Here’s my bionic man’s first surgical scar. The Studbolt had his hip replaced back in 1996 when he was only 38 due to the severe rheumatoid arthritis he’s been fighting since age 13. Isn’t this a beaut?

Over the 7-year period from 1996 to 2003, Steve had 13 surgeries. I’m only going to show you three scars, and none of the truly gross graphic photos. We’re skipping the double knee replacement in 1997, the knee debridement in 2000, the finger fusions in 2001, and a few other surgeries. Here’s Exhibit B, the scar on the left side of my Superhero’s back that runs from his waist up under his armpit. Microsurgeon Paul Cook took a free flap of skin, tissue, and artery from Steve’s back and used it to heal Steve’s right knee as part of a knee revision surgery (the first artificial joint became infected, which was life-threatening). James Bond may look sexy on film, but he’s just a fictional character. I’d put my Stoic Man up against anybody for guts or heroism.

Dr. Cook is so proud of Steve’s healed right knee (and rightly so, since he probably saved both Steve’s leg and his life) that he once asked Steve to roll up his slacks and show it to another patient in the hospital waiting room pre-surgery. “Isn’t it gorgeous?” he crooned, like a proud papa. At the time, we didn’t think so either. The kind of trial by fire that makes even flipping quickly through photos from this time period cause you to feel that the whole world is falling away from under you results in a different perspective. Once after the leg had healed and we were leaving his office, Paul Cook nearly fell over laughing when Steve quipped, “You know, I’ve had to give up my beach career because my scars were starting too many stampedes.”

I agree with LuluandPhoebe—real everyday guys are the sexiest. Actors and singers and other famous figures don’t always age well. Check out two of my heartthrobs, James Taylor and Timothy Dalton:

Now check out my own Dreamboat back in 1980 before we were engaged (at Homestead Florida’s Coral Castle) and 23 years later in 2003 (in our side yard), just recovered from surgery #13. I have to tell you, ladies, he’s still got it, and I don’t just mean the same pair of Ray Bans.

One more photo. This one was taken in the hospital right after surgery #13 and Steve looks much better than he has any right to look. He was in pretty dicey condition when this was taken. If you can look this studly with a poofy stuffed alligator sitting on your head, you’ve definitely got it. We were best friends four years in college before we started dating each other. The college installed a pool our senior year and we started swimming a mile a day together. I’ve always claimed it was Steve’s bare chest that cinched the deal, so here’s a gratuitous shot of his sexy chest hair as my closing argument. Ignore the groshong (the long-term port that drops IV meds directly into your heart)—those days are over now, hopefully forever.

Doesn’t he have gorgeous green eyes?