Autumn

Autumn

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Another Chapter

First, I'm fine and appreciate all the kindness, love, and prayers. I write this from my bed with another beautiful view of the river at the Medical Center as Sweet Wife quietly reads and watches my every move.

Last evening, Little Bit asked if I'd take her to bed. I did. Just before we turned in for the night I began to experience pain in my right arm and shoulders. The pain extended across my chest and into my jaw. It hurt. I tried to sleep. Little Bit offered to rub my shoulders. After a few minutes a instinctive bell rang in my otherwise hard noggin. I rose and asked my wife to please jump on the net and research my pain. Ten minutes later she called 911. The rest is history.

It came as a complete shock to me. I'm not what you'd picture as a candidate for a heart attack, being an active six foot one man, not overweight at two hundred and twelve pounds (now) and careful of my diet....for the most part. Seems I had a bad blood clot that moved to my heart and cut the blood flow to one artery. Just goes to show, you never know when the old man with the black cloak and sickle will come and rap at your door. Heed the pain. The staff here said quick action saved my life. You have ninety minutes from start to finish.

Two stents later, two hours prior to my birthday, and my problem, for all intent and purposes, was over. Well, at least for the most part, according to the nice doctors and nurses, I've a few minor adjustments to make in my otherwise normal life. I feel better. Quick action and very practiced paramedics and surgeons saved my life. I'm now in ICU. I hope to be released tomorrow....God willing. He has saved my life again.

Guess the Good Lord isn't finished with me.

I awoke with hundreds of email, texts, with well wishes from all over this wonderful country and Europe. Once again, thank you all so very much...it means the world to me. You've touched my heart.

This chapter is closed.


God bless you.


Stephen

112 comments:

  1. Wow, glad you're ok. Got to go in for an upgrade, huh?

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  2. Glad to see you posting and doing better. We will keep you in our prayers. -K

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  3. ugh. Dear sweet one - you gotta stop scaring your Sweet Wife and Little Bit like that! and us, too. i am so thankful for yours, Sweet Wifes, the paramedics and surgeons quick action! i hope that you are released tomorrow and can return to a new normal. we have been worried but Duke, like always, has kept us up to date. our prayers are with you and yours, as always. lots of love being sent your way!

    your friends,
    kymber and jambaloney

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    1. It's not as if I set out to scare 'em...I kinda wish I were back to normal, to tell 'ya the truth...thanks, sweet kymber.

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  4. Thank God ya made it through brother. A helluva lot of people were worried. As funny as it sounds, there is such a diverse bunch from different walks of life who call you friend, mentor and just Pal.
    We kneel and pray for you and each other when adversity strikes.

    Keep the Faith brother. Glad ya made it back.

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    1. Thank you for the kind comment my friend. Your prayers are very welcome...God bless.

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  5. Stephen..Glad to hear the good news! Seems like you're on the mend again :)

    John

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    1. Getting there, PISSED, getting there, thank you.

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  6. I must break with my traditional replies this evening. The beautiful and kind nurses here will only allow me thirty minutes on the computer. And to tell you the truth, with all these tubes, and other gear connected to my arms it's kinda 'tuff to type. Thank you all so very much...you are such wonderful people and I shall never forget this great kindness and your prayers. God bless. See, my blood pressure has gone thru the roof....

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  7. Our heavenly Father is merciful to His children, and He has seen fit to keep you with us - for which I am very grateful. God bless you and keep you, and all your family.

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    1. Rev. thank you so much for your prayers. Pretty Girl, you too.

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  8. Happy Birthday! I'm so glad to hear you are doing well. Thanks also for the reminder to seek attention when our bodies start reacting like that. Rest and take care of yourself. You're in my prayers.

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    1. Abbe, thank you...and indeed, heed the pain.

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  9. Phyllis (N/W Jersey)March 27, 2012 at 4:00 PM

    Happy Birthday, Stephen! God has given all of us a wonderful present - YOU!
    May you, Dear Wife and Little Bit know that all are always in in my prayers.

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    1. Thank you so very much, Sweet Phyllis...for everything.

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  10. So glad you're doing ok! Pardon the words, but if you don't stop making frequent visits to the hospital, you will give Sweet Wife and Little Bit heart attacks! Get well soon.

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    1. If I never see another hospital it will be fine with me...thanks, Mermaid, sweet lady.

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  11. So glad you are weathering this well...between Duke, Patrice over at Rural Revolution and other blogs, your readers were not weathering it as well! You had us all "blog bouncing" to get updates!
    Get well and home to Sweet Wife and Little Bit soon!

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    1. Thank you, Lamb. Patrice is a sweet one isn't she. I'm humbled...God bless you.

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  12. I am so glad to hear you are doing better. Happy birthday! And hugs to you and yours.

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    1. And hugs right back at 'ya, Pretty Phelan...thanks.

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  13. So glad to hear you are doing better. Quite a scare huh? Happy B-day and I hope you have many more healthy ones.

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  14. After immediateley praying for you, I was struck by just how special your thoughtful words and insights are to so many people. Very thankful you are doing so well, we look forward to much more from you! Rest up...hard as it is...humor us!

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  15. So happy to read this. I have been praying and checking all day. I say let's cool it on the health scares, huh:) HUGS to you and your wife.

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    1. Thanks, Pretty Girl...wish we had a day to sling some lead together. Really...

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  16. You just want the attention...

    Happy Birthday, and so glad that you HAD a birthday!

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    1. In truth, my good friend...I don't need anymore of this attention...it hurts. Thank you for the birthday wish...take care.

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  17. Oh! How scary! I am glad that you listened to the alarming in your head. Prayers for a speedy recovery.

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    1. Indeed, listen to the pain. Thanks, my good friend.

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  18. To each of you, thank you so very much. I've much to be grateful, you nice people are at the top of the list. I recently looked out my window to see the Dolphins have returned to the river for the afternoon hunt. It's the simple pleasures that make life worth living...like your kind hugs. God bless.

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  19. I agree with Kymber.

    Please stop doing that!

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    1. thanks Russell...you are always there backing me up when i need you the most! yer an awesome friend, buddy!

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    2. Russell, I shall make every attempt to not repeat this act...and kymber...feel this kiss I just flung your way...

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  20. I am so glad you are OK. I had a thought when I read your words about heeding the pain. When you had your last episode with your wound you put off going and it almost had dire consequences. I wonder if that horrific event hadn't happened you wouldn't have sought medical care so quickly this time. Perhaps not, but your words to have things checked out may save someone else someday. Bless you!

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    1. What's that old saying, Brigid, live and learn. It could also be written, learn and live. Thank, Brigid.

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  21. Stephen, I'm happy to hear that your doing better and I will pray that you get out of the hospital soon.

    Sandy, Oklahomatransient.blogspot.com

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    1. Thank you, Sandy. As soon as I'm able I shall post a proper thanks and welcome to you.

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    2. I will being the same to you this week :-)

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  22. So glad you are okay! Happy Birthday! I think you got the best B-day present ever - you are here and will continue to be in your Sweet Wife and Little Bit and the rest of your family's lives (& ours). Take care and email me if you need anything. I am most willing to help, sincere offer, not just words on a blog.

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    1. My friend, thank you very much for the kind comment..and your willingness to help...good friend are special. God bless.

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  23. When we get used to visiting with someone every time the google reader tells us he or she has a story to share it’s a little shocking to find out the story has ended.

    We bloggers are real people sharing our very real lives ... it can be a bit of jolt to be reminded of that. So, I'd like to add my voice to the multitude and say that I am very glad that you are still here to continue sharing your stories.

    You can add Canada to that list of well wishers :-)

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    1. You know, Sue, Canadians are family...your kind words have put a very big smile on my face. And, if ever (doubtful) I ever decide to shut down, you will know well in advance. God bless.

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  24. Glad you are feeling better. Take care of yourself man.

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  25. You need to quit this kind of shenanigans. Rest up right this time bud. Maybe you can get that guy who likes to sell you guns as such a low rate to help in the shop for a while :)

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    1. You mean 'The Pimp,' no way. He'd rip me off big time. I shall rest this week...next week, I hope it's back to work. Thanks, my friend.

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  26. Thank God you are ok. I am still counting on you for your vote in November. If something were to happen to you, your "absentee" ballot would have been for Obama. Unacceptable.

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    1. I shall vote...promise. Thanks, Mudbug, now, go write...

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  27. Gee, you've really been hammered lately! As the other folks say, "stop it".

    Seriously, though, good thing they were able to nail what it was and get you treated. Sounds like now you just need time.

    Have you taken any long car rides, or been forced to sit somewhere a long time - anything that could lead to the deep vein clots they always warn flyers about? Those clots move and can do this.

    Get better.

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    1. As a matter of fact I was bedridden, then home chained all of February with a bad infection. My movements were restricted greatly. This fact has been brought forth as to the blood clots. Thanks, my friend.

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  28. Life sure has been loud for you lately, Stephen. Rest up and get better. Here's hoping you'll be bored soon!

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    1. And, that's a fact. I asked Duke last night what I've done to piss of God...he laughed. Thanks, my friend.

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  29. Glad to hear you are still live and kicking. Sorry this comment is so long.

    Get plenty of rest now, because once the physical therapy folks get a hold of you, they'll make you work. I can't honestly say get well quickly, because hubby has been there. It is a gradual process that most folks don't understand, because they haven't had to. Prayers and wishes that you will get well, a little every day!

    Continued prayers for you and your family, especially when dealing with the nasty side effects of post stent medications, like Lipitor, Plavix, Lisinopril, Metoprolol, and Aspirin. They give you all that junk to keep your body from healing too quickly and plugging the wonderful stents. If you feel unusually grumpy; it is probably the meds. It might be hard for Little Bit not to take it personally. Hope you will never need to use the nitroquick. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any muscle weakness. Lipitor can damage the liver, and like your heart, you only have one of those.

    If the stents were the non-medicated kind, then they might let you ditch the Plavix after a month or so. If the stents were the medicated kind, you'll probably be stuck with Plavix for at least a year. Little Bit will probably comment that you're more colorful (black and blue all over.) It takes a while to prove to the doctors that you have recovered, but eventually if your bloodwork numbers are good and you have a good cardiologist, he will wean you off a lot of those meds and you'll be able to feel more like yourself again.

    Happy Birthday! The hospital might let you have some cake, minus the icing of course.

    Hope your still around to walk Little Bit down the aisle when she grows up.

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    1. Very insightful comment, Dear Ms. S...thank you. I'm not looking forward to all these new medications. I too want to be here when Little Bit walks the aisle..very badly. Thanks.

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  30. Oh Stephen, I've not been keeping up with things and only just now heard about you. I am so glad you are better, and you are right about God not being done with you yet. I'm sending up prayers to you and yours.

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    1. Thank you, Sweet Lady. Your prayers have worked. God bless.

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  31. Good grief man, you are such a Drama Queen! First the life threatening infection then a heart attack. What's wrong, you don't get enough attention? Seriously, my prayers go out to you and your family, best wishes, take care of yourself. When you feel better come back and keep us informed, enlightened, and entertained as always.

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    1. I know, isn't it pathetic. Thanks, my friend.

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  32. Make sure you get two gowns, don't want yer azz to get cold. ;)
    Good to read you're doing well, prayers sent up for you and your family to let this experience quickly be a dim memory.

    Grizz

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    1. I tried the two gown idea...I like sweats...the girls on the floor giggled....silly things. Thanks, Grizz.

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  33. Happy Birthday Stephen..So glad you were feeling well enough to post. Today is Papa Bear's Birthday. If I had known yours were yesterday??, we would have toasted you as well! Get well soon my friend.

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    1. Hey, it isn't too late. Tell him I said happy birthday and wish him many more...thanks, sweet lady.

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  34. I forget to say Happy Birthday. I wouldn't hae shared this for any other person, but I hope it makes you smile.

    Brigid III meets HER birthday cake.

    http://mausersandmuffins.blogspot.com/

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    1. As the fella's say, AH...she's a cutie indeed. Thank you so very much, Sweet Brigid..you've made my day. God bless you.

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  35. Get well soon!!!! Thank God for modern medical technology!

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  36. Get better soon! Oh, and get the hell out of there!

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    1. Today, I hope...hope, hope. Thanks, my friend.

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  37. This is not a good way to celebrate your birthday, you know. Glad you're still around to party!

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    1. Life, as a gift...thanks, Auntie J...bless you.

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  38. I forget to say Happy Birthday. I wouldn't hae shared this for any other person, but I hope it makes you smile.

    Brigid III meets HER birthday cake.

    http://mausersandmuffins.blogspot.com/

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  39. Glad to hear you're OK, and happy birthday! You got the best present of all.

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  40. I'll just add mine to the pile. Glad you're back and ok.

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  41. Get well soon...your needed here.

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  42. I will be praying for your speedy recovery.
    Blessings,
    Southern Gal

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  43. Prayers for a full recovery! I've been out of town and didn't know until today.
    Happy Birthday to you as well.

    Blessings!

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    1. Wish I were out of town. Thanks, my friend.

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  44. Happy birthday, Stephen--please take it easy for a while. Don't push too hard when you start feeling better, lest you land yourself back in the hospital.

    You're in our fondest thoughts and prayers.

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  45. Happy Birthday, and Get Well Soon!
    gfa

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  46. Many Happies Stephen. The day off, room service and TLC - you didn't have to have a heart attack to receive that on your birthday - all you had to do was ask...

    Seriously, glad you're OK :)

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    1. Thanks, Dani...I can think of better ways to spend a birthday....

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  47. Just checking in buddy. Sounds like the Cath Team did their job. Congratulations on pulling through. How's that Bucket List looking?

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    1. Thanks, my friend....my bucket list is long...the team did a fine job...bless 'em.

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  48. In My Prayers...and Happy Birthday..Get Well Soon!

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  49. I know, mmasse, I know. Thanks, I am feeling better and I hope they'll 'let me' out today.

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  50. Stephen,

    Having sent up prayers daily for you, I'm glad they work!
    Obviously you have made many friends online. :)
    I tried to send you an email, but I think it bounced back.

    Anyhow, I hope you get to watch little bit walk down that aisle too! (and hopefully spoil some great-grandkids)

    Please stick around! All of us would miss you terribly!

    Take care and God Bless,

    Keangnt

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  51. Thank you, my friend. I've had many problems with my email address, and there are times when in fact I received them even when you get an error message. I'll check. Thank you too for your kind prayers, they indeed worked. God bless you too.

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  52. Stephen,

    I am away from the blogosphere for a while and come back to this? I'm glad to hear you're being well taken care of. My thoughts are with you.

    Brett

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    1. Brett, thank you very much...and welcome back. I hope all is well with you too.

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  53. Keeping prayers coming your way. Belated Birthday Wishes for a safe and healthy year. Heal fast! :) TK

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    1. Thank you, my friend. I heal as fast as possible...it might take a while...well, I'll give it two days..God bless.

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    2. TK, just ran by your blog...you're too good to not write. I hit your follower button. I hope is well with you now.

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    3. Stephen... My first follower! Thank you for the kind words and encouragement to write more. For me... "It Is Well with My Soul". :) TK

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  54. Happy belated Birthday, and hope your recovery proceeds quickly and smoothly! Glad you paid attention to the warning signs - hope you never have this trouble again!

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    1. Amen to that...I never, ever, want to see the inside of a hospital. I am taking precautions. If any recipe calls for five tablespoons of butter I'll say no and only use four....I mean, heck, we must all make a sacrifice to our bodies.

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  55. Glad you are ok. Get well Lil Bit needs ya.

    Take care
    dan

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    1. Thanks, Dan. And, yes she indeed needs me as I do her. Hope all is well with you.

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  56. Get well !
    Good you and your wife reacted quickly.

    Take care.

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    1. Thank you my kind friend. I await an update to your blog. I hope you have a fine evening....

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