American sportsman and joked: "I will be healthier than ever!'' Speaking from his hospital bed in Pittsburgh, the 45-year-old heart transplant patient said his recovery was amazing doctors.

But ahead of him lies a long, rocky road back to health, full of uncertain bends.

So weak is he, he is having to learn to live again.

Even putting on socks, pyjamas, or slippers, and tying buttons are major daily hurdles.

And just walking a few yards with a frame amounts to an energy-sapping workout. Talking, too, has been painful.

"It's like I'm a baby again,'' he told The Royal Gazette from Pittsburgh Presbyterian University Hospital.

"I'm learning how to do everything all over again. The nurses make me look after myself now.

"I get very impatient with myself, and I know I should try to take my time a bit more.

"But I always really try to push myself, and walk that extra 10 feet.'' The executive of the National Alcohol and Drug Agency has no doubt he is on the mend after being given the heart of a young athlete believed to have died in a swimming accident.

And he has no doubt whom to thank -- God, his family, and Bermuda.

For the warm-hearted Bermudians who have rallied around him he has one message.

"You have saved my life. There is no way I could have pulled through without your support.'' He added: "This is my third life. I was born naturally, I was born spiritually, and I have now been born again with my new heart.'' All being well, Mr. Ming should be able to leave the hospital in three weeks, and stay at a nearby rented apartment with his family.

And he is hoping to fly back to Bermuda at the end of August.

But he knows he will have to return to Pittsburgh -- and is likely to continue doing so over the years for check-ups.

It is 22 days since Mr. Ming underwent the seven-hour transplant operation.

He was told about the operation shortly after emerging from a 10-day coma following surgery for an artificial heart.

It ended a nerve-wracking wait for his wife, Juanita, and the couple's children, as well as his parents, who have been hoping against hope for a suitable donor.

"Having the artificial heart really weakened me. I was hanging between life and death on my back.

"So when I woke up and learned doctors had found a donor I was delighted.

"I had only been conscious a day, and I felt nothing but joy. I was absolutely delighted.

"I kept thanking God for my life, and hoping it would be a good heart.

"I suppose I was a little bit apprehensive going into the operating theatre, but if you want to live you have to do it.

"It's not a matter of being brave. I had a strong faith in God, and enormous support from family and friends.

"The support was absolutely critical, for knowing my family were behind me, I did not want to let them down.

"Knowing Bermudians were behind me, I did not want to let Bermuda down.'' Mr.

Ming added: "I don't think anyone could appreciate the amount of support the Island has shown me. Bermudians are probably the most cooperative people on the face of this earth, the most supportive, and family-oriented. I can't say enough. In all honesty Bermuda saved me.'' Mr. Ming was also boosted by a visit from 42-year-old Bermudian Wayne Hollis, who underwent a similar heart operation.

"He came to encourage me, and is coming back. He has been a tremendous example to me. We can't let each other down.'' Mr. Ming added he had few details about his donor, although he was anxious to learn more.

Doctors told him the young man he owes his life to was an athlete from Richmond, Virginia.

"He was younger than 21, and I think he died in a swimming accident. I believe I can get up and be successful with his heart.

"I'm incredibly lucky. I've got one of the best hearts now, and I will be healthier than ever!'' Mr. Ming admitted it felt strange knowing he had someone else's heart inside him.

"There is a distinctive difference in the way it's beating from my old one.'' Mr. Ming said his outlook on life had been dramatically changed by his ordeal.

The true value of life had been driven home to him.

"Life is just so fragile. Everything that seemed so important now seems trivial.'' Mr. Ming said he now had little time for the political backbiting which marred Bermuda.

"The importance of family has come home to me. People have got to live together.

"Even job-wise my outlook has changed. There are things that used to concern me, which I wouldn't bother with now.

"My experience also makes me think of all the young people in Bermuda who sell themselves short. I feel a great compassion for them.

"I would like to tell them `hey, you can do that, life is too short to sell yourselves short'.'' He added: "Self belief is so important. I hear people in Bermuda saying `I don't want to do this because it will take too long'.

"But I would like to tell them they can and should do whatever they can to fulfil their poten tial. I'm concerned about people who don't lead productive lives.

"When I come out I will commit myself even more to helping the young people.

"I will also devote more time to my family. I've realised just how much they are of value to me. Juanita has been like a rock.'' Mr. Ming knows, however, getting back to work will be far from easy.

Two-and-a-half hours each day are spent with physical therapy as he exercises his limbs.

"I am trying to build up strength in my legs and abdominal muscles,'' he explained.

The rest of the day is spent with cardio-rehabilitation, eating, reading, taking naps, and speaking to his family.

"The days are fully occupied. The doctor comes in each morning and says what I will be doing.

"I have to get up and wash and look after myself. I also have the dressings changed each morning.'' He added: "The staff here are phenomenal. I don't think there is a better hospital for my type of patient. Everyone is just incredible. People are so supportive and friendly.''