After a long, hard discussion, which we've been having a lot of lately, Pete and I both agreed on asking for help, something the both of us normally do not ever do.

Three weeks ago, Pete was told he had to meet with a cardiothoracic surgeon after seeing his doctor and expressing his concerns and symptoms that were ongoing for many months. After having an echocardiogram done, he was told he would need open-heart surgery for a valve replacement right away, as the aneurysm was nearly ready to burst. St. Peter's Hospital was not equipped to do this surgery due to him having a narrow airway from having a trach as a child, so a doctor in Rochester accepted his case, and the second we got the call they were ready for us to come, we packed up and went.

He had open-heart surgery Friday, 10/3, where they successfully and safely intubated him and replaced his valve, but unfortunately, there have been bumps in the road, and we are still in Rochester. We continue to pay for hotels, food, gas, etc., so that I can be by his side through all of this. When we do arrive home, he has a long road to recovery ahead of him, and I will be home taking care of him. We also do not know exactly how long he will be out of work. We have discussed bills, both regular and now medical for him, our three kids, and the holidays right around the corner.

This man went through open-heart surgery, and all he is thinking about is making sure his family does not go without. One of the MANY reasons I love him, his heart is so big. Anyone who knows Pete knows how hard of a worker he is, and this is hard for him mentally, emotionally, and physically, but he is strong. He will get through this; we will get through this.