Off to a great start!

My home health care nurse stopped by yesterday morning to see how I was doing. Very much to her surprise she found that I am progressing much faster than she expected. All the various incisions sites looked great, my lungs sounded strong and clear, heart rate and blood pressure were excellent, and my stamina is increasing wonderfully everyday. The Lord is good!

Yesterday my dear friend and teaching partner at Saint Louis University, Dr. Jeff Cupps, started seeing my patients in Ste. Genevieve.  On Tuesday and Thursday mornings, he sees my Florissant patients. I have known Dr. Cupps for many years, and he is the consummate orthodontist. He has an incredible servant's heart, and his willingness to see my patients when he has his own patients to see, is, professionally speaking, the closest example to "laying down our life for a friend!" I am deeply moved and touched by his friendship.

I thank all of you again for your wonderful cards, flowers, meals, phone calls, and emails. My good friend, Bill Holmes, from Midland, Texas, emailed me from Vietnam upon learning of my operation and said his: "Ernie, you will do anything for attention!" It is during times such as these when the true meaning of "friend" becomes exceedingly clear. The mere fact that you all have shown an interest and concern for my well-being and that of my family has moved and touched me deeply. For that I thank you all as well.

Much love to you all.