Hello everyone
I had a wonderful friend. His name was Russell. He was one of the best supporters on my ossg400+ list. On Sunday and Monday we were all sending him messages of support and our best wishes and prayers. His surgery was Tuesday morning. Tuesday afternoon his Angel got a call from Douglas, Russell's partner. Russell had come through the surgery with flying colours and was doing fine. We all sent congratulatory wishes to him, it is so exciting when someone has their surgery!!! especialy for us SMO people. I went to bed last night with a happy song in my heart for Russell.
This morning I did what I usually do. Read my email and then head straight to my ossg groups. I found out at this time that at 6pm last night, Russell, who had been doing so well, threw a blood clot and passed away. It has been a long and horrible day. Russell was one of the sweetest people you would ever meet. Nothing was too much trouble for him and he was the first one to offer support and help.
Those of us on ossg400+ are in shock. How could this happen to "our" Russell (for that is how we all thought of him)? It is terrifying. Russell was having the exact same surgery I am. I will not, however, let this fear change my decision. Russell would not have wanted that. He would want each of us to make the decision that is right for us and so that is what I will be doing. Russell was frightened too, but his strength and courage were an inspiration to us all. I think this is one of the reasons he was so well loved in our Group.
So when I go into surgery, I will be doing what is right for me, and I will be drawing on the strength and courage of Russell. I'll have an extra angel watching over me.
An Angel Named Russell
Angela in Toronto
Pre-op
Dr Grace
London Health Sciences Center