Hey Gang,
I thought I'd share some of the videos we did for our trip to Ireland and Scotland. Maybe we could get an excellent Hegarty Clan rate some time and visit the Emerald Isle and of course, Scotland!
Monday, June 23, 2008
Monday, June 16, 2008
Thursday, June 5, 2008
June Update
Well hello clan!
It is June 5th, almost two months since I was originally diagnosed with Guillain Barre Syndrome. Today I am about 95% back to normal. I can walk without the assistance of a cane. I have finished my physical therapy. I have been working out at Planet Fitness in Woburn, which I highly recommend...$10 a month. I am not able to fully run or jump yet, not that there is much call for that, but when you can;t do it, it ain't much fun. I have very little residual tingling in the hands and feet and the back is almost 100% pain free. Absolutely amazing. Prayer works and don't let anyone tell you any differently. I have been going to mass at St. Patrick's with my mom and dad and that has been awesome. It's so much different when you want to be there, rather than feeling obligated. But I guess that applies to a lot of things. Now I need to move the production of the Guillain Barre Syndrome Public Service Announcement into action. My goal is to have it in the can by the end of July.
My mom and I have followed up with stuff on my dad. We met with the neurologist, the same one that diagnosed my GBS. Nothing surprizing as far as MRI and blood tests. But at least we have some paperwork that we can then use to provide to the powers that be regarding some support. In the event my father's needs change, we need to be ready, and that is what we are doing. My mom remains strong, but his condition ways heavy on her heart. When you look at her circle of friends, far too many left this Earth far too soon. But in her eyes, she has that many on the other side rooting her on. I don't expect any major news on my father anytime soon, just kind of wait and watch to see if his behavior takes a significant shift.
Wedding news. I did get my invitation. Right now my company is bidding on a production that will have us videotaping a yacht race from P-town to Yarmouth, Novia Scotia from July 17-21st. I just re-read that sentence and it sounds so incredibly pompous...cool. I don't know if we have the gig yet and I have told Uncle Davy about it. In the event I am land-bound I will be there and yes, I will be wearing my kilt. Hey, it's formal wear! Yes, I see the pink elephant in the room, as do you all. My only thought, as I have said before, life is too short. This clan has experienced too many unexpected departures. There is no guarantee of a tomorrow, so keep that in mind.
Well that is the update for now. Life gets better everyday, God's grace and blessings are amazing. Mary, The Blessed Mother, has a place of tremendous importance in my heart and I recommend you reach out to her when you find yourself in times of trouble. As always, Live and Love.
It is June 5th, almost two months since I was originally diagnosed with Guillain Barre Syndrome. Today I am about 95% back to normal. I can walk without the assistance of a cane. I have finished my physical therapy. I have been working out at Planet Fitness in Woburn, which I highly recommend...$10 a month. I am not able to fully run or jump yet, not that there is much call for that, but when you can;t do it, it ain't much fun. I have very little residual tingling in the hands and feet and the back is almost 100% pain free. Absolutely amazing. Prayer works and don't let anyone tell you any differently. I have been going to mass at St. Patrick's with my mom and dad and that has been awesome. It's so much different when you want to be there, rather than feeling obligated. But I guess that applies to a lot of things. Now I need to move the production of the Guillain Barre Syndrome Public Service Announcement into action. My goal is to have it in the can by the end of July.
My mom and I have followed up with stuff on my dad. We met with the neurologist, the same one that diagnosed my GBS. Nothing surprizing as far as MRI and blood tests. But at least we have some paperwork that we can then use to provide to the powers that be regarding some support. In the event my father's needs change, we need to be ready, and that is what we are doing. My mom remains strong, but his condition ways heavy on her heart. When you look at her circle of friends, far too many left this Earth far too soon. But in her eyes, she has that many on the other side rooting her on. I don't expect any major news on my father anytime soon, just kind of wait and watch to see if his behavior takes a significant shift.
Wedding news. I did get my invitation. Right now my company is bidding on a production that will have us videotaping a yacht race from P-town to Yarmouth, Novia Scotia from July 17-21st. I just re-read that sentence and it sounds so incredibly pompous...cool. I don't know if we have the gig yet and I have told Uncle Davy about it. In the event I am land-bound I will be there and yes, I will be wearing my kilt. Hey, it's formal wear! Yes, I see the pink elephant in the room, as do you all. My only thought, as I have said before, life is too short. This clan has experienced too many unexpected departures. There is no guarantee of a tomorrow, so keep that in mind.
Well that is the update for now. Life gets better everyday, God's grace and blessings are amazing. Mary, The Blessed Mother, has a place of tremendous importance in my heart and I recommend you reach out to her when you find yourself in times of trouble. As always, Live and Love.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Road to recovery
Hi Hegarty Clan!
First, thank you very much for the awesome cards, calls and prayers. It's amazing what an impact it makes. You know it's like that Verizon ad with the network of people following behind you. I feel like I have the best network of friends and familes standing behind me offering all the support I could possibly use. So let me tell you what that support has done for me. I have been to three rehabilitation appointments. My therapists has said that I appear strong and that my focus is on my balance and stamina. I continue to exercise and push myself as hard as I can to walk up and down stairs, work on my core strength, eat better and get plenty of rest. During this period I have also had a mysterious temperature that broke after a week. But the result was more blood test which has revealed that I need some follow up work on my liver. Apparently the medicine I was given to fight the Guillain Barre in the hospital does a job on your liver...so that is tremendously fun. I will most likely have an ultrasound on that sometime in the next week, but I feel pretty certain it will return to its normal reading soon. During this time I also discovered I have Hypothyroidism...it runs in the family and the hormones I am taking for that seem to be working. The great side effect is that my weight is getting closer to the desired weight for my height. I have lost roughly 20 pounds since this all began. I can walk around the house without a cane, but I am less hesitent to do that while out of the house. My leg strength has increased and I plan on joining Planet Fitness to supplement the work I am doing at rehab...I lost a lot of muscle through this and need to get my ripped and chiseled form back. I attended my first GBS support group with my mom and dad and it was awesome to see a room full of people dealing with the same thing I am. Some parts of the session were discouraging, but you just have to keep in focus that everyone has a different story despite the common GBS connection. I am meeting with the founder of the support group to help develop a walk for GBS next spring. I know there are so many walks for all causes, but this particular syndrome needs as much help as possible to get the word out. I also found out GBS was featured on an episode of "House"...makes perfect sense. So overall, I am making excellent progress, I still have issues with feeling in my hands and feet, but this will come back...it is just a matter of time. My mom is doing excellent, a lot of time with her has been awesome.
In terms of the business, Christine has been holding down the fort quite well and continues to bring in new business and getting productions finished. I hope to go on a shoot tomorrow with one of my favorite clients, Cornerstone Mitsubishi, that's the plan. I will then start going to the office a couple of days next week. My client, Brain Moore International Tours, has been talking about sending us back to Ireland at some point this summer for a week on the West Coast of Erin. They also had some potential work with the Travel Tourism Board of Scotland and if that brings me back to Scotland I will be completely out of my mind.
So, life looks better everyday. I improve a little more everyday. I appreciate my friends and families more and more with each breath I take. And I thank God for the miracles He has performed in my life. I also have to give Praise to Mother Mary, St. Jude, St. Theresa, and St. Patrick. Final thought: don't wait till you are knocked off your feet to look around and see the wonder of those in your life...you all make me smile.
Live and Love,
Richie
First, thank you very much for the awesome cards, calls and prayers. It's amazing what an impact it makes. You know it's like that Verizon ad with the network of people following behind you. I feel like I have the best network of friends and familes standing behind me offering all the support I could possibly use. So let me tell you what that support has done for me. I have been to three rehabilitation appointments. My therapists has said that I appear strong and that my focus is on my balance and stamina. I continue to exercise and push myself as hard as I can to walk up and down stairs, work on my core strength, eat better and get plenty of rest. During this period I have also had a mysterious temperature that broke after a week. But the result was more blood test which has revealed that I need some follow up work on my liver. Apparently the medicine I was given to fight the Guillain Barre in the hospital does a job on your liver...so that is tremendously fun. I will most likely have an ultrasound on that sometime in the next week, but I feel pretty certain it will return to its normal reading soon. During this time I also discovered I have Hypothyroidism...it runs in the family and the hormones I am taking for that seem to be working. The great side effect is that my weight is getting closer to the desired weight for my height. I have lost roughly 20 pounds since this all began. I can walk around the house without a cane, but I am less hesitent to do that while out of the house. My leg strength has increased and I plan on joining Planet Fitness to supplement the work I am doing at rehab...I lost a lot of muscle through this and need to get my ripped and chiseled form back. I attended my first GBS support group with my mom and dad and it was awesome to see a room full of people dealing with the same thing I am. Some parts of the session were discouraging, but you just have to keep in focus that everyone has a different story despite the common GBS connection. I am meeting with the founder of the support group to help develop a walk for GBS next spring. I know there are so many walks for all causes, but this particular syndrome needs as much help as possible to get the word out. I also found out GBS was featured on an episode of "House"...makes perfect sense. So overall, I am making excellent progress, I still have issues with feeling in my hands and feet, but this will come back...it is just a matter of time. My mom is doing excellent, a lot of time with her has been awesome.
In terms of the business, Christine has been holding down the fort quite well and continues to bring in new business and getting productions finished. I hope to go on a shoot tomorrow with one of my favorite clients, Cornerstone Mitsubishi, that's the plan. I will then start going to the office a couple of days next week. My client, Brain Moore International Tours, has been talking about sending us back to Ireland at some point this summer for a week on the West Coast of Erin. They also had some potential work with the Travel Tourism Board of Scotland and if that brings me back to Scotland I will be completely out of my mind.
So, life looks better everyday. I improve a little more everyday. I appreciate my friends and families more and more with each breath I take. And I thank God for the miracles He has performed in my life. I also have to give Praise to Mother Mary, St. Jude, St. Theresa, and St. Patrick. Final thought: don't wait till you are knocked off your feet to look around and see the wonder of those in your life...you all make me smile.
Live and Love,
Richie
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Washington Ave Updates
Hi Hegarty Clan!
First of all a super congratulations to Tommy for running and finishing the Marathon for Dana Farber and your mom. You did us all proud and made the heavens a little brighter. A special "WooHoo" to Tim for beating the odds and finishing the Marathon in a respectable time. For the record, I had no doubt he would. The most he had run was 12 miles if I am correct, but when your heart is in it, there really is nothing you can't do. Well done mi amigo!
Well I am home from the hospital and today I have my first physical therapy session at New England Rehab. I have been staying on my mom's side of the house because of her pull-out sofa and proximity to the bathroom, etc. The numbness in my feet and hands continues to bother me, but I have been moving alot more at home and now am able to walk short distances with the assistance of a cane. I will burn the walker as soon as I find a way to burn metal. I am in good spirits and try to maintain a positive attitude, but this syndrom is so rare and bizzare that the road ahead is unclear. I don't know how long it will take to get back to 100%, but the good news is that I will most likely achieve it. Sim Piergentili and my sister Nancy are going to start training me for the Edinburgh Marathon in May of 2010. Hey, just another chance to wear my kilt! Emotionally, I have no early warning system. I am often flooded with all kinds of feelings...mostly grateful that I have the support I have around me. Family and friends that have been unbelievable. Tim brought by a couple of teddy bears to the hospital that were passed among the congregation of his church and filled with good wishes and prayers. Tim, I cannot express in words how much that meant to me. One teddy bear was for my kids and the little brown one was for me...it has not left my side and I sleep with it every night. Someday I want to come to your church and address the congregation to let them know there truly is power in prayer. Speaking of power in prayer, this experience has been life-changing. During my lowest points, when I was unsure of what I had and my body was breaking down I prayed like I never have before. I leaned heavily on Auntie Marie to hold my hand and guide me through...I know she is new to the heavens, but I have a feeling she has made her presence known. I started receiving communion while in the hospital and have a tremendously stronger connection to my Creator. So now I have a mission. To spread the word about Guillian-Barre Syndrome through a new blog I am developing, a Public Service Announcement I will produce with my video production company, and I recently reached out to the Serge Payer Foundation. He is an NHL start that was struck with GBS and has a foundation to raise funds and awareness. Additionally, I am making myself available to Winchester Hospital as an advocate for anyone that comes to the hospital with GBS. I want to be able to provide some relief to those struck with this. Oh, and I am going back to church on a regular basis..I mean He came to me when I needed Him most, and I will never forget that.
So that's the latest for now. My mom has been amazing through this and I could not have done this without her. She says she loves the company, and I love being able to talk with her over a cup of tea...so it works for both of us. My dad remains confused by it all, but we are making progress with his situation as well and have already had an appointment with a neurologist. Oddly enough, the same doctor that diagnosed my GBS. I will post again with more and update you on my progress as well as my dad's. Thanks again for your prayers, thoughts, and calls. We are truly blessed to have such an amazing clan. Never forget it, life is too short and unpredictable.
Live and Love,
Richie
First of all a super congratulations to Tommy for running and finishing the Marathon for Dana Farber and your mom. You did us all proud and made the heavens a little brighter. A special "WooHoo" to Tim for beating the odds and finishing the Marathon in a respectable time. For the record, I had no doubt he would. The most he had run was 12 miles if I am correct, but when your heart is in it, there really is nothing you can't do. Well done mi amigo!
Well I am home from the hospital and today I have my first physical therapy session at New England Rehab. I have been staying on my mom's side of the house because of her pull-out sofa and proximity to the bathroom, etc. The numbness in my feet and hands continues to bother me, but I have been moving alot more at home and now am able to walk short distances with the assistance of a cane. I will burn the walker as soon as I find a way to burn metal. I am in good spirits and try to maintain a positive attitude, but this syndrom is so rare and bizzare that the road ahead is unclear. I don't know how long it will take to get back to 100%, but the good news is that I will most likely achieve it. Sim Piergentili and my sister Nancy are going to start training me for the Edinburgh Marathon in May of 2010. Hey, just another chance to wear my kilt! Emotionally, I have no early warning system. I am often flooded with all kinds of feelings...mostly grateful that I have the support I have around me. Family and friends that have been unbelievable. Tim brought by a couple of teddy bears to the hospital that were passed among the congregation of his church and filled with good wishes and prayers. Tim, I cannot express in words how much that meant to me. One teddy bear was for my kids and the little brown one was for me...it has not left my side and I sleep with it every night. Someday I want to come to your church and address the congregation to let them know there truly is power in prayer. Speaking of power in prayer, this experience has been life-changing. During my lowest points, when I was unsure of what I had and my body was breaking down I prayed like I never have before. I leaned heavily on Auntie Marie to hold my hand and guide me through...I know she is new to the heavens, but I have a feeling she has made her presence known. I started receiving communion while in the hospital and have a tremendously stronger connection to my Creator. So now I have a mission. To spread the word about Guillian-Barre Syndrome through a new blog I am developing, a Public Service Announcement I will produce with my video production company, and I recently reached out to the Serge Payer Foundation. He is an NHL start that was struck with GBS and has a foundation to raise funds and awareness. Additionally, I am making myself available to Winchester Hospital as an advocate for anyone that comes to the hospital with GBS. I want to be able to provide some relief to those struck with this. Oh, and I am going back to church on a regular basis..I mean He came to me when I needed Him most, and I will never forget that.
So that's the latest for now. My mom has been amazing through this and I could not have done this without her. She says she loves the company, and I love being able to talk with her over a cup of tea...so it works for both of us. My dad remains confused by it all, but we are making progress with his situation as well and have already had an appointment with a neurologist. Oddly enough, the same doctor that diagnosed my GBS. I will post again with more and update you on my progress as well as my dad's. Thanks again for your prayers, thoughts, and calls. We are truly blessed to have such an amazing clan. Never forget it, life is too short and unpredictable.
Live and Love,
Richie
Monday, March 17, 2008
Beannachtaí na Féile Páraic oraibh!
In honor of Saint Patrick's Day I thought I post a brief history of our irish Surname:
Hegarty, sometimes O'Hegarty but seldom Haggerty in Ireland (a form of the name found among Irish-Americans), is in Irish O hEigceartaigh (eigceartach means unjust). Though now associated principally with Co. Cork, the Hegartys of Munster are in fact a branch of the main O'Hegarty sept of the Cinel Eoghan which was located on the borders of the present counties of Donegal and Derry. In the fourteenth century the barony of Loughinsholin (Co. Derry) was their principal habitat; in the seventeenth they were more numerous in Tirkeeran (Co. Derry) and Inishowen (Co. Donegal) in the north, and in the baronies of Barrymore and Carbery West in Co. Cork. As is usually the case the present representatives of the sept are to be found in their traditional homeland and are to-day most numerous in Counties Cork, Donegal and Derry. The Ulster sept were subfeudatory to O'Neill's army. The 1691 attainders of O'Hegartys relate to those of Ulster. The records of persecuted priests in the seventeenth century also indicate the Ulster character of the sept up till modern times. The name appears very frequently in the annals of the Irish Brigades and among those who distinguished themselves particularly in this field was Lt. Col. Hegarty of Lally's Regiment, who for his service was rewarded in 1747 by Louis XV of France, while Peter O'Hegarty was made Governor of the Isle of Bourbon. Another Irish Hegarty in eighteenth century France, Daniel O'Hegarty, shipbuilder of Dunkirk, a Catholic, strange as this seems to us now, founded the first Freemason lodge in that country in 1721. According to Dr. Richard Hayes the main object of these lodges, which were largely composed of Jacobite exiles, was the restoration of the house of Stuart. In recent times the name has been less distinguished, though several Hegartys were prominent in the struggle for Irish Independence 1916-1921: of these P.S. O'Hegarty (1879-1955), who was an author of repute, is the best known. The place name Hegarty's Rock at Killygarvan near Lough Swilly commemorates the barbarous and treacherous murder of Father James Hegarty there in 1715.
Hegarty, sometimes O'Hegarty but seldom Haggerty in Ireland (a form of the name found among Irish-Americans), is in Irish O hEigceartaigh (eigceartach means unjust). Though now associated principally with Co. Cork, the Hegartys of Munster are in fact a branch of the main O'Hegarty sept of the Cinel Eoghan which was located on the borders of the present counties of Donegal and Derry. In the fourteenth century the barony of Loughinsholin (Co. Derry) was their principal habitat; in the seventeenth they were more numerous in Tirkeeran (Co. Derry) and Inishowen (Co. Donegal) in the north, and in the baronies of Barrymore and Carbery West in Co. Cork. As is usually the case the present representatives of the sept are to be found in their traditional homeland and are to-day most numerous in Counties Cork, Donegal and Derry. The Ulster sept were subfeudatory to O'Neill's army. The 1691 attainders of O'Hegartys relate to those of Ulster. The records of persecuted priests in the seventeenth century also indicate the Ulster character of the sept up till modern times. The name appears very frequently in the annals of the Irish Brigades and among those who distinguished themselves particularly in this field was Lt. Col. Hegarty of Lally's Regiment, who for his service was rewarded in 1747 by Louis XV of France, while Peter O'Hegarty was made Governor of the Isle of Bourbon. Another Irish Hegarty in eighteenth century France, Daniel O'Hegarty, shipbuilder of Dunkirk, a Catholic, strange as this seems to us now, founded the first Freemason lodge in that country in 1721. According to Dr. Richard Hayes the main object of these lodges, which were largely composed of Jacobite exiles, was the restoration of the house of Stuart. In recent times the name has been less distinguished, though several Hegartys were prominent in the struggle for Irish Independence 1916-1921: of these P.S. O'Hegarty (1879-1955), who was an author of repute, is the best known. The place name Hegarty's Rock at Killygarvan near Lough Swilly commemorates the barbarous and treacherous murder of Father James Hegarty there in 1715.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
HELLOOO!!!
neat idea! Not to much to say except that I'M ALL DONE WITH SNOW!!!!!!
Hope all is well with everyone.As for politics I'm for Obama.When I have something intresting to say I'll write again.
Hope all is well with everyone.As for politics I'm for Obama.When I have something intresting to say I'll write again.
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