May 31, 2024: jgwkia has moved to substack


JGWKIA (jg will kick its ass) has moved to substack. You can access (and subscribe to) it by clicking here.

The full URL to my substack is http://jgwkia.substack.com/. There will be no more new posts here, and eventually jgwkia.com will point there, not here. Bye bye Blogger!




Home Sweet Home

Blogging tunes: Pink Floyd - The Wall

So I've been home for approximately 24 hours.  What a transition!  I don't even know where to start.  Heather is nothing short of a miracle worker.  The place looks absolutely incredible.  I know she didn't do it all herself, so I want to extend huge thanks to everyone who helped.

While it was wonderful to be in my own bed (100x more comfortable than the hospital bed), last night was a little rough.  I had some mild fevers, which are scary, because if we can't get them down, I'd need to go back to the hospital.  Fortunately, Tylenol and lots of sweats did the trick, I was able to sleep pretty well, and woke up feeling about as good as yesterday.

I want to briefly highlight a few of the amazing things I've experienced since I got home.  Most of this is a testament to you, my amazing friends.

First and foremost.... The Piano!  Over 80 people contributed to the piano fund that Heather set up so she could surprise me by having a piano in the house when I got home.  Video coming later, but here's what it looks like.  You can even see a reflection of the backyard right on the front face of the piano.


Huge thanks to everyone who contributed and special thanks to Laurie Pitman who helped pick it out.  The banner says, "let there be songs to fill the air... to John with love and affection from your family and friends autumn 2010."  Click the image for a larger size so you can kinda see the list of folks who contributed.

Also, see that big check on the dining room table (above)?  That's the excess of the piano fund -- almost $1900 -- which we're donating (on all of your behalf) to the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society.  Below, see me signing the check:


Next, I want to call out a couple very special people who sent very special presents to the new house.  Without question, top billing goes to Doug, Jessica, Jordan, and Cooper Simon who got me a signed Jeff Carter jersey.  It's not just the Jersey, and it's not just what Jeff wrote.  It's the fact that Jeff will likely be on the Flyers for 11 years to come, and the implication I will be wearing it for that many years to come (and more).  Thanks, Doug, absolutely brilliant!


Next, hats off to Lou (LLB) for an incredible musical present.  I had asked Lou to send me a DVD with the mp3s of fall Phish tour.  Instead, he sent a little external drive with all kinds of music on it, plus killer iPod speakers (which we sorely need for our bedroom).  Thanks, Lou.  You da man.


I also want to publicly thank Heather's mom for coming out here over the last week.  I don't know how Heather would have been able to accomplish all that she did without her help... so thanks, Diana.  It means a ton to me.

Lastly, a huge shout out to my monkiest monkey for her brilliant idea to knock out a huge window between the living room and the kitchen.  Now I can sit on the couch and see a redwood tree.  How the previous owners lived here with a full wall there is just unimaginable.  Here's a pic:


It's been an incredible home-coming on so many levels.  Thanks again to everyone who helped contribute.  When we have the house setup a little better, and I'm further along in my recovery, we'll have a real house-warming party.

So happy times for sure, but no rest for the weary.  I have an 8am appointment at UCSF tomorrow morning to get a bone marrow biopsy and for them to figure out the next phase(s) of my treatment.  Round and round we go.

I will kick its ass,

-jg

Comments

  1. Doooood!! Thanks for the updates - I was waiting for this moment with baited breath (gross). Congrats on the warmest welcome home you could imagine. That's so cool. Love the piano surprise!! And the check of the excess is amazing. :)

    Your house looks beautiful!! Would love to see more pix. The hole in the wall is fantastic, for sure. Nicely done!

    So great to see you having a good experience away from the horsespittle. Here's to more time at home in the fuditure!!! :-D

    Kir its prace!
    -jxn

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  2. John! I've been following along. I'm sending warm wishes and healing thoughts. Keep kicking ass! Much love, Jean K.

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  3. thanks for the updates, happy to see you home for a bit!

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  4. Wow, wow, and...oh yeah WOWOWOWOW!!!!! Dude, I only wish I could have seen your face when you came through the door (of your amazing house BTW!) when you saw a freakin piano! Not to mention #17 (my bro sure has a knack for delivering a gift, huh?) Just know that all of this is a testament to all that you've given to all of us through the years in your passion and spirit. Hopefully it'll all help to make this healing process just a little more bearable. And H -- nice work on that wall cut out window! Can't wait to see it all for myself when I get out to SF.

    Keep kickin its ass!

    love

    ejsphilly

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  5. Heather shot a video of the entrance. Needs some editing, but we'll post it. Yes, your bro rules!

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  6. Hey John - so glad to hear you are home!!! Piano was an awesome idea- I will have to contribute directly to the Leukemia Fund!

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  7. Congrats JG! So glad your home!

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  8. Thrilled for you!!

    Much Love,
    dd & family

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  9. Thanks for keeping family and friends posted regarding phase #1. I feel like I am watching It's A Wonderful Life when I see how everyone has rallied around you-- from the 1000 Cranes to the Jeff Carter jersey, to the piano, etc...You have a lot to be thankful for and Lauren and I are excited to see the house and hang with you next week. Plus, Howard Stern just signed for 5 more years today! dg

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  10. I'm so glad you're enjoying the jersey and it put a big smile on your face. That's the effect we were aiming for. Remember to bring it with you when you're back in Philly next and we'll catch a game and thank Mr. Carter in person.

    Ba Ba Booey to ya - and SO glad you're home. Best to Heather and the kids, and we'll speak with you soon.

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  11. so glad your home...well wishes from all the bacal's too btw... keep your chin up. i love you. peace. LS

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  12. So glad you are at your new home with Heether and kids. The house is so beautiful. You're lucky to find such a great house. Sending you couple of pics of Floyd.

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