Fan Fare, What's New, Pussycat?
Here’s where you’ll find TJ photos and stories that don’t fit into any other categories. It is, as its name says, just for fans — and, hopefully, for fun.
Shirl’s Surgery Serenade: A TJ Fan Story
Friday, May 26th, 2006Shirl, a Rhondda Valley girl transplanted to California wanted to share a recent experience:
Last week I was admitted to Stanford University Hospital for surgery.
I got to Stanford at 5:30 am and they took me into the pre-op room. Little did I know that my secret of having been a Tom Jones fan for so long was out.
They put in the IV and then wheeled me to the operating room. As I was pushed through the door to the OR, whole staff — including my surgeon — started to sing Deliah, then What’s New Pussycat and, by the time they got round to the Green Green Grass of Home, they had given me the anesthetic and I was out.
I came round in the recovery room two hours later with a nurse bending over me. She was apologizing “for not being Tom Jones,” but said I would have to make do with her for that day.
On my last day in hospital my surgeon came round with some students and was telling them how well the surgery went. He went on to say there was only one down side to it — everyone on the OR staff couldn’t get Delilah out of their heads and were singing it right through the surgery.
By the way, when I awoke in my room after the surgery, I found flowers and the card you see at the left sitting by my bed. At first, I just couldn’t figure out how a card with Tom’s photo got there. But, I really didn’t care. The people who sent it knew it would be one “get well” card that actually made me feel better. Tom Jones has a way of doing that.
I LUV YA, TOMMY!!!
May 27th, 2006 at 1:45 pm
Shirley, thanks for sharing your story!! It sounds like not only did you have an excellent surgeon and nurses but they also had great taste in music.
May 28th, 2006 at 9:15 am
Great story and I love the surgeon and nurses!!! What a great way to “go under!”
May 29th, 2006 at 12:13 am
I know the surgery was no fun, but Shirl certainly made the day fun for us!! Thanks for the story, Shirl, what a great surgical team; I know that was totally entertaining. Loved the picture of Tom also…had never seen that one, and such a nice note from Tom.;o))
May 29th, 2006 at 12:14 am
Sorry I left this out in previous post…I should have said, Get well soon, Shirl. Hope you recover quickly!!! I know you came out smiling with all that Tom attention.
May 29th, 2006 at 6:52 am
That is priceless! Glad you’re on the mend and that it went so well. Tom Jones has a way of making you feel GREAT!
May 30th, 2006 at 10:13 am
If you have to have surgery, that’s the way to do it. Hope you’re on the mend. Best Wishes
May 30th, 2006 at 7:17 pm
Wishing you a speedy recovery Shirl. Your wonderful and supportive friends are certainly a gift. I do think that picture of Tom would help mend anything quickly!!!