Comment from Mary Vigasin

Exceptional

These well-written thoughts are not only your own, but I believe they are the very human thoughts and bargaining anyone makes when facing surgery, even those who never had much faith, to begin with.
This is why I have to give you a six for capturing and honestly writing of the emotion before surgery.
Best wishes,
Mary

 Comment Written 04-Feb-2023

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reply by the author on 04-Feb-2023

Thank you. I now have been cut on thirteen times.

Comment from kahpot

Excellent

I can relate, though just before my surgery all I wanted was to continue the way things were before I got there, (many years ago now) very well written and I wish you the best for your recovery and this contest****kahpot

 Comment Written 23-Jan-2023

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reply by the author on 23-Jan-2023

Recovery well past. It was five years since back surgery. Four from knee replacement, three from heart and one from rotor cuff. Still, thanks for the thought.

reply by kahpot on 23-Jan-2023

same here recovery well past, I lost a kidney, many broken ribs, and dysfunctional bladder and bowels, glad to hear you are OK.****kahpot

Comment from Susan Newell

Excellent

Tom,

This is a bery well written and thought-provoking poem. I was pleased to read in the notes that the surgery was six years ago. I guess our Father wasn't ready to bring you home at that time. You must have more work to do. :-)

Sue

 Comment Written 23-Jan-2023

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reply by the author on 23-Jan-2023

Not yet, and though I feel fine at seventy-five, I realize I am living on borrowed time. Thaks for the read.

Comment from jessizero

Excellent

Your story was far more serious than mine. I have contemplated my own mortality before, but not before a surgery. I am glad yours went well. Thank you for sharing, and best wishes to you.

 Comment Written 23-Jan-2023

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reply by the author on 23-Jan-2023

and greetings back to you. I hope recent days have been better than last yar, as I know of your physical challenges. Tom

Comment from Richard Montfort Cary

Excellent

Tom,
Hard to rank this one because of the subject matter itself, but your version of entering the dark space that those in charge have located you makes this submission a winner!
Richard

 Comment Written 21-Jan-2023

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reply by the author on 21-Jan-2023

I don't spend enough member cents to ever win. I thought my originating and posting my horse story would be A-1 but tallied one vote. I simply d.k.

reply by Richard Montfort Cary on 21-Jan-2023

Tom,
During my first few months here at FanStory, I entered several contests. The only vote I ever got was (shame on me!) my own. I chose to avoid contests thereafter.
What I value so dearly is the opinions and suggestions, if made, by other writers such as yourself-- invaluable. Your work is always interesting, and sometimes wildly entertaining, and I mean this in the most positive sense! :>)
Richard

Comment from Ric Myworld

Excellent

You had me already worrying that something bad might be going on, but I sure was glad to read the after line stating that it took place back in '17, so it looks like you made it. Thanks for sharing.

 Comment Written 21-Jan-2023

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reply by the author on 21-Jan-2023

I feel like the scarecrow on The Wiz of Oz. Thirteen go-unders. Back, heart, three rotors, two hernias, two elbows, three knees, two replacements. I kinda wish I could have been made of straw. At least that is in abundance.

reply by the author on 21-Jan-2023

I feel like the scarecrow on The Wiz of Oz. Thirteen go-unders. Back, heart, three rotors, two hernias, two elbows, three knees, two replacements. I kinda wish I could have been made of straw. At least that is in abundance.

reply by Ric Myworld on 21-Jan-2023

We have more in common than we even realized. For me, two rotators, two knees, two broken necks, two backs, a total of 27 broken bones, and 2 heart surgeries and 6 other surgeries to remove tumors. 9 in the last three years. LOL.

reply by the author on 21-Jan-2023

Sure. Brag about it. How am I suppose to catch up with you. No thanks. Let me be Avis, though they are now number three. Enterprise is the lead dog.

Comment from Wendy G

Excellent

I am sure the thoughts of many would run along these lines, but fortunately if we trust in Jesus, we don't have to earn God's favour for salvation, although we of course want to live in a way that pleases Him. I like your lighthearted and witty way of writing. Best wishes for the contest.
Wendy

 Comment Written 20-Jan-2023

Comment from Jannypan (Jan)

Excellent

You did a great job with your contest entry, Tom.
I enjoyed reading it, though I wouldn't want to be the
subject. I liked the formatting of the lines and the word
choices. I could envision you saying everything you wrote.
At a time like this, one's thoughts would turn to questioning
their God. Your words were descriptive and smooth flowing.
Thanks for sharing and best wishes in the contest, Jan

 Comment Written 20-Jan-2023

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reply by the author on 21-Jan-2023

Very nice review. Thanks for the read.

Comment from JT traveller

Excellent

For me as an Emergency Physician I am always grateful to hear people's thoughts prior to and after a procedure. Deep thoughts indeed and well expressed. We are all human and all have fears but to hear feedback creates more compassion. Thankyou for a wonderful read.

 Comment Written 20-Jan-2023

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reply by the author on 20-Jan-2023

Sure, I do my best and leave the rest for comments from endearing friends, like you.

reply by JT traveller on 20-Jan-2023

Have a great day Tom. 😊

Comment from strandregs

Excellent

Big faith is a mighty weapon.
I was discussing placebo the other day and belief is
The greatest healer.
Except when i needed
A hernia operation.
I prayed to God once
Before entering my final diploma exams for Radio officer.
I passed. :-))Z.

 Comment Written 20-Jan-2023

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reply by the author on 20-Jan-2023

Was your op for a single hernia, or a double like mine was? I like having a leg up in competition, but I won't lay it physically upon you.
:-O