I saw him do a live show after that event. Didn’t read that book but have read several of his others.
His valve had been replaced with a valve from a pig. This over 40 years ago, so they’ve been doing this procedure (valve replacement) for quite some time. He said something to the effect that after the procedure he couldn’t pass a barbecue joint without his eyes welling up . . .
For any Yankees reading this, barbecue does not mean grilling out. It means slow-cooking meat, especially pork and beef, at low temperatures in an enclosure with smoke present. I think Lewis have appreciated my making that clarification.
Oh, and good luck to you two FReepers about to undergo this.