Thanks, Chris. Long way to go to be fully recovered but we do see some progress after a month, slow but welcome. I'll spare you and others the details, some of which were included in several past posts. Suffice to say that at this stage the best we can expect is to have a quality of life worth continuing and until it isn't we will do the best we can. That is the reality and with some serious physical limitations in mobility and breathing, I am glad my mind is still working most of the time and in the other areas, I am taking one step at a time and getting treatment as needed. I've had a great life, a full life and have enormous gratitude for all I have done. Now, as I am dependent on others, it's a tough transition for one who has been so independent. I appreciate your presence here and poking me to think out loud with you this Saturday morning. My daughter and son-law are here for a few days from Boston/Cambridge and helping us get resettled into new digs. Our extended family has been and continues to be a big support network so we're fortunate on that front too.
I can’t imagine what a difficult period this is for you, Gary. I’m not surprised, though, that you’re approaching it from a positive mindset. That’s one of the things I respect so much about you. I’m glad your family is with you and continues to be a source of great support. You’re in my thoughts, my friend.
It is wondrous and inspiring to discover more similarities we share—I, too, love Dr. Gawande’s work and have a couple of his books including Being Mortal (PBS’ Frontline did a remarkable show on it and him! https://youtu.be/lQhI3Jb7vMg?si=blx8gM4kOvzMt6RY
I often imagine, were I the preseident, who I would want as cabinet or department leaders. Dr. Gawande would be somebody I would want to serve as either my Surgeon General OR the Secretary of HHS. Or even, for that matter, the Secretary of State.
You, Gary, I’d approach to be the Secretary of Education.
I like your Gawande nominations but as for me, I would not be a good Sec’y of Education because, you know, bureaucracy. Politics should not be mucking around with education policies and that position should be independent, more like the judiciary but as we’ve seen, even that has become politicized recently. Part of the problem with education has to do with required testing and scores being used as a valid measure of success and failure. We need an educational system more akin to those other countries ahead of the U.S. in rankings, more student-centered than teacher-centered as one example. Better trained and better paid teachers as another. More experiential and hands on learning and more options for older students besides college or university for post-secondary growth,and a work force dedicated to solving problems. All of this and more is based on big changes in design and delivery. Now you have me thinking again…..Arghhhh!
It’s an example of how a writing exercise turned into a book. Same with “Seven Decades: A Learning Memoir.” That was originally at TEDex talk that I expanded from 17 minutes to 83 pages. Not a big deal but a fun exercise nonetheless until it becomes more of a chore just to get it done.
Thanks, Chris. Long way to go to be fully recovered but we do see some progress after a month, slow but welcome. I'll spare you and others the details, some of which were included in several past posts. Suffice to say that at this stage the best we can expect is to have a quality of life worth continuing and until it isn't we will do the best we can. That is the reality and with some serious physical limitations in mobility and breathing, I am glad my mind is still working most of the time and in the other areas, I am taking one step at a time and getting treatment as needed. I've had a great life, a full life and have enormous gratitude for all I have done. Now, as I am dependent on others, it's a tough transition for one who has been so independent. I appreciate your presence here and poking me to think out loud with you this Saturday morning. My daughter and son-law are here for a few days from Boston/Cambridge and helping us get resettled into new digs. Our extended family has been and continues to be a big support network so we're fortunate on that front too.
How awesome! Congratulations, Gary! You continue to impress me. Also, I hope you’re fully recovered now.
Thanks, Chris. Long way to go to be fully recovered but we do see some progress after a month, slow but welcome. I'll spare you and others the details, some of which were included in several past posts. Suffice to say that at this stage the best we can expect is to have a quality of life worth continuing and until it isn't we will do the best we can. That is the reality and with some serious physical limitations in mobility and breathing, I am glad my mind is still working most of the time and in the other areas, I am taking one step at a time and getting treatment as needed. I've had a great life, a full life and have enormous gratitude for all I have done. Now, as I am dependent on others, it's a tough transition for one who has been so independent. I appreciate your presence here and poking me to think out loud with you this Saturday morning. My daughter and son-law are here for a few days from Boston/Cambridge and helping us get resettled into new digs. Our extended family has been and continues to be a big support network so we're fortunate on that front too.
I can’t imagine what a difficult period this is for you, Gary. I’m not surprised, though, that you’re approaching it from a positive mindset. That’s one of the things I respect so much about you. I’m glad your family is with you and continues to be a source of great support. You’re in my thoughts, my friend.
Good for you, Gary!
Being Mortal was such an important read for me, and it is a book I have recommended to others more often than probably any other book.
It is wondrous and inspiring to discover more similarities we share—I, too, love Dr. Gawande’s work and have a couple of his books including Being Mortal (PBS’ Frontline did a remarkable show on it and him! https://youtu.be/lQhI3Jb7vMg?si=blx8gM4kOvzMt6RY
I often imagine, were I the preseident, who I would want as cabinet or department leaders. Dr. Gawande would be somebody I would want to serve as either my Surgeon General OR the Secretary of HHS. Or even, for that matter, the Secretary of State.
You, Gary, I’d approach to be the Secretary of Education.
I like your Gawande nominations but as for me, I would not be a good Sec’y of Education because, you know, bureaucracy. Politics should not be mucking around with education policies and that position should be independent, more like the judiciary but as we’ve seen, even that has become politicized recently. Part of the problem with education has to do with required testing and scores being used as a valid measure of success and failure. We need an educational system more akin to those other countries ahead of the U.S. in rankings, more student-centered than teacher-centered as one example. Better trained and better paid teachers as another. More experiential and hands on learning and more options for older students besides college or university for post-secondary growth,and a work force dedicated to solving problems. All of this and more is based on big changes in design and delivery. Now you have me thinking again…..Arghhhh!
Pearls From An Irritated Mind – I love that title, Gary!
I'd love to read it and have made a note the next time I'm in the US to pick up a copy ☺️
It’s an example of how a writing exercise turned into a book. Same with “Seven Decades: A Learning Memoir.” That was originally at TEDex talk that I expanded from 17 minutes to 83 pages. Not a big deal but a fun exercise nonetheless until it becomes more of a chore just to get it done.
Thanks, Chris. Long way to go to be fully recovered but we do see some progress after a month, slow but welcome. I'll spare you and others the details, some of which were included in several past posts. Suffice to say that at this stage the best we can expect is to have a quality of life worth continuing and until it isn't we will do the best we can. That is the reality and with some serious physical limitations in mobility and breathing, I am glad my mind is still working most of the time and in the other areas, I am taking one step at a time and getting treatment as needed. I've had a great life, a full life and have enormous gratitude for all I have done. Now, as I am dependent on others, it's a tough transition for one who has been so independent. I appreciate your presence here and poking me to think out loud with you this Saturday morning. My daughter and son-law are here for a few days from Boston/Cambridge and helping us get resettled into new digs. Our extended family has been and continues to be a big support network so we're fortunate on that front too.