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Community Corner

Letter to the Editor: A Special Thank You, as Town Rallies it`s Support

After a week in the hospital and another couple of weeks healing at home, it is now time to give thanks for all of the prayers, well wishes, and support that my family and I have received.

 

For the past 50-odd years, I have approached life with the same attitude, the same enthusiasm, and at the same pace. A few weeks ago, while shoveling snow, I ran out of breath. After waiting as long as she could, my wife Betty put me in the car and brought me to the Faulkner Hospital, where I spent the next three days in the ICU.

After regaining my strength, I was assigned a cardiologist, Dr. William Bachman, and scheduled for a month's worth of cardiac testing, where it was determined that I had developed a weak aortic valve.

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Simply put, my heart wasn't pumping enough blood to give me enough oxygen, it would have to be “replaced…” A cardiac catheterization later revealed some blockage in the arteries as well.

I tried to explain to the doctors that I really didn't feel “that bad” – to which they replied: “Mr. Kilroy, you may not believe this, but you are NOT a machine.”

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A date was scheduled for surgery at the Brigham and Woman's Hospital with Dr. Michael Davidson. Having school-aged children and endless commitments around town, the thought of being “out of commission” was frightening. Fortunately, being younger and in good physical shape, the surgery (aortic valve replacement and triple bypass) went well.

After a week in the hospital and another couple of weeks healing at home, it is now time to give thanks for all of the prayers, well wishes, and support that my family and I have received. 

To the countless nurses and doctors – some from right here In Dedham – that tended to me, sometimes for twelve hours at a time. To President Kim Lynch and the Oakdale PTO for putting the word out. To Brenda Driscoll for lining up families that brought a meal to our house each night, while in the hospital. To all of the families that included my children, Corey and Kara, in their activities while I was bed-ridden.

To the endless cards, phone calls, e-mails and text messages, from town officials, school administrators, teachers, parents, and students from all over town.

To my family and my mother-in-law, for their continued support. Most important of all, to my wife Betty, for making me “see this through” and not leaving my side. 

Over the next few weeks, I plan on returning to work and closing out the school year. With Summer just around the corner, I plan on resuming my life and lifestyle (as a machine) – humbled by the love and support that the folks here in Dedham have shown!

Thank You.

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