Mirth Is The Best Medicine: A Medical Memoir

By David Goodemote

The toughest period in life occurs when we receive a serious medical diagnosis. This is a make-or-break type of situation. Nevertheless, David Goodemote's in his memoir Mirth is the Best Medicine, beautifully portrays how one can find strength and resilience in the face of adversity.

In the enchanting

• Language: English
• Publisher: Independent Publisher
• Release date: Feb 25, 2024
• ISBN: 9798990159204

David Goodemote

David GoodemoteDavid, born into a large family under the Leo zodiac, combines an engineer's meticulousness with his Germanic roots. From his earliest memory of a hernia at age five to a complex spinal fusion at 72, David navigates life's medical journey with resilience and curiosity.Mirth has nurtured David's wit, sarcasm, and humor, serving as both mentor and shield during challenging discussions.

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Mirth Is The Best Medicine

A Medical Memoir

David Goodemote

Copyright© 2023 David Goodemote

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercialuses permitted by copyright law.

ISBN: 979-8-9901592-2-8 (eBook) ISBN:979-8-9901592-1-1 (Paperback)

ISBN:979-8-9901592-0-4 (Hardcover)

First printing edition 2024.

www.davidgoodemote.com

Acknowledgment

While Mirth was extraordinarily kind in writing this book for me, there are many others who inspired this expose on my medical history.

Our parents, Neil and Joan, created and continually reinforced, familial attitudes emphasizing caring, love, and mutual support throughout their 70-year marriage. Their partnership was an enviable and grand success by any measure that one could apply.

To my children and grandchildren. My son Luke whose steady hand and sound counsel has helped me through some of my most difficult times, and his calming and poised wife Meredith. My grandchildren William, Gigi, and Mae who provide raucous, non-stop love.

To my daughter Abby who shares many of my character traits that at times are a blessing and at others a burden, has lovingly nursed me to health more times than I can count. My granddaughter Isabella, my Old Soul and best friend, who has been a wise and accomplished confidant who also laughs at my jokes.

To Joan DiNapoli, RN, and Robin Beaulieu, PT, my MGB Home Care team who provided physical (and mental) relief prior to my fusion operation and a demanding rehab regime afterword that brought me back almost as quickly as Bill Murray in Groundhog Day.

To my siblings Gary, Suzi, Non, Mary Miller, Mags, and our long-time adopted brother John Driscoll. All of us have displayed a pervasive reliance on each other with loving sarcasm and at the same time, unquestioned support of each other.

To Michael Giuliano and Michael Maynard whose friendships of over 20 years has been as supportive and caring as could be, both individually and jointly. Our lunches and dinners have helped improved my life for many years.

To John Barry, my long-time friend and superior golf partner, and his wife Rosetta with whom Linda and I spent countless hours since we met over 35 years ago. John’s friendship and care for me has brought me back from the brink more times than I care to admit.

To our neighbors Donna Brennan, Linda’s best friend, and her husband, Tom Brennan, who has joined Linda in God’s presence. Tom’s humor and Donna’s counsel were sustaining for both Linda and me for many years. Our families long ago melded into one.

To Luciana Burdi, my boss at Massport, for her faith in me, encouragement, forgiveness, and support that seems to be boundless. She’s the only boss I’ve ever had whose friendship has prompted me to say, I love you, except, of course, when I worked for my father.

To Patti Titus, my incredible sister, and Jennifer Revill, friend and confidant, for their suggestions, proofing, and (sometimes merited) praise. I could not have finished this book without their observations and critical input.

To Suzanne Smith, whose wise counsel, enthusiastic editing, and content suggestions have been invaluable in achieving whatever level of interest this book creates. Her care, friendship, and encouragement have been invaluable. For anyone who is considering writing a book, I will forward Suzanne’s contact information to you!

Especially toLinda.

She was present throughout the writing of this book. I cannot count the number of times as I was writing that I had an impulse to discuss a tidbit with her, only to realize she wasn’t physically in the room. Regardless, Linda was present, and she did provide comfort during the narrative on difficult times in our life together, just like she did when she was alive.

To all those I neglected to mention, I apologize. At Linda’s wake, where an excess of 1,000 people came to wish her off to eternal peace, I left the following note at the entrance to the funeral home, If I forget your name, please don’t be upset. Linda used to whisper your name in my ear.

Contents

Acknowledgment             iii

Foreword             ix

In Memoriam             xii

Organ Recital             1

Dorian Gray             3

PART 1 – GATHERING CLOUDS             4

Chapter 1 Bacon andIce Cream             5

Chapter 2 The Spinal Tap             8

Chapter 3 Two Is Enough             11

Chapter 4 Doctor Oculus             13

Chapter 5 The Snoring Dutchman             15

Chapter 6 Caught in the Act             18

Chapter 7 AwashIn The Bottle             21

Chapter 8 The Garden State of Decay             27

PART 2 - EYE OF THESTORM             31

Chapter 9 Epiphany atWalmart             32

Chapter 10 What a Team: God & Linda             35

Chapter 11 On a Scale of 0 to 10             38

Chapter 12 Alarming Conclusion             42

Chapter 13 The Exploding Head Syndrome             45

Chapter 14Into the Lightof a Dark Black Night             48

PART 3 – FOGBOUND             51

Chapter 15 The Pillory ofPills             53

Chapter 16 The CalamariConspiracy             56

Chapter 17 Gone Viral             60

Chapter 18Let Them Eat Cake             65

Chapter 19 Shed a Tear for Achilles             68

Chapter 20 A Change ofHeart             72

Chapter 21 Road to Discovery             77

PART 4 – HERE COMES THE SUN             80

Chapter 22 A Hero in God’s Eyes             81

Chapter 23 Spine-Tingling Adventure             86

Chapter 24 Fusion Confusion             91

Chapter 25 Screwed Again             93

Chapter 26 Extended Stay