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Seven years ago this month, (Nov. 1, 1999 to be exact), the old geezer underwent a quintuple open heart surgery operation. The prognosis was
fairly good. (70% vs. 30% he’d make it through the procedure, was the prediction, I believe). He was also told they couldn’t guarantee he’d get across the hospital parking lot if he walked out the door WITHOUT going under the knife. After some deliberation, the old geezer decided to let the surgeons go for it. The doctors assured him that even though there would be quite a bit of pain, he wouldn’t remember it. HA.

The next morning, following “good bys” and “see ya laters” from family, friends and clergy, the orderlies wheeled the old geezer into a room filled with medical equipment and masked people. Shortly thereafter, unconsciousness and darkness overcame him..

The next recollection he had was being in the bottom of a large steel canyon with tall and very steep walls. After trying unsuccessfully to climb up the walls for quite a while, the old geezer decided it was just too tough, he wasn’t going to make it. It had been a good life, he was so very tired and was ready to meet Jesus and go with him..

When he stopped struggling, the old geezer suddenly felt himself being drawn up the sides of the steel wall by some invisible force……and then
darkness came again. Some time later there was a slight recollection of discomfort with all kinds of tubes and paraphernalia protruding from his
body and a few masked people moving around the room. He definitely was not in heaven…..but it certainly wasn’t hell either.

Later, the old geezer found out that in addition to family and friends, there had been many people he didn’t even know from all over the
country also praying for his recovery. Unbeknown to him, his name had been put on numerous prayer chains from coast to coast. WOW……Is that cool or what?

The old geezer knew of others, as well as some of his family that had been the recipients of miracles before, but this was a big one. It is a humbling experience to realize the awesome power of prayer to God.

For a short time the old geezer was a little disappointed he didn’t get to go with Jesus, ’cause at about that time, he was a goin’ through some rather uncomfortable physical conditions. On the other hand he was grateful for the opportunity to stay here on earth for a while longer. I mean, after all, he’d missed out on goin to Sand Diego to see the Denver Broncos play the San Diego Chargers because of this stupid life saving operation.
But, maybe there would be another opportunity to do that later. Besides, there also were still things to be done with and for his wife, children, grandchildren, etc.

You all know of course that the old geezer is me……And you know the rest of the story. I’m grateful and thankful to God for all the good he has done in my life and all of yours. I look forward to the day, down the road quite a ways hopefully, when I will get to go home with Jesus, but for now I am appreciative for the additional time I still have here on the earth with you all.

Please take just a few moments this Thanksgiving to thank God for the many blessings he has given you.

Papa (Jim Diede)