February 5, 2024

First, thank you for all the love and concern shared by my brother Brian and family members, our children and many friends.

I was airlifted from Granada and arrived in Orlando late Monday night, January 22. It was determined that I had developed a blood clot in my leg that had gone into my lungs. This is an occupational hazard for anyone who has a career where they sit for long periods of time. On Tuesday, I went into surgery to have the clots removed.

The surgery I had was a Catheter Embolectomy where the clot is aspirated out of the blood vessel (like a vacum) Dr. Weinstock, the surgeon I knew by reputation (Yale, UCLA, Clevelend Clinic) showed me pictures of the removed clots he had taken on his cell phone after the surgery. (I usually show pictures of my grandchildren on my cell phone, I guess cardiologists show pictures of blood clots!)

The good news is that the clots have been removed. I have no fear of deep vein thrombosis and I am feeling better than ever. I have some expected bruising and will take preventive blood thinners.

I have adhered to a week of rest and last Thursday had a follow up appointment and have been cleared to return to travel. Chongae and I leave this Wednesday for Honolulu to rejoin the World Cruise.

Some of you may be asking: “Why return so quickly?”

First, for those of you who know me well I surely don’t want this event to define me. So many people go through difficult events like divorce, addiction, death of a loved one or financial difficulties and allow themselves or others to define them by that circumstance. That is not conducive for healing yourself or those you love.

Second, as I look back on my life, one of the most constant and powerful things I have felt is the desire to see as much of God’s creation as possible. My mother-in-law used to say: “that Tom Walsh has sand in his shoes”. Now to be clear my desire to travel makes me no better than someone who likes to stay at home. It is reported that the pilgrimages that Jesus took from Nazareth to Jerusalem covered only 65 miles and took 3 to 4 days if not longer yet his impact on society is profound.

Here is what I do know. God does not try and find us. He already knows where we are. Instead, He goes with us as we find ourselves.

I am confident He is traveling with me as I continue to follow His sunsets.

So as Chongae and I begin our journey again we do ask your thoughts and prayers as we travel. We feel your presence especially as I stop to write these blogs. Would you please be kind enough to post a comment below just to let me know you are receiving these blogs. I know some have had difficulty subscribing, so if I don’t see your comment, I will try again to reach out to you personally.

Thanks for travelling with us…