Yup, I came THIS close...

This page is dedicated to people to whom I owe my life, who cared about me, and who helped me recuperate from brain surgery. When I suffered a ruptured cerebral aneurysm on May 12, I could not imagine how hard people would work to help me survive.

I didn't know then what I do now, that most people with a bleed like mine die or suffer serious physical or mental impairment. But because of the people below, I survived.

Dr. Ken Richards was the first person to bring home to me the seriousness of the problem I had. He's been a friend for years. He has more than 30 years experience as a physician and surgeon, and his advice was crucial.

On the phone, Dr. Richards said, "you need to take action right now; don't even stop to change your underwear." He advised using an ambulance rather than a private vehicle to get to the hospital, since I'd have EMTs to help me if, in his words, I "deteriorated on the road."

He made the arrangements for me to be treated at the University Hospital of the West Indies. He made tentative arrangements for an air ambulance to take me back to the U.S. for surgery, until we decided to do it at UHWI.

I owe him a tremendous amount. Thank you, Dr. Richards.

Dr. Carl Bruce was my neurosurgeon. He typically performed at least two surgeries like mine each week. Dr. Bruce inspired confidence in Erlinda and me as soon as we met him. He had a calm but confident manner and he explained the problem and its solution so clearly we understood completely.

He attended high school in Mandeville, continued his preparation for medicine at the University of the West Indies, and went on to Scotland, where he became a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons. He completed his education at the University of Toronto, where he specialized in neurosurgery, becoming a highly skilled surgeon.

An then in May of 2004, he saved my life. Thank you, Dr. Bruce.

Dr. Hyacinth Harding-Golson was the anesthesiologist for my surgery. My brother Tony tells me that, when Dr Harding visited me in the ICU (where I was still groggy) I asked her, "What was your role in the surgery?"

He says she described how she carefully maintained the levels of my blood gases and much more. "In short," she said, "I kept you alive."

Not only did she keep me alive during surgery, she was very attentive afterwards, visiting daily and making sure I was making good progress.

She's a very sweet lady. Thank you, Dr. Harding.

The medical staff of the University Hospital of the West Indies treated me very well.

They were constantly attentive, prompt, courteous, and professional. I always felt that I was a person, not just another surgery case.

It's great to be in the hands of good people. Thank you all.

Tony & Fely Rugless were invaluable during this experience. Tony notified friends and family of the surgery and asked for their prayers. He flew from Orlando to Jamaica to spend a week with us immediately following the surgery.

Meanwhile, Fely maintained contact with a host of well-wishers who sent many e-mails of support. Tony was a tremendous moral support both to me and to Erlinda. When he returned to Orlando, both he and Fely watched over our house for us, collecting the mail (even sorting it), making sure the lawn was maintained, updating the neighbors, and dealing with various business matters on our behalf.

And, of course, there were those balloons and groceries when we came home. A very pleasant surprise to make the homecoming even sweeter. I'm glad I'm a part of their family, Thanx, guys.

Linda Parchment, Erlinda's Mom, took care of both of us during the entire ordeal.

It was at her home that the problem first hit, and that's where we returned for recuperation.

Mom was always solicitous. "Do you need anything?" "Can I get you some water, juice, whatever?"

She was always encouraging me that my left eye would eventually open up fully and that the scar would not be too noticeable.

"You're tall," she offered, "and no one will be able to see the scar on top of your head." O.K., Mom. I'll make sure not to bow my head too often. Thank you.

Anthony and Joy and Avonie Parchment, our in-laws (Anthony is Erlinda's brother.).

They helped take care of some business for us while we were away, and they checked on our house to make sure it was safe.

Thanks, guys.

Thanks to so many others, who helped make the ordeal bearable.

To our extended family, who expressed their love and concern throughout. To our friends in Mandeville, who supported us with prayers, visits and encouragement.

To our neighbors in Orlando, who kept an eye out for intruders and more. And to you, who along with scores of others prayed for us and showed your support through cards, e-mails, phone calls, visits and gifts.

You know who your friends are when the chips are down. Thank you all very much.

Erlinda Rugless has been my rock for 23 years. I'm not sure I have the words to express how much I appreciated her during this experience.

She was the best nurse I could have wanted. She encouraged me when I was down. She was my interface with medical personnel when I was too weak to talk or even think straight.

She gently shepherded visitors who tended to stay too long when I was worn out. She slept in an armchair in my hospital room for almost two weeks so she could be close to me. She woke at the slightest suggestion that I was having any difficulty.

Is it any wonder that I love Erlinda? She's a doll. She's a sweetie. She mine. Thank you, honey.

And my greatest thanks go to Jesus, who was my main comfort during this entire ordeal.

Why, you ask? because He's my main comfort and provider in everything. And, in this case, for some reason, He chose to let me live a little longer.

He provided an experienced physician who could advise me, a highly skilled neurosurgeon who could solve the problem, a caring medical staff, family and friends who offered tremendous support, and a wonderful, loving wife who strengthened me through it all.

I think, because it's His nature, He loves me. And I love Him back. Thank you, Jesus.