From the Basement Cafeteria at Kaiser Santa Clara

.... at approximately 11:35 am, the surgeon came into the family waiting room and told me that the surgery had went well and he was pleased with what had occurred and that Layne was on his way to the Cardiac ICU.

Well, take a deep breath.

about a half an hour later, I went in for about five minutes.  He is still sedated and tubes are everywhere, but it was not grotesque and I didn't faint.  They told me that he would probably wouldn't be awake for at least 4 hours after the surgery. They got my phone number to call.

I then went out to the car and made calls to the magic list that Layne created for those who were to be advised.  I felt almost like a Barack or Hillary given the same message to all the media outlets. In addition to the cold factual data. I also wanted everyone to know how grateful we were for the prayers, support and good wishes being sent his way.  The same to all of you who may read these words.

I got gas at $3.89 a gallon and then lunch at slightly more.  

A few moments, I cam back to Kaiser to see if he was awake and they had just given him another shot of "the good stuff" and he will be out until at least 2-3 more hours.  So here I am in the cafeteria drinking my Starbucks to provide the "juice" to last until the next encounter with Cardiac ICU.

In a very positive sign down here, I was talking directly with Layne's brother Forrest to bring him up to date when a little kid was running around the cafeteria making noise with a decibel level equal to a pre-school after the candy has been passed out and eaten.  For those of you who know Layne, it was a good karmic sign, because he would have that kid quieted in less than a second with a look from him that would let the  kid know that Santa Claus had put him on the coal list for next three to five years.

My spirits are good and I am looking forward to helping Layne make the changes that will strengthen his heart and health. Don't worry, its not absolutely altruistic .. this fat boy needs plenty of better habits too.   Thanks for listening.  I'll try to write as much as I can .... Steve