Working the Clock

Hello again:  It has been a good football season.  I was able to travel with the home team for the last couple of games and enjoy watching the competition on the field of play.  Though we didn't get to the GA Dome state championship this year (lost one game away) it was still a great experience.  Yes, we all want to win, but it is, what it is and we'll support as the team tries it again next year.

It is a good feeling to say next year, to plan and continue to pray for yet another year by His grace.  It is good because last year this time, if you don't mind if I reminisce, was not enjoyable.  My battle with heart disease hampered me from truly enjoying anything.  Instead I was recuperating, having biopsies and wishing for a positive outcome.

It did come for me, a positive outcome, that is.  Life is no game and shouldn't be treated as such.  I have learned through my research of this potentially deadly disease that by the time the National Anthem has played at an event, three people suffering with a cardiovascular related illness has lost their lives. 

It is the season to remember the sacrifices we have made or watched as others who have been challenged all seeking victory.  I don't have to wait for a particular season of the year to reflect and give thanks.  No need for a reminder because when you come so near to loosing your life, you will take a deep breath and let out a "thank you God" that has so much sincerity you won't care who hears it. 

The sport that I played, coached and enjoy [basketball] has started for most teams.  I say "most" because the NBA has a late start *Christmas day* this year.  I am helping the varsity basketball team during home games by running the game clock.  It is official .  I am once again in my element and loving every moment of it.   God allows me to ponder the stark contrast of where I was then;  nearly running out of time to this moment in time as a second chance in life.

Read the heart transplant story,"A Second Chance" coming out in February, 2012.  What story can you share?  Come on, don't worry about who knows about your story of survival. .  tell me about it in the comment portion of this blog.  Are you a survivor?

Small Things Can Give Hope

It's a new day,  A bright and cool 4th of November morning. Yesterday I made a big pot of homemade vegetable soup. I am gonna say it was just in time!  I am looking forward to some simple joys today and the rest of this month in which we talk about being thankful.  I don't want to skip to Christmas too soon. 

I'll probably give my lawn a final going over to get it ready for the season ahead.  Maybe get some new weather stripping for the doors since the ladies in the house are talking about putting socks on their feet.  I love the cool weather.

You see, it's stuff like this that really makes me stop to look at the small things that mean so much.  The journey of battling poor health, pain or discomfort can go  unrealized until something happens directly to an individual or their loved one.  Occasionally, we see reports on television and say, "I can't imagine." We might even shake our head in disbelief.  

On Tuesday evening, I spoke with a former student athlete who I coached in middle school and is now in his 30's.  He wanted to talk shop because he is facing an evaluation for a heart transplant at Emory mid-November.  Before hanging up the phone, I wanted to leave him with hope.   Not knowing what to expect can cause a person to freeze in fear.  You talking fear factor, let someone tell you they are about to do something through your jugular.   I reminded him to repeat the promises of God--I am living proof He will bring him through and that he can one day feel better.

Have a good weekend.  Give God glory that because of Him you (we) are able.  And tell Him you see His works even in the small things.

Coach Chip

One Year Ago Today - November 3, 2010

TODAY 11-2-2011 IS MY SECOND BIRTHDAY!!  In the early morning hours of November 3, 2010, I was taken to surgery for the transplantation of a new heart.  This surgery was just three weeks after having my chest opened to implant a machine that would pump blood throughout my body (BiVAD).  I remember scribbling notes to my family after the 4.5 hour surgery.  Mostly to have the breathing tube removed.  Hated that thing.  Yet thankful to hear their voices. I remember responding to one of their many questions scribbling, "I'm content."


I am thankful for those of you that sent up prayers for me and my family.  I am still running into people saying they were in prayer for us.  I am thankful for your help during fundraising campaigns or those who just take time to listen.  Remember to take nothing for granted.   As a matter of fact, my wife and I make sure to slow one another down so not to find ourselves "too busy" to be thankful.  


I am filled with eager anticipation to know the family of my donor.  I was told by St. Joseph's hospital officials that it would be one year before I could know (only if they are interested as well).  I want to give them an embrace that speaks volumes.  I wish I knew what to say.  I have had a whole year to rehearse it.  I think when the time comes, we will not have to say a word.  We will notice that from somewhere there will be an overwhelming peace.  That's what I'm hoping will fill the awkwardness.  A God moment where there will be "peace that passes all understanding." 


What would you do with a God-granted second chance in life?  My mission is to share my experiences, information, inspiration and commonalities with others daily.   In the publication of my first book, I will tell about what happened to me and how God allowed me to have  "A Second Chance."


Coach Chip

1 Life + a  2nd Chance = 3rd November

It All Came Together at the ZUMBA Party

The Anniversary ZUMBA Fitness and Health Fair with all the hard work came together on Saturday morning the 22nd of October at 9:00 a.m. Private physician consultations were available, free health screenings, giveaways and the ZUMBA party.

Several medical professionals at the event visited our community for the first time from the Northeast Georgia Heart Center, Gainesville, GA; St. Joseph's Hospital, Atlanta, GA; and The Georgia Heart Center in Macon joining the doctors from Warner Robins to provide  information to participants.  I was happy to introduce them to one another as well as former coworkers and friends.  

 
Thanks to all for your support of the Anniversary ZUMBA Fitness & Health Fair!  
Dr.  W. Steve Wilson, M.D.

Dr. Laura Koch, DMD, PC

Fatz Café

Fit & Firm Fitness for Women

Five Star Nissan

Food Lion #1076

Franklin Battery

Fresenius Medical Care

Houston County Church of Christ

Houston Lake Country Club

Houston Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine, P.C.

Impressive Linens by Amanda

International City Golf Club

Kinnebrew Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, P.C.

 LegalShield (Jackie McLear)

Let’s Plan Memorable Events, LLC

Mary Kay

Medical Center of Central GA

Mrs. Elnora Seabrooks-Fluellen

Mrs. Terri Minter

New Hope Int’l New Era Ministry

Northeast GA Heart Center

NowBeth

Ocmulgee Dairy, Inc.

Pampered Chef

Perry Country Club

Pop’s Barbershop

St. Joseph’s Hospital

The Husband Club

The Valley Lawn Shark, LLC

THORATEC Corporation

Warner Robins Touchdown Club

 http://www.13wmaz.com/news/story.aspx?storyid=148573

My grandfather, James Herbert White, was the Founder and First President of Mississippi Valley State University he kept the family constantly involved with the activities that went with having an educational institution.  As a son and grandson, you would do as you were told to do.  It was easy, because my older brother and I did care and we didn’t want to disappoint.  Not saying that I didn’t make mistakes, but it is a testament to choosing to do what was expected of me.

It’s been a while since I have had to be in a meeting setting now that I am retired from the Houston county board of education.  I just wanted to teach/coach to the best of my ability.   Meetings . . . well.

Yesterday, I joined my wife at a networking luncheon meeting.  She said “you should meet the people I network with because I have told them about you and the ZUMBA party that’s coming up.”  Did I mention that I’m a coach?  So I pulled out all the things mama use to say when we attended events on the campus of Mississippi Valley State University.   I did go and enjoyed meeting some new people and even saw some familiar faces there.  Glad that I went. 

The segment for announcements, near the end of the lunch, my wife introduced me to the group.  Before I began to tell them the abbreviated story of my transplant and about the Anniversary ZUMBA Fitness & Health Fair on October 22, 2011, a former student, Courtney, stood and reminded me of why I did what I did for 32 years.  It made me feel real good and after I got myself together I started to try to talk.  Because I do care, "Chip'n Away at Heart Disease" is my passion and I am writing a book that will tell someone of preventive measures so they don't have to go through what I did.

  

I still remember many of the faces of former students (male/female) their hobbies, jersey numbers, character traits, funny stories and nicknames I might have given them.   When I see them, I will ask them about siblings or if they have followed their dreams.  I do that because I care.

Learning Lessons

Note to self:  * God hears prayers. * We are never too old to listen to someone and to learn. * My advice to you is to enjoy your parents.  * Get out there and enjoy life.   *  Meet someone new * Take a chance on the good. * Get some exercise.  * Don't worry about the wrong things.  * Know the difference in a hug and an embrace - practice often.  * Remember to have good belly laughs.  * Tell her how sexy she is until she gives you a strange look.   

This Time Last Year

Recently, I participated in a diabetes awareness fundraiser as well as the American Heart Association-Heart Walk.  This time last year, I couldn't walk across the room unassisted.  As a matter of fact, hospital records show the poor function of my heart and the life threatening condition I was in due to heart disease.


I would reminisce about helping my daughter to move into her first ever apartment since college after accepting a new job.  This had been a  missed opportunity because that was the initial hospitalization for me (June, 2010.)  I couldn't lift my head up, much less carry a box or move furniture.  I was weak, swollen and very fatigued.


October 3rd of last year, I was fighting for my life in an Atlanta hospital.  This past weekend (October 3, 2011), I was keenly aware that "today I'm eleven months old" I told my wife. We were then standing in my daughter's new apartment watching her interact with the movers and make decisions about redecorating to make this location better than the other one.  I thank God that both of us are able. . . you know what I mean?