“I’m not a ‘vegging out’ kind of person,” Glenn Burns told Channel 2 Action News anchor Jovita Moore in the middle of Monday’s 6 p.m. broadcast.
He's not kidding. It was six weeks to the day since Burns's open heart surgery and WSB's chief meterologist was already working his second newscast on his first day back at work. And, as Moore pointed out, he hadn't exactly taken it easy during his convalescence: Along with exercising, playing with his two new cocker spaniel puppies and tracking the weather, Burns posted regular Facebook updates about his recovery — including photos of the thick beard he grew that turned out to be a hit with fans (sadly for many, he was cleanshaven for his on-air return).
He also took the time to read all the cards, emails and Facebook messages he got — which was a lot.
“I was so overwhelmed,” Burns said in an interview Monday. “People’s genuine concern and affection … It very nearly brought me to tears.”
It also got him thinking: Many of the messages were from people who’d also had open heart surgery, or who were about to. Maybe what they needed was their own Facebook page.
“It would be a like a support group, a place where people could go to learn more about what to expect,” said Burns, who plans to start working on the idea. “They could share their experiences and ask questions.”
It would be good if some doctors took part, he added, although this clearly would be about much more than medicine.
"It's scary, it's so scary going through this," Burns said in the same honest, yet reassuring tone he uses to talk viewers through ice storms and tornadoes. "Sharing it makes you feel less alone and afraid."
Related: The forecast calls for smiles: Glenn Burns is back on Channel 2!
About the Author
