30 Comments
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Michael Rossini's avatar

You were given a second chance and I think you are truly living it well. The new life you have created in Italy and the interesting things you write about contribute to our lives. I am actually thinking of retiring, before it gets too late, and follow your example and reinvent myself. I think of you often, and about how you managed it and it inspires me.

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Tino Masecchia's avatar

Thanks Mike, at times life struggles make us stronger and make us realize we are mortals. After a few strikes you succeed to build a great business. Your hard work and persistence payed off. Thanks for reading. A presto

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Emanuela B's avatar

Your story deeply moved me and brought back memories of critical moments I experienced during my parents' health struggles. Thank you for sharing.

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Tino Masecchia's avatar

Thank you Emanuela,

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Sally Burke's avatar

Another of my Substack friends who have told the same story, and thankfully both of you are willing to tell the tale. It is so important to know that although the trepidation of entering the operating theatre and are you going to wake up is a daunting experience, the fact that you are still here 13 years later, fit as a fiddle and loving life is wonderful. Thank you for telling your story Tino. 💕

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Tino Masecchia's avatar

Thank you Sally, it’s a true pleasure to get your comments. Although we never met, I feel I know you and that’s the beauty of Substack.

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Leonardo Cicchetti's avatar

Amazing that you can remember this event in your life with such detail. I also admire all the family support you got and I remember you telling the people at work that you had to undergo this procedure. Look at you today. You are in great physical shape with exceptional stamina. For an almost - - years old. Bravo. 👏

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Tino Masecchia's avatar

Thanks Leo, I believe we don’t easily forget deep emotional cases. And I remember exactly the moment I told you that I was getting heart surgery. You were sitting across my desk and your face changed, you became pale all of a sudden. Thank you Leo for being there for me.

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Antoinette Valiante's avatar

Hello Tino

What a story!!! Had me in tears!! And look at you now enjoying your best life, it’s so nice to read your blog every Saturday. I look forward to it!! Continue to inspire and live the dream. Wish you only the best always. Thanks to Angelo and Michelle that we got to know you and we always had a good time! Take good care Antoinette and Mike

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Tino Masecchia's avatar

Thank Antonietta, I always loved sharing beautiful moments with you and Mike. Two very passionate people. Hope to see you again soon here in Italy or in montreal. Ciao e a presto 🥰

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Lise Côté Dion's avatar

Just let go and have faith……..merci pour cette belle leçon de vie….

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Cindy Martindale's avatar

Not only is this an intensely dramatic story, Tino, but your pacing was perfect, and I was pulled through the whole experience to the happy ending (thank the Lord!). Of course, I knew you survived the procedure because you're here writing one of my favorite newsletters, but what about the myriad of things that could happen post-surgery? I was a wreck.🙄 I'm so happy for you that everything went beautifully for you, and I tend to think you might have your own cheering squad ⛅☝⛅ up there...

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Tino Masecchia's avatar

Thank you Cindy, at the end of the day this is a happy story. Perhaps some other time I will write the post-surgery. I was a wreck also. (Did you have a serious surgery?) I was part of the 33% that suffered depression and anxieties. It took me a long time to get back believing in myself again. And not before I made some serious personal life changes.

I enjoy reading your comments. Thank you.

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François's avatar

Ton meilleur texte Tino, tu nous a fait ressentir ce que tu avais dans tes tripes. Et laisse moi te confirmer que je les aies ressentis.

BRAVO.

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Tino Masecchia's avatar

Merci François, je ne t’ai jamais dis qu’une des premières choses que j’ai dis à Iso en me réveillant c’était. « Appel François, dit lui que tout est okey » et ton cadeau du livre « Lâcher prise » m’a fait réaliser bien des choses. 😉

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Francine Boilard's avatar

Tu nous prouves ici que tu es un véritable écrivain. Ton docteur t’a retiré les mauvaises artères mais ton texte nous arrache les émotions avec une incroyable humanité. J’en ai eu les larmes aux yeux!

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Tino Masecchia's avatar

Merci Francine, tes mots me font chaud au cœur. Ce que je découvre dans mon jeune âge d’écrivain c’est que c’est beaucoup plus facile quand ça vient du fond de l’âme.

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Jan's avatar

Tino... I re-read your story. I missed a very important fact; this was in the past! A lot of good my advice was to you.. right? Glad you are with us!

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Tino Masecchia's avatar

Hey Jan, thanks for your kind words, and yes I totally agree that it takes much longer to recoup then what they had told me.

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Claudia's avatar

This brought tears to my eyes uncle. I remember this ..

I’m so happy you are good now ,look at you today!!

♥️

Crazy how you were my age ( now) when this happened to you .

♥️♥️♥️

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Tino Masecchia's avatar

Thanks C. Love you lots and thanks for reading.

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Antonio Rinaldis's avatar

Brought tears to my eyes….so well put,us humans,we don’t go down easily. Thx,for sharing 🙏

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Tino Masecchia's avatar

Hey Tony, and thank God we don’t go down so easily. When are you coming to Tuscany? Thanks for your words

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Mary Kay Wall's avatar

We can all place ourselves in your mind and soul that day - you wrote it so well and so honestly. Now we all relish the “not yet” all the more! Cincin!

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Tino Masecchia's avatar

Thank you Mary for following me on substack. Life is precious and beautiful. Cincin

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Geny Masecchia's avatar

I remember very well that day ma sei stato un vero eroe

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Tino Masecchia's avatar

Grazie, e si ricordo bene la tua presenza lì. ♥️

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Tino Masecchia's avatar

Hi Catherine, thank you for your kind and supportive words. Yes I was fortunate to have had a second chance. It took me a wile to realize how lucky I was and to find peace within myself. But now I’m good. And very grateful. Thank you for reading my newsletters.

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Catherine Harkness's avatar

Hi Tino.

You have lived a better life since then. It was good you had support with family and friends.I am guessing that was more than ten years ago.

An experience like that can deeply shift a person’s perspective.

Facing something that serious can force anyone to reflect on what truly matters-like faith,family and how we use the time we’ve been given.

It definitely can clarify what’s really important.I know it must feel like a second chance at life.

I hope you continue in good health and peace

Catherine 🤗

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