Daniels: Heightened gratitude for life, wife post-surgery

On the morning of June 25, as I headed to the operating room, I thought I had an inkling as to how life might change.
    

But, I had no idea.
    

When my successful surgery was over, the patient was totally dependent on others. For everything.
    

I was reminded about the greatness of others. 
    

From my surgeon, Dr. Gene Parrino, to the other doctors and nurses, who had my life in their hands.
    

Nurses, and nurse’s aids, saw to my needs 24 hours a day.
    

When they handed me a red pillow, shaped like a heart, I had no idea just how important that red pillow would become.
    

Hug that pillow they would say, get to the edge of the bed, and rock back and forth.
    

On the count of three, I would lift myself with my legs only – all the while hugging that pillow. It quickly become a life routine.
    

I told Father Tom McCann, who visited several times, that I would never look at life the same.
    

It was not the words of a man in temporary pain, who might forget those words, once the current malaise had passed.
    

I meant it. I would step back and have a little more perspective. I would have more patience. I would appreciate others more.
  

And, I would appreciate all the great things I had been given. At the top of the list would be my wife, Robin. When I would get frustrated during my recovery, she would hold my hand and smile.
    

Having her in your huddle is like having Tom Brady in the huddle on the final drive of the Super Bowl.
    

When I would start to express my frustrations even more, she would try to change the conversation completely. She has become quite good at it.
    

It made me laugh. For days, I felt so poorly and a little overwhelmed.
    

I didn’t think about the St. Louis Cardinals once. In the days after the surgery, the doctors and nurses want you sitting in your chair and to go for the occasional walk.
    

In the beginning, every step seemed like a climb up Mount Everest. As I would walk, I was jokingly reminded about the difference between physical therapy (perfect torture) and occupational therapy (other torture). 
    

I couldn’t tell the difference, but I knew I was in great hands.
    

As I walked, the therapists were right alongside. And, with a chair behind me, just in case.
    

The past 2 1/2 weeks have made me healthier, for sure, thanks to some talented, caring professionals.
    

But, that is only part of the story.
    

Ed Daniels is sports director of ABC26 WGNO. He can be reached at [email protected].