From congenital heart defect to cardiogenic shock, open heart surgery and a defibrillator at age 68 to endurance Athlete at age 76. 

Always remember to pursue the dream and live the journey

[The Story of my Heart-segment 18]  

I make my project presentation and explain the reason for the idea, which is to bring about awareness of congenital heart defects, especially for children and teenagers. I also stress my goal of sharing my experiences with other heart patients. I ask for a sponsorship amount of $15,000. This is a positive meeting. They’re even more excited after I finish my presentation, for which Dr. Coletti laid the groundwork, along with Beth. As a team, I believe we can make this a success. The meeting lasted about 45 minutes and I leave Beth with a hardcover copy of my first book. As fate will often interfere, a year later Beth will succumb to cancer. After the meeting I drive to Train-or-Try, Bellingham’s triathlon headquarters. Come to find out, the owner Maureen Trainor is a heart patient, apparently much worse than I am, and still doing triathlons. I tell her what I’m looking for and why. She’s only 42 years old and her problems go far beyond just the heart. It so happens that both Dr. Coletti and Dr. MacGregor are her physicians. Obviously my visit to the store takes much longer than anticipated. She explains the most up to date products being used in wet suits. The difference between a diving wet suit and a swim wet suit is significant. I learn that for a swimming suit the interior is similar to a diving wet suit made of neoprene, but the outside is made of smooth skin. The technological difference is evident. They are designed to increase swimming efficiency, flotation, and speed. I try on several suits, after which I’m almost exhausted. The cost ranges from $250 up to nearly $1,000. We concentrate on several from $250 to $380. She explains the technology of design between the two price ranges. The suits come from New Zealand and Australia. We are astounded by the difference in size I need, in comparison to the chart for my weight and height. Because of my body construction after surgery, I end up needing two sizes larger than she expected. In the first week of August I again drive to North Cascade Cardiology for Maria to check the defibrillator. The ratings come out perfect except for a couple of short periods of atrial fibrillation back in February, lasting no longer than about five minutes each; nothing to be concerned about. After that I meet with Jerry Marschke, Cardiovascular Administrator of North Cascade Cardiology. I tell him about my decision to postpone the Gibraltar swim until next year. He once more confirms their commitment. He will also contact Tracy Peacock, the project director at the American Heart Association in Seattle. I continue swimming and make several visits to North Cascade Cardiology for routine checkups. Always looking for incentives to do my exercises, the berry season comes in handy. I now have another reason to take out my bicycle and ride through the berry fields, where I can stop and gorge myself on fresh berries—energy food. First it’s the raspberries, followed by blueberries, which makes for a delicious ride indeed. In September, we attend Dr. Coletti’s heart seminar at St. Luke’s Community Health Education Center. It’s amazing to learn about all of the new devices that are appearing. I confirm his agreement to be consulting adviser to the Heart Challenge Swim Association, once I set it up.

In March, I have an echocardiogram and blood tests done. A couple of days later Dr. Coletti’s nurse, Heidi, calls to let me know they both came out perfect and Dr. Coletti is delighted. In May, I register the Heart Challenge Swim Association as a nonprofit organization with the state and receive the largest sponsor contribution from North Cascade Cardiology. This is exciting because it’s a great step forward. North Cascade Cardiology is now merging with PeaceHealth. I send notice to Spain to register myself for the swim and on Wednesday, June 8, I receive an answer from ACNEG, the swim association in Spain, informing me they are completely booked for the year and suggest registering after December 1 for the 2012 season.

For the complete story go to https://www.amazon.com/author/johannesfl , and click on Gibraltar

If you like this story and have a moment to spare, I would really appreciate a short review. Your help in spreading the word is gratefully received.

© Johannes Lisiecki

We would love to hear, your story!

Today is a  big day. I passed 1,450 miles swimming since my heart surgery. Well ahead of  my planed schedule. Another SOMEDAY checked off and in 9 days I will be 76. Wow.
1,450 miles 

2,552,000 yards

7,656,000 feet

Every venture starts with a dream, either before, or after conception, with our parents wondering about what may become of us. Then, as we grow up, everything becomes a succession of visions we call dreams, expressed in "Someday".

The Johmalites story starts in 1940 during the war fought by the greatest generation.

Growing up I was determined not to lose my dreams to the elusive promise of "Someday" which keeps most people from ever achieving their dreams.

"Someday" is like tomorrow which never comes, because tomorrow, "Someday" becomes yesterday which turns into yesteryear and "I should have done it" which turns into frustration and regret.

"Someday" became a vicious illusion that destroyed ambition and dreams. Why, simply because we didn't act on them.

The trick is not to fall into the dreaded trap of "Someday" and never realize our dreams. The only Question you have to ask yourself is. "Will I act on it," or remember it as: "I should have done it!"

I had to learn How to turn that "Someday" into "I did it," instead of "I should have done it."

To accomplish this we have to become possibility dreamers and decide to

     Pursue the Dream and Live the Journey©.  http://amzn.com/1622954238 

And not to remember them like the person who once said to me,

"My dreams went up in smoke so long ago; I don't even remember what they were."

"The Johmalites" book series will take you on that ride. © jfl

Today I received a hand written review from a reader who had purchased "Gibraltar*** and The Johmalites"  "fascinating and inspiring" Thank you. jfl

On Wednesday I had a heart presentation at the Sumas, WA senior center. I had a very pleasant and attentive group and lots of questions after I finished. This is always encouraging. jfl

This Video is awesome. Johannes

Mo Trainor

Today I met with Mo Trainor, also a critical heart patient survivor and the owner of Train-Or-Tri, a triathlon shop in Bellingham, WA. We discussed the upcoming Birch Bay and Semiahmoo congenital heart defects awareness swims in July and August 2016. She is super excited and plans to participate in some way. Thanks Mo.