all got acquainted while at Shands waiting for transplant and it is very special when we can see each other again.We ate at Longhorn Steakhouse and had a good time. We told our server the significance of our gathering, the 3rd anniversary of Chuck's transplant and of Vernon & Charlene being in their third year, too. She told the manager and he came to our table and asked some questions. Vernon invited him to sit down and he did. He shared with us that he'd been putting off having his heart checked, that his father had died of a heart attack. We certainly encouraged him to make the doctor appointment. He gave us his business card and I want to return soon to see him again. See this huge dessert Chuck ordered? He asked for help eating it and we had mercy on him. (smile) The manager comped this dessert and a sundae Charlene ordered.
One sad note: Chuck's wife, Cheryl was not with us because he's been forced to place her in a nursing home because she has Alzheimer's. Neighbors complained to authorities when she wandered to their house in the middle of the night. Chuck didn't know she had left. Just today he wrote that sometimes she just sleeps when he visits her, but other days she gives him lots of hugs and kisses. Today was one of those good days. Besides dealing with this challenge, our dear friend's kidneys have failed enough since transplant that he'll be evaluated soon at Shands for possible kidney transplant. I know he'd appreciate your prayers. He is raising their 12 year-old grandson, too.
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