1/27/23 - Friday Forget-Me-Nots by Jim Silcott

Photo Caption: Indoor Recess with Grade 7.

Dear Our Lady of Peace Family,

Back to work. Back to work after my longest streak of non-working days since I walked the Appalachian Trail in 1975. This break was an adventure as well but a very different journey from health to hospital to recovery.

Why the cyst attached to my left adrenal gland started to spontaneously bleed that Tuesday morning as I finished up our school’s morning prayer, we will never know. Some conjecture that a simple, stupid, fall I had in front of school on the sidewalk was the culprit. Of course, I did not know that I was bleeding internally. I simply felt discomfort, discomfort enough to go home.

But the pain continued and then worsened. If you know the original “Alien” movie where the newly born creature comes hurtling out of the poor man’s gut, then you have some idea of the pain. Luckily, my step-son, Stephen, was still on break from school. My wife, Kathy, was on her way to California for a conference. Stephen drove me to Riverside Hospital, patient and reassuring with me as if he were the parent.

Once there, Stephen grabbed a wheelchair and barged right into the emergency room, past security. He was my hero that day. I don’t recall the details of that time in the ER. After some tests and determination and, thank God, some medicine for the pain, it was determined that I had a hematoma. AI always heard that word in doctor shows, but never knew what it meant. I was bleeding internally and, because I am on blood thinner, it wasn’t stopping.

Later that evening they did an angiogram to go in and stop the bleeding. But by reversing the effects of the thinner (I have no idea how) by the time of that procedure the bleeding had stopped on its own. I had lost about half my blood.



Five days in a hospital are sleepless, at times frustrating and very sobering. Because of my condition they took my blood about every 3-4 hours, 24 hours a day. They monitored me. Stephen and my other children and siblings all came to visit me. Kathy took an overnight red eye to be back earlier for me. The staff of doctors, nurses, PSA’s and assorted hospital staff were all very friendly. The doctors took the time to speak with me and listen to my questions and concerns. Except for the fact that I was in a hospital it was a wonderful experience.

The recovery has been long, at least long by my standards. A week after discharge I still felt as if every step I took was at the conclusion of running a marathon. I am not in tip top shape but I can get on a bicycle and ride 20 miles and think nothing of it. During my recovery time at home I would plan how many things I could accomplish when I got of bed or off the couch.

I am fortunate that Kathy works from home. She is fantastic. She loves me and supports me and she nags me just enough to get me better. And better I am getting.

There is talk of removing this cyst on my adrenal gland. That will come later. For now, I stay off blood thinner, stay off my bicycle as long as I can stand to, and get back to my job as principal. The teachers and staff of your school did a great job without me (maybe too great?!). Mrs. McMahon served as my principal designate and Susan Gualtieri continued to do what Susan does, which is to say a lot. I appreciate everyone on staff who stepped up to cover me during my absence. I have missed the teachers and students and am glad to be back among them.

Did I mention prayer? As a long- time prayer, I sometimes wonder about its efficacy. Is it really heard? As the recipient of prayer from so many people I tell you that I felt those prayers and they have helped tremendously. Prayer works. Keep praying, Prayer works.

It won’t be long, I am sure, before people realize that I am well enough to allow me to do my job fully and completely. I look forward to it!

Jim Silcott