In April, Al was told he needed a heart valve replacement and that if he didn’t get it, he would have one to two years to live. The choice was simple. I accompanied him to his first visit with the Interventional Cardiologist, and not knowing what to expect, we were apprehensive as we waited to see the doctor. Coincidently, seated across from us in the waiting room was a man whom we overheard talking to another patient about his experience with the same surgery. He was confident, full of praise for the doctor and enthusiastic as he described the procedure, his easy recovery, and how good he was now feeling. As we listened to his experience, it felt as if a great burden was being lifted from our shoulders. Sitting within earshot of that man was truly a fortunate stroke of serendipity, and provided us with a very meaningful “glimmer”.

-Paula Kirwan