Before I begin, Diane and I want to reach out and thank everyone for your kind words of love and support over the past 7 months. Please know our intent has been to educate, share, and maybe provide some food for thought as we all continue our individual journeys through the fourth quarter of our lives.
I told myself I wouldn’t do this again, but I am—writing about my health journey. My intention was to put all references to me and my health in the “that’s over” bucket, but things did not work out that way. Fortunately, what follows is, by and large, good news. Since I last wrote, I have had an epiphany of sorts, and it relates specifically to this life in the Fourth Quarter paradigm. It simply is this—we are all there or getting there and there is no turning back. Try as I might to set the clock back to the “Gordy Taylor of yore,” it just isn’t going to happen and my 78-year-old persona is not returning, and Father/Mother Time will simply not let me do so.
Brief positive update—right knee seems to be in good shape (can’t say the same about the left one), right shoulder is working, totally off oxygen, adjusting to life with the feeding tube (PEG), and finally made it to Marco Island. So, why tell you all this? This is the “epiphany” part. I can now do what I did prior to “coming apart” seven months ago but just not with the same vigor and careless abandon that was my lifestyle before this latest “health episode.” I am now walking again but my body says, “that’s good Gordy, but take it slow and come back gradually.” That is a difficult reality for me to digest but the old “pep” is simply not there. Diane reminds me (I need this from time to time) that recovery from pneumonia and sepsis can take up to six months or even longer. I just passed the two-month mark, so I’m working on listening to my body and not my forty-year-old mind.
There is a message here not just for the Taylors but for everyone. It is to remind ourselves that it is important to not postpone until tomorrow those things you can do today as today is the here and now and for some of us, tomorrow might not ever get here. Diane and I took that lovely Viking Danube River Cruise to Prague, Vienna, Budapest, and realistically, that will be our last overseas adventure as my marriage to PEG will preclude any such trips in the future. We are glad we didn’t postpone taking that trip because, had we done so, it would never have happened so keep that in mind as you gaze into your crystal ball. Take the trip, see the kids and grandkids, go to a Final Four game, visit Wrigley Field or see the Green Monster at Fenway Park, call that friend you’ve lost touch with, or anything else that might be lurking out there on your bucket list.
I will even be so bold as to suggest that tonight or tomorrow or simply soon, that you enjoy a quiet meal with your spouse, parent, significant other, or anyone else important to you. Yes, Diane and I still “eat” together if you can call it that but it’s just not the same. I sit there and pour “product” as we call it, into PEG and Diane prepares “dinner for one,” and we are together. But we are not sharing a steak or pizza or whatever. She eats and I “pour” and frankly it’s dispiriting.
Part of the bonding experience and joy of being together was having a glass of wine before dinner. Diane occasionally still does this, but the definition of occasionally has changed dramatically as there is something void and stale about sitting there sipping on a glass of wine while your partner “pours product.” Is this a big deal in the grand scheme of things? Of course not, but still, it takes away from a shared pleasure that had become a fixture in our lives. However, a trip to St. Jude’s in Memphis would provide some striking perspective. Yes, Gordy and Diane, it could be so much worse.
Message is simple—enjoy each day as it comes your way as the future remains the great unknown and today is a gift in the here and now. On a humorous note, people have suggested I pour wine directly into PEG. I could do so but it misses the point of bonding together, so I have quickly learned to do without.
We were watching tv the other night and a commercial for the weight loss product Ozempic flashed across the screen, and I laughed aloud. Diane asked what I found so humorous about a commercial; I replied that I had discovered a “weight control” product all on my own—PEG! I can control precisely how many calories I ingest in a day. See, there is a positive aspect even in the most mundane of circumstances.
As we all continue our mutual journeys through the Fourth Quarter, the advice I’ve mentioned before that Clint Eastwood gave as to how he continued to age with grace and vigor on the eve of his 90th birthday continues to ring in my ears. His response to the question was “Don’t let the old man in” and that is precisely what I intend to do. I hope you do too.
Gordy and the Fourth Quarter 
What a great ready Gordy. Thank you for these thoughts and insights. I am one that too many times focuses all my energy at work and being successful with my work. I wish and hope I can be better for Andrea, my kids and my grandkids. Happy Easter my friend!
Really like the 3 bottles of wine dinner! Each time we communicate, one of those life “enjoyments” is being able to communicate with you and sharing some of those lessons we’ve learned and like and all the DAILY GRINS we share. You continue to “teach” – guess the old professor in you will never go away – and you both are so inspirational - keep “teaching” and we’ll keep learning.
Thanks & have a Happy Bunny!
Very nice message as we all need a reminder to enjoy each day. It’s so easy to take life for granted until a health issue appears. I’m so happy that you are able to spend time together in Florida for a few months. You both look fabulous!
Good advice, Gordy! I’m glad you and Diane made it to Marco Island. You both look great! Happy Easter, My Friends!
Happy Easter you two! ❤️❤️
you are an inspiration.
Gordy and Diane! You both look better than ever to my old eyes!
Something in that PEG keeps you looking healthy and fit – so quit telling the truth.
Love your words of wisdom as always – my goal is to keep moving, and to keep enjoying your positive thoughts.
Please continue to share!!
Love and hugs to both of you!
First of all, thank you and Diane again for having “lunch for three” with us at Island Gypsy.
As always you continue to teach, inspire and provide perspective for your former students, your friends and your peers.
Looking forward to seeing you and hopefully Diane, when I am in Macomb in May.
Always enjoy reading your fourth quarter comments. I admire your grit and determination in facing what life has thrown your way. Happy Easter to Diane and you.
As always thanks for your 4th quarter insights. When making plans for bucket list travels, husband Joe reminds me “the biggest mistake people make is thinking they have plenty of time, but realistically it’s much less than we think—in our life journey there are no promises!”
Although your adjustments, especially with PEG, are tough thankfully you & Diane had checked many bucket list experiences/destinations off the list. But most importantly you are very fortunate to have each other! Your blog helps us appreciate our loved ones and not take simple pleasures for granted!
Stay Fierce!
Was hoping to see you last week in Macomb, but Kirk shared you were enjoying sunny Florida! I hate that you have your trusty PEG back, but love that Diane (and you) continue to find joy in the everyday and take nothing for granted! Carin
Thank you Gordy for another piece of writing excellence! I too are amazed in spite of your health woes how well you two look! Keep writing and experiencing life as you can ! Thanks again too for educating us!
Carl Larsen Class of 78
Happy, as much as it can be, Spring! We love you and Diane and think of you often. Jim, too, has his ups and downs but not on your scale of things. Smell the roses when they bloom!
Brother Toniny said it best. Great advice, and you guys both look great! Keep working hard, and some day you might become a TKE active.
Your biggest fan.
Raff
Like I love the Taylors, I love these 4th Quarter updates (good or bad). I also loved the Western News signed “Take Care- Gordy” too!! We deeply appreciate your thoughts, experiences and word of wisdom. Joyous and healthy Easter!!!!!!
thanks for the update Gordy! And thanks for the reminders of how to have perspective and not putting off things. As my last 12 months have been a reminder of this, losing my 69 year old cousin, then my 63 year old sister, then my 71 year old cousin and even my 91 year old mother (whom by all accounts, won the game of life)… and then you sprinkle in the loss of the 47 year old former neighbor and sometimes band member drummer, a 52 year old friend, another growing up friend/neighbor’s 61 year old wife and probably forgetting someone. If all these losses combined in a 12 month period don’t remind me of that your belief of not putting things off, I don’t know what else will. I’m certainly trying. Love you guys!
Gordy and Diane,
Happy to hear you are in Marco. Walks on the beach are great for the soul. You both look phenomenal. Gordy, keep your drivers license up to date- with three bottles of wine in front of Diane, you might need to be her designated driver!
Your messages are so inspiring and full of insight. Miss Quinn would be very proud of her student.
Marilyn Pastorelli
<
div dir=”ltr”>I have appreciated all of your Fourth Quarter messages, including this very honest and realistic one. I, too, have a Fourth Quarter health story and I hope you don’t mind my sharing it here. I’ve wanted to make sure peop
Happy Easter, Gordy and Diane. You could not be more right about doing today rather than delaying to tomorrow . Be well.
Most of my original reply was cut off. Making this even shorter: I went to the McDonough District Hospital (MDH) Emergency Room in the morning on February 23, 2024, with abdominal pain. I was sent to Blessing Hospital in Quincy by ambulance in the late afternoon, after being examined and checked on by a caring nurse practioner at MDH, who originally suspected I was having a heart attack. At no time was I examined by a doctor at MDH and was told there was no Emergency Room doctor present. At Blessing I had surgery for a burst appendix and a colon “ulcer” at this site. The contents of my intestines had to be cleaned out of the abdominal cavity. I am now recovering well and am thankful to be alive. Just very concerned about the lack of an Emergency Room doctor at MDH.
My take-away is… it IS possible to live without tacos… said no “Juan” ever. Great to see your face! Love & miss you. Happy Easter to you & Diane.
Gordy, the only things better than your post are the photos of the two of you. God bless you both, and keep up that amazing attitude.
Thank you so much for your Fourth Quarter messages, I appreciate your willingness to put your personal journey out there. Your messages give us all so many things to think about, again thank you.
Happy Easter Gordy & Diane! Great picture and as always,a great reminder to live in the present.
As usual Gordy, you hit me right between the eyes! “Do it now for we don’t know our future.” Thank you for your positive perspective; I know it’s not always easy. May you and Diane continue to share your love and may God continue to give you the strength you need.🙏🥰
Gordy, Your message is so inspiring. My prayers are for your continued improvement as we celebrate Easter. Sincerely Terry Smith
Gordy you have a gift for words in your faithful storytelling that we can all learn from and relate to in this season. It was a Great message!
Your time is ours until you give it away and we all have choices to make that can bring us joy, purpose, happiness and put a smile on our face. Thanks for the “Gordy Nudge” to live, laugh, look around for our smile and grab it!
I toast you both with my glass of cold water with juicy lemon. We can always make lemonade out of lemons!
Dan
Dear Gordy & Diane,
Oh man, really wishing you the best!
Since graduating in 1982, I rarely missed
a WIU homecoming. It was always with my WIU roomie Joe Withers and seeing you that propelled me to come back to Macomb.
With Joe’s passing, it’s just not the same.
My thoughts & prayers are with you Gordy. You’ve touched a lot of WIU alumni, I thank you!
My best,
Todd Wilson
1982 graduate
Gordy, you are an inspiration to us all. Thanks to you and Diane for sharing your journey, positivity and wise words with wry humor. It helps many of us who are experiencing difficulties. I hope that Diane will continue to enjoy her daily glass of wine routine!
Dear Gordy and Diane,
As always, you are spot on, let your body dictate what and how much you can do! I agree that we often think we are still in out 40’s and now have to learn to listen and do what we can.
Thank you again for our very positive Fourth Quarter outlook!
Kathi Clayton Chaplain