It has been a rather hectic two weeks. My wife went to the Sentara Heart Hospital to have a valve replacement and two by-passes for clogged arteries.

To add to the trauma, she had two mini strokes and has been undergoing therapy to get the strength back in her right leg and arm. Fortunately, the heart surgery went well and it appears there will be no permanent damage from the strokes.

The purpose of this column is to tell you there is no more friendly, efficient and caring place than the Sentara Heart Hospital. Everyone there is dedicated to the idea that their stay should be as professional and comfortable as possible.

I was afforded a room in the hospital guest quarters. I had a spacious room with television, private bath and ample closet space all for the modest sum of $25 a night.

During the operation I was kept informed of what was going on and the condition of my wife. At the end of the surgery the doctor came to the waiting room, explained what he had done and asked if I had any questions.

At no time was I left wondering what was happening.

There is a cafeteria in the hospital, a grocery store and numerous other facilities to make life easier for the people waiting. Parking can either be free valet parking or, if you choose, you can park for free in the parking garage behind the hospital.

There is a television in the waiting room as well as free coffee. If you don't have change, the vending machines take $1 and five dollar bills.

Hospital bills can be financially devastating. However, one of the benefits of spending 30 years in the Navy and being over 65 is the blessing of Medicare and Tricare for life insurance.

No story would be complete without mentioning the many cards, letters and telephone calls from friends and family. Many took time off from work to visit and many went shopping for the unmentionables that men are not good as shoppers for.

Thanks also to the many neighbors and church people who fed me many delicious meals, asked and helped with the many task that my wife normally did. As I told my wife the other day I did not realize all the things she did until she was gone for two weeks.

While I write this, I am running the dishwasher and washing white clothes.

Guess I'll do the dark clothes tonight. We normally do dark clothes on Friday, but I forgot.

To all men out there, appreciate the things your wife does. Say a "thank you" once in awhile. She will know you realize what she does. To my wife I say, "Hurry home dear; I need you." There are some wonderful cooks in the neighborhood, but you are the best."

There is something to laugh about in any setting. I asked a nurse if she realized what was written on the back of her green scrub pants just below the hip pocket. It read 'PROPERTY OF SENTARA HEART HOSPITAL'. Below in big black letters: 'NOT FOR SALE'.