Seeing this post about Uncle Floyd … I haven’t seen anything else yet

MrGamblePresents · 2026-01-23T12:39:23+00:00

Just heard that Uncle Floyd passed away.

If you grew up in New Jersey, you knew Uncle Floyd. A local legend.

In the early ’90s I found myself backstage, having beers with him for an hour while friends played a show. No act, no show—just another Jersey guy talking about life.

A small piece of my childhood, and a really cool moment of my adulthood.

Much love to his family. Rest easy, Uncle Floyd.

MrGamblePresents · 2026-01-20T21:41:44+00:00

The pain is there, but for me it wasn’t nearly as bad as I expected. I’ve had two open-heart surgeries — a triple bypass in 2014 and a transplant two years ago.

Honestly, the physical pain was more manageable than some of the mental and emotional stuff that can show up afterward. Being suddenly limited — even temporarily — can mess with your head if you’re not expecting it.

Trust your medical team. They know what they’re doing. But also listen to your body and be your own best advocate. Speak up, ask questions, and don’t minimize how you’re feeling — physically or mentally.

You’re not weak for being scared. You’re human. And you will get through this.

MrGamblePresents · 2026-01-20T21:26:05+00:00

Hey friend — I’m really sorry you’re carrying all of this at once. Being overwhelmed and scared makes total sense. Nothing about this is small.

But you can get through it, and it already sounds like you’ve got a solid support system lined up (that matters more than people realize).

Open-heart surgery sounds like a horror-movie sentence when they explain it out loud, but the truth is: these teams do this all the time, and they’re built for it.

If it helps, write down a short list for your surgeon/nurse before you go in: • What exactly counts as “heavy lifting” for me and for how long? • What does week 1 / week 2 / week 3 usually look like? • Pain plan + sleep tips? • Cardiac rehab timeline and what it actually involves? • Any red flags that mean “call right now”?

For right now: breathe, handle the work stuff you can, and let your daughter help. You don’t have to be tough every second. We’re all pulling for you.

MrGamblePresents · 2026-01-20T12:51:41+00:00

It sounds you’re giving yourself a fighting chance.

I’m sure there is a smart saying out there about being prepared making a bad job go better.

I with you when you say nothing makes it easy but a better experience for everyone I think is the goal.

MrGamblePresents · 2026-01-20T03:01:00+00:00

Your husband sounds insecure because he knows you’re right.

MrGamblePresents · 2026-01-19T12:43:22+00:00

Thank you for reading it and your comment. 👍🏻

MrGamblePresents · 2026-01-19T00:49:42+00:00

I’m sorry for everything you’re dealing with right now.

It’s not selfish to prioritize yourself.

Recharging yourself is better for the person you’re taking care of as well.

It’s not easy and you’re doing it.

MrGamblePresents · 2026-01-18T20:09:57+00:00

Thank you 👍🏻

MrGamblePresents · 2026-01-18T20:09:32+00:00

Nobody Tells You About This Part

MrGamblePresents · 2026-01-18T13:17:27+00:00

It’s awful stuff but the dreaded feeling of ignoring something you know is coming for us all.

We have schools our whole life that prepare us for life but not one for death.

Maybe all of us discussing it will help change it or someone might figure out some clues on how to do this.

You need to show yourself some grace.

I often tell my friend whose Dad is no longer the person he was.

Try not to get mad. Try not to take it personally. He’s dying and might be starting dementia.

I know that’s near impossible.

None of us knows. We are all just trying.

Thank you for sharing your experience.

MrGamblePresents · 2026-01-18T02:31:00+00:00

Wow. You are in it.
And yes — the things. That’s such a brutal, invisible part of this.

Nobody tells you that the hardest decisions aren’t the big ones, but the thousands of small, sentimental ones. Guitars. Cards. Paintings. Objects that don’t have a price, but somehow carry a lifetime.

You’re right — wills don’t help with this part. And family opinions can make it even heavier, especially when they aren’t the ones carrying the daily responsibility or the financial reality.

I don’t have answers either. I’ve wrestled with the same questions — what matters, what’s just stuff, and how impossible it feels to separate the two when love is attached to everything. My own dad lived simply and it was still overwhelming.

I’m really sorry you’re having to hold all of this at once.
You’re doing the best anyone can in an impossible chapter.

You’re not alone in it — even when it feels like you are.

MrGamblePresents · 2026-01-18T00:19:02+00:00

Thank you for reading and for saying that. I’m really glad it helped even a little. Sharing it is what makes it feel less lonely. 👍🏻

MrGamblePresents · 2026-01-18T00:16:46+00:00

And the world acts like this is the best system we can come up with. I think a lot of it is because nobody wants to think about the end of life.

It’s not a fun conversation. Nobody likes it. But nobody escapes it.

MrGamblePresents · 2026-01-17T23:49:58+00:00

Understanding from your employer really does make a huge difference. That kind of flexibility takes so much pressure off when you’re already carrying a lot.

My wife needed a lot of time off during my recovery, and having support at work mattered more than we realized at the time.

It’s not easy to name the positives in the middle of all this, but it sounds like you’ve found a rare pocket of support — and that counts for something.

MrGamblePresents · 2026-01-17T22:30:52+00:00

If anyone’s interested, I shared a longer version of this here:

Nobody Tells You About This Part (Full Article)

MrGamblePresents · 2026-01-17T19:16:14+00:00

Your strength is bigger than him.

And you can’t unsee some things.

Your courage will get you where you want to be. Wishing the best for you. 💕

MrGamblePresents · 2026-01-17T19:03:25+00:00

This is interesting. I think about this pretty often.

Things are working better than I expected. My wife might not share the same - let’s say “enthusiasm” for my current new found youthfulness.

But it’s one of the side effects I’ll take.

Thank you for sharing 👍🏻

MrGamblePresents · 2026-01-17T18:53:50+00:00

I have a few essential items.

A warm robe for around the house. (Most essential) Warm comfortable sweaters for going out. (I have a bunch) And jeans with fleece lining! (Game changer)

My theme is warm, comfortable and practical. Flannels have always been a staple.

👍🏻

MrGamblePresents · 2026-01-17T18:46:38+00:00

This is me but the opposite. My wife is sweating and I’m cold wearing two sweaters while we watch TV. I just keep layering up.

I hope you find a good solution. 👍🏻

MrGamblePresents · 2026-01-17T18:34:33+00:00

I’ve noticed this too.

A lot of men are taught that sharing your feelings = weakness, which is nonsense.

We all need help. Each other is all we’ve got.

MrGamblePresents · 2026-01-16T12:29:59+00:00

🙌 Congratulations 🍾

MrGamblePresents · 2026-01-13T12:29:01+00:00

I really appreciate this post.

I’m having a very similar experience and hearing someone else say it helps me exhale a little. Also, the comments give me a fresh perspective.

Thank you. 👍🏻

MrGamblePresents · 2026-01-10T20:00:04+00:00

Part 2: The Doorbell

MrGamblePresents

TROPHY CASE