Here's a summary of the initial reactions of the people I've told, so far: 

Mine

When I heard my cardiologist say; "It's time", I had no emotional reaction. I wasn't surprised, scared, sad; I felt nothing like that. The lack of any emotion was probably because I've been expecting to hear him say those words for such a long time... In the past, I was more surprised when he said that there was no need to operate, as he's done for 31 years.

The evening of December 18, the same day I received the news that my valve had to be replaced, I was meeting for the first time in 38 years with two elementary schoolmates. Early that day, hours before I saw my cardiologist, I fantasized about the reunion with them  and made up all kinds of scenarios and conversations we would have in the 60 minutes we had available (I met my friends at the Fort Lauderdale airport; their flight from Costa Rica to Alabama made a stop there). I must have had a premonition because one of the scenarios I made up involved telling my schoolmates about my eminent need for a valve replacement. Spooky.

My Mom

The first person I called after leaving the doctor's was Lauren; unfortunately, she wasn't available, so I then called my mom. In our conversation she first offered a few words of encouragement and authoritatively predicted the operation would be a success. My mom, of course, has that medical degree all moms get with childbirth; but, additionally, she also has an ever-growing number of instantaneous self-awarded specialties; the latest, of course, is cardiac surgery, which she acquired during the phone call. Amazing! After a short while, my mom tried to abruptly end the phone call because, I think, she was going to start crying - I heard it in her voice. Once the cool and confident medical consult had ended, the warm and tender maternal concern kicked in.

Lauren

She guessed it right away. We've been together so long and our lives are so tightly coupled, there was no need for me to say anything. She knew it and came right out and said it. She is concerned and scared. But as the head of the medical research department in our family, she immediately went to work. She went on line and tapped right into every valve replacement web site known to mankind. Despite her concerns, fears and the increased loving affection I'm getting from her, Lauren has cautioned me about me trying milk this situation to the very last drop. She's very compassionate, but will only let me get away with just a few things, not all. The challenge for me, though, is: With how much will I be able to get away? So far, not much.

Jean

Jean reacted tenderly and, having recently had her own heart-related episode, she was very encouraging about the medical advances. She too has assured me everything will be fine. She, of course, has the medical background to substantiate her prediction. Jean also did a very significant thing: she called my mother and talked about the surgery with her. My mom was very impressed and very thankful for call.

Maggie

My sister, Maggie, had the strongest reaction of all. My mom gave her the news. She told me she couldn't answer my first phone call because she was sobbing so much she thought she wouldn't be able to talk. When we finally spoke, she was still sobbing. She lovingly told me she would do anything to switch places with me; that she would go into surgery in my stead. Hmmm... She doesn't know this, but I've written that down as one of the questions for the surgeon. Can you get to my valve through my sister's chest?

All kidding aside, I know my sister actually means what she says and I know that if there were a way to do it, she would. That's why I love her so much.

Vicar

My very good friend Vicar, with whom I speak almost daily, had a rather solemn reaction. He was actually the third person I called after I saw the cardiologist, but he was busy and couldn't talk to me then. Later, when I was finally able to tell him about the surgery, as I recall, there was a prolonged silence. His concern, though, came through loud and clear.

Thanks!

To these folks and all the others, thanks for your encouraging words and sentiments. I really appreciate them and every one of them is meaningful and helping me along through this whole thing.