I was born in 1938. I’m in pretty good health, considering my age. But one of the valves in my heart has a leak. It must be repaired. On April 8, I am having open heart surgery. The surgeon will break open my breastbone to reach my heart, then wire it back together. He assures me I will be fine, but fatigued, when it’s over.
I have tried to take it in stride, but it’s hard not to find it scary. Terrifying, actually.
To cheer me up, I keep thinking of hokey old songs that use the word “heart” in them. There are so many of them. Dozens. Scores. Hundreds. I’ve been singing Hank Williams’ “Your Cheating Heart,” and “My heart cries for you, sighs for you, dies for you, please come back to me,” “Peg of My Heart,” “My Heart Belongs to Daddy,” “You’re Breaking My Heart Cause You’re Leaving, you’ve fallen for somebody new,” Doris Day’s “Once I had a Secret Love, that lived within the heart of me,” “ Hoagy Carmichael’s “Heart and Soul, I fell in love with you,” Elvis Presley’s “Wooden Heart,” Patsy Cline’s “Heartaches,” another version of a different “Heartaches,” The Charms, “Hearts Made of Stone,” Billy Eckstine’s “My Foolish Heart,” The Four Aces, “Heart of My Hearts,” Tony Bennett’s “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” “Deep in the Heart of Texas,” and many more. “Heart of My Heart” is the one I keep singing to myself; it’s a barbershop quartet song. The Elvis Presley song is adorable, Elvis like you have never seen him before.
It’s a habit in my natal family to try to turn bad news into humor.
My heart is not amused.
When the nurse-practitioner called to review procedures, she asked me what kind of animal valve I wanted in my heart. Without hesitation, I said I wanted the valve of a Longhorn steer. My heart really does belong to Texas.
One of the first people I turned to for advice about a surgeon was Checker Finn’s wife, Renu Virmani, who is a world-renowned cardiologist. She assured me that the surgeon recommended by my cardiologist was the best in New York City. The more I inquired, the better I felt about the person I chose. When I met him, he relieved my anxieties. At least some of them.
The blog will continue while I am hospitalized. I have written some in advance. Some of of my good friends agreed to write special contributions for me in my absence (most are original and never been previously published). And I expect to jump in to comment and maybe even post a few things as soon as the anesthesia wears off.
So please think of me on April 8. I will be grateful for your thoughts, prayers, and good wishes.
I’m not going away. I will be back with a stronger heart and a passion for justice. And maybe the heart valve of a lion or a tiger or a Longhorn.
The Heart of Texas
The longhorn steer is strong
And never steers you wrong
The heart of Texas beats
Like Nightingale of Keats
Good luck with your operation.
Hopefully they won’t put in the horn.
Very sorry you have to go through this. I wish you a speedy recovery.
Wishing you a speedy recovery. Your heart has always been in the right place. So glad it’s going to be in the best hands in NYC. Rest well!
Sending you prayers that your surgery goes well and your recover with ease.
I am a big fan of yours. I regularly read your blog here. I am grateful to you for speaking truth to power in regards to public education as it one of the pillars of our democracy. I am passionate about all students being able to receive an enriching & equitable public. Thank you for all that you give.
Sincerely, Elizabeth (Yoga teacher, Mother, Paraprofessional, Drama teacher)
Diane Ravitch, you are a hero for so many of us. It’s like we know you. We pretend that we do. I will be sending out love and positive vibes on April 8th. So many of us will! See you on the flip side. xo
I know you! And through telepathy and words, you know me!
Thank you!
Wishing you an uncomplicated surgery and a boring, textbook, recovery!
Diane,
Good wishes and prayers for a speedy recovery. We all will be thinking of you.
Can’t wait to read your post op reviews.
Ralph
May God Bless you and your surgeons and your nurses. I admire you tremendously and throughout my career have been encouraged, driven, and educated by your NYTimes column, your advocacy, and your EXPERTISE. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I’m adding you to our prayer list. I love your “cheer you up” idea!
It’s a great one.
Kas Winters
My father in law had a pig valve surgery, 15+ years ago and he is still going strong 🙂
Dear Diane, I’ll be thinking about you and sending good wishes! jf
Thank you!
Prayers from out in Utah, Diane.
What was experimental is now routine. I hope my un-researched statement is accurate and wish you routine experience without drama.
Love your posts. As a retired teacher, you write about my favorite topic: education.
As a proud anti-fascist, anti-privatizer of public institutions supporting the public good. And as an anti-standardized tester, I will miss your posts.
And I’ll be thankful when you return and I can return to my routine of reading your posts.
No, you will not miss my posts! The blog goes on, better than ever, with posts by extraordinary people and some by me.
You won’t miss a beat!
“What was experimental is now routine. ”
It indeed is. My open heart surgery for mitral valve repair and single bypass was at 7am, and the surgeon did 3 more heart surgery that day. He told me, mine was the simplest and completely routine (lasted 3 hours). He said, he does valve repair on a daily basis.
I’m joining your long list of well wishers. I’ll be thinking about you on April 8, sending you thoughts and prayers for a smooth surgery and a speedy recovery.
Thank you, Florina! Happy to have you in our camp
Yes, Diane, there are numerous terrific songs about heart that are very important to remember during times like this. Too many to name here, but when feeling down, I find “You’ve Got to Have Heart,” from Damn Yankees, to be a particularly uplifting tune!
You are in my thoughts and prayers and I am wishing you “miles and miles and miles of heart,” as well as a lot more quality time with your repaired heart –and with US!
Thoughts and prayers are with you…
From southeast MIchigan, here’s good vibes through the 8th and beyond!
All the best for a speedy recovery. My thoughts will be with on April 8.
Wishing you the best. Thought of the saying, “Be still, my heart” and add, just for calming.
Best Wishes on your surgery. As the Eagles sing you “getting to the heart of the matter.”
How about TV shows: Hart to Hart? I will be thinking of you and your surgeon on April 8th.
My heart to yours,
Susan Kelley
Richards High School
Tallahassee, FL 32309
Perhaps the most beautiful “heart” song ever: Linda Ronstadt (whose voice has been stilled, but will live on forever in recordings & videos) singing “Heart Like a Wheel,” about a lost love: “…when a heart is bended, it can’t be mended.” But your heart is NOT bent, Diane &, like a wheel, you will go on & on.
(If someone can put up the Linda Ronstadt video/song, it would be much appreciated, as I’m technically challenged.) Also: I will get a good tune from my oncological surgeon–everyone says he has the absolute best taste in music in the operating room. (I have to call him tomorrow anyway.)
&–a cheery tune–Herman’s Hermits’ “Can’t You Hear My Heartbeat.” (When you’re all healed, it’s a tune you can dance to!)
Many good thoughts, prayers & wishes for what is sure to be your speedy recovery.
You will be fine. I’ve been reading your blog for several years now and you are a very strong woman. I’m a stage III ovarian cancer survivor. I know you can do it!!
We NEED you, Diane, and love you, and send you all the best thoughts, wishes, prayers, vibes,and corny songs imaginable! where is the heart emoji when I need it?
Diane, best wishes for your surgery! I have been following you ever since reading Reign of Error during quarantine, and I appreciate you letting us into your life.
It all seems so scary on this end, but it will be fine. Will keep you in my heart and prayers.
Let’s get this straight. Of course, you are not going away. Of course, you will be back with a stronger heart and a passion for justice. And with the heart valve of a lion or a tiger or a Longhorn created by God, The Universe. Are we straight now?
We’re all pullin’ for you.
Diane,
I’m so happy that you will be getting your valve replaced! My son’s dad had this surgery and is doing fantastic, 8 years later! I’m sure you’ll have the same kind of success.
I appreciate you, I respect you, and I will be praying for a full and quick recovery for you! 💞🙏🏼
Debbie Baer
Robbinsville, NJ
Hope these wishes of Peace and Strength help to mend that broken heart… Knowing such a Beautiful and Brilliant Warrior will not not be down for long…. Praying for a Speedy return Love1!
My mother is also having a valve replaced. Aortic stenosis I think is what it’s called. Her surgery is after yours. I wish you a speedy recovery. The world is a better place for children with you in it.
God bless, Diane. It is frightening, but it sounds as though you are in excellent hands.
Grace under pressure! So many people sending positive vibes your way Diane. We all look forward to you giving voice to public school teachers for many years to come! Please know that as long as we’re here you are not alone.
We’ll be thinking of you! ❤
My heart and those of many. many others will be there to help steady yours, Diane. Have faith and know that you are loved.
Bob
(And, on a practical note: also know that this particular operation has an excellent track record. That combined with the best doctors/surgeons on the planet…)
Good luck with everything! (We need you forever).
On April 9th, equilibrium will be restored quickly when your heart heals so rapidly that heads spin. The public square demands no less for the greatest champion of the common good in this century.
You are in the hearts of so many sending good wishes
Oh my Lord. Just seeing this!!!!
Much, much love to you, Diane, and strength. Dear, beautiful human. Many thousands of us will be thinking of little else on this day.
xoxoxoxoxoxo
Bob
Diane, I had the same problem (in my case, mitral valve) almost exactly 2 years ago and had open heart surgery on April 1st, 2019. They also did a single bypass, and the surgery lasted for about 3 hours. The doc told me, this really is a routine operation. Yeah, I was fatigued for a while, and was checking my pulse and blood pressure all the time, but the recovery was faster than I expected and I ended up feeling much better overall than many years before. For example, before the surgery, I struggled not to fall asleep during lectures. I thought it was because I was fat. Not anymore! I even drove from Budapest to Tours and back 2 months after the surgery.
I have been doing what I was told in the rehab: do vigorous exercise every day for at least 1 hour.
By the way, Mick Jagger had a heart valve surgery at the same time as I did
https://myheart.net/articles/mick-jaggers-heart-surgery-explained-by-a-cardiologist/
Good luck!
Sending lots of Chicago love your way and wishes for a full and speedy recovery.
P.S.—You forget Achy Breaky Heart by Billy Ray Cyrus.
Praying for you Dr. Ravitch!!
You have been our brave heart for children and teachers through so many battles. We will pick up the struggle with you again when you return!
Harvey Daniels
May you be enheartened by those who are cheering you and your medical team on. It is no wonder that your heart is tired; you pour your heart into all you do. Thank you for caring about students and teachers. Well wishes and prayers for you and for your tuned-up heart ❤ 🙏 ♥
We share the same dreams, Diane, and you have been such an integral component of our daily lives for so long that I feel, as e e cummings wrote, “i carry your heart with me (i carry it in my heart).”
This news is just heart-wrenching, yet I can’t help but think of the wonderful songs by Heart, and that brings a lot of hope –that all will be well and our prayers and good wishes for you will prevail. Thanks so much for YOU, our shared missions and this long, exciting journey. God be with you today and every day, Diane!
Good luck Diane.
You have the heart of a lion. Good luck
Your heart is too strong to not meet this challenge head on. You’re going to be fine. Take it from someone who’s been there, done that. Best wishes. Jim from Indiana
Speaking of heart songs, being a cigarette smoker, I had a terrible time with intense anxiety when they first stopped allowing smoking on airplanes. I found the song from the movie “Heartburn,” “Coming Around Again,” sung by Carly Simon, to be very soothing to me, so I’ve played it repeatedly whenever flying. To this day, it’s like an uplifting anti-anxiety drug for me during intensely stressful times. You might want to give it a try:
Diane, We’ve never met. I admire you incredibly. I wish you peace and courage in whatever ratio you require. Here’s to a quick,full recuperation.
Thank you.
I’m opening my heart to you with love and healing to your heart. When it’s all over you’ll be jogging through NYC!
I hope! Thanks!
Will be thinking of you on Thursday and sending all good mojo your way!
Thinking of you–
I hope you have figured out how to get some rest tonight and don’t spend the time scaring yourself. You have your own choir of angels here singing our hearts out for you.
will be praying for your speedy recovery! We need you back with a stronger heart than ever to keep fighting for public education. You are a hero of mine! Get well soon ❤️
Always a voice of calm and reason, even as you face surgery.
Praying for your strength and healing.
Open heart surgery is scary. I had it to repair a hole between two of the chambers of my heart. In some ways the fear is the worst of it. Once surgery is over you’ll be busy with the work of recovery.
All the best!
Diane,
We know you’re always thinking about what’s best for public education.
It’s your very heart and soul.
But please… Pausing the Blog is ok when you’re under anesthesia. At least wait until you’re in the recovery room.
Sending love and prayers for good results and healing. I, too, have two leaky heart valves. Mine is from too much radiation for Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 1976. So, I’ll be watching how you are doing, as I may be following you one of these days.
Dear Diane, Sending best wishes for the successful implant of your valve and healing thoughts for your recovery.
Thinking of you today, Diane.
I wish you the best, Diane. Rest and get strong. You are needed.
Been thinking about you all day, was hard to concentrate on work. Hope it went well today. Looking forward to aggravating you soon.
Had that 6 years ago. Aortic valve replacement. Had to have another because of the DVT I developed 3 months after first…. Your conversation with me back then alerted me to the DVT. Caught it becasue of you.
Had a staff infection because of a test needle. I’m ok and enjoying all.
These people really know what they are doing. You will be so much better.
I thought of Diane virtually all day yesterday. Is there any news about how she is doing?
Yea, over! Now about the conference…🤔
“It is the heart that is important. […]. Regard your survival as wondrous. Employ the strategy of the Lotus Sutra before any other. […]. A coward cannot have any of [her] prayers answered.” -Nichiren (WND-1, 1000-01). Praying for your speedy recovery, Diane!
Bless you Diane!
Diane,
Praying for you this morning and I’m encouraged by your transparency. You did not mention faith in what you’ve shared, but I’m interceding on your behalf to have more faith, the size of a mustard seed, to get you back to 110% health soon.
One additional heart song to add to your list that is sung a lot during the celebration of Resurrection Sunday: “He Lives Within My Heart”.
No matter what your spiritual or religious status, Christ died for the just and the unjust and we who believe, still serve a Risen Savior, Jesus Christ, who lives within our hearts.
None of us can live, move or have any breath to breathe without him. Your faith in Christ can make your whole and bring healing to you- mind, body and soul!
Just speak your belief and faith in Him and it’s a done deal. Recovery is gradual, but faith is our blessed assurance in the power of our Risen Savior, to heal and deliver us from anything!
Be well! Be encouraged! And, just believe!
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