Mattress Mack Recovering After Successful Open-Heart Surgery
Jyesha Johnson | Published: December 27, 2024 at 7:56 AM | Updated: December 27, 2024 at 8:02 AM
Houston icon and Gallery Furniture owner Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale is recovering well following a successful open-heart surgery. McIngvale recently shared a video update expressing his deep gratitude for the overwhelming support he received from the Houston community.
“I want to thank all the great Gallery Furniture customers for your support,” McIngvale said. “You bought furniture while I was out over the last 10 or 12 days. Your support really means a lot, helped my psyche to get better.” He also acknowledged the emotional toll of the experience, stating, “This journey has been humbling. Facing open-heart surgery and recovery was a challenge I could not overcome alone. Houston, your support gave me hope when I needed it most. Every kind word and prayer reminded me that resilience is built on community.”
The 73-year-old businessman underwent surgery at Houston Methodist Hospital. He described the initial days as excruciatingly painful, recounting, “I was down there for eight days. The first three or four days, the pain was pretty excruciating. But thanks to your well-wishes and thanks to the good Lord above, the ultimate physician, I made it through that.” Further complicating his recovery, doctors discovered fluid around his heart, requiring an additional procedure. Despite these setbacks, McIngvale’s unwavering determination shone through. He shared the Australian saying, “‘They use the term ‘battler from Struggle Street,’ meaning they came up the hard way. Well, we all come up the hard way. We’ve all got battles and struggles and difficulties to overcome, but we can overcome them together.”
The outpouring of support from Houstonians, including letters, emails, texts, and continued business at Gallery Furniture, significantly boosted McIngvale’s spirits. He stated, “Even today, people are coming in, showing their support. It’s been overwhelmingly positive to me and my psyche.”
Now recovering at home, McIngvale remains optimistic, offering a message of resilience and gratitude to the community: “When you’re going through hell, you’ve got to keep going.”
About the Author: Jyesha Johnson is a Mississippi Delta native who transitioned from small-town newsrooms to the big city screens at Houston’s KPRC 2. She enjoys telling stories through various media and, when not working, can be found enjoying nature or exploring Houston’s culinary scene.
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