1968

I went to my high school reunion this week. I am not going to say which one. Well, alright, I will, if you insist. It was the 50th reunion. I have known most of these people since I was 12 years old. Several are life-long friends. When I was in the hospital for most of 2017, […]

A Letter to My Donor

“We have a heart for you,” Doctor S. said on September 24, 2017, a few hours before midnight. It had been nearly a year since I almost died and was offered this heart. I came out of a coma after nearly a month, bearded, hands strapped to the side of the bed, tubes everywhere, weak, emaciated, […]

Survivor

It has been a long time since I have written much of anything. My new heart is working well. Only seven months ago today, I was gifted a new heart. It is hard to believe that this morning I walked two miles and lifted weights on my new weight bench by the pool. I am […]

“Sailor traveling the world stops in Orlando for new heart” -Orlando Sentinel

This article is reposted from Orlando Sentinel. See the full article, including a video here. Sailor and Florida Hospital patient John Allen, 67, never planned to end up in Orlando. “Work has brought me all over the world,” said Allen. Allen, a world traveler and engineer, spent his life planning and plotting adventures across the […]

I Want to Go Outside

I cried today, because I went outside. A year ago, I wanted to sail around the world. It took years to get my boat, Ariadne, ready for this long journey. She was at the entrance to the Panama Canal, ready to pass from the Atlantic to the Pacific on February 6, earlier this year, 2017. […]

Judging or Judgmental?

I went to church today. It isn’t a Catholic church. If my mother were alive she would say, “You are going straight to hell for setting foot in that place.” I even took communion with the pagans. That would leave no doubt in her mind as to my eternal fate. I hope she is busy […]

Mary Stole a Kiss…and Melody Cried

It feels strange walking into that place, but the folks here are my friends now. I keep going back and have been for months. On the surface, I have little in common with these people. A few are good friends but everyone is kind. The folks who work there all greet me and ask how […]

A Speech at Florida Hospital

I am grateful for the chance to tell you a little about my story here at Florida Hospital and the Bartch House My adventure in getting a new heart started in October. I had left Panama, where I lived on my boat and had prepared to sail around the world. I flew to Tampa on […]

Waiting for a Heart

Waiting for a new heart involves a bit of gallows humor. You just can’t help it, but the fact is, someone younger than me will die, and will generously donate a heart which will become mine. You might read this and just think it’s interesting. Waiting for a heart which will keep me alive brings […]

Dear Mom,

Dear Mom, I should be working now, instead of sitting at my desk on the boat writing, but frankly, I am a bit tired and a little sad. Don’t worry, I will get over my sadness. I just have to be grateful for all I have, how lucky I am, and, that I am even […]