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I thought I had a pretty good handle on emergencies and situations since I have been taking care of Mom for about 5 years now. But on Friday night, November 6th, my husband had a major heart attack and the ride in the ambulance to the emergency room showed me that I don’t have a handle on anything!!
Totally unable to do anything but watch the EMT’s as they worked on Wayne to try to stabilize him, I realized that life can indeed change dramatically in a moment!
After doing an emergency heart catheterization, the doctor told me that my husband had a 100% and another 90% blockage in one artery and a 90% blockage in another artery. Had we delayed in getting him to the hospital, he probably would have had a massive stroke or even died. How merciful the Lord was to all of me!
Now, that my husband is back home with me and Mom is still with us, too, I realize anew that Thanksgiving is a good time to pause, take a deep breath, and remember all of the people and situations we have to be thankful for.
Just with the new situation of Wayne’s heart attack, I am so very thankful for:
1. Trained people that rush into situations we want to run away from.
2. The Lord impressing upon us months ago to get Wayne into an insurance program so that he has the option of not going to the VA
3. The heart specialist on call in the ER (Dr. Newton) spoken of as one of the best in the field.
4. My sister-in-law, Martha, and my brother, Chuck and his wife, Tina, willing and able to stay with Mom from Friday, November 6th to Wednesday, November 15th so that I could be at the hospital around the clock with Wayne.
5. Other family members and friends calling with offers of prayers and to help in any way we need them.
6. Mom’s calmness during all of this and her ability to be flexible and workable with all that was going on.
7. Wayne’s cooperative and workable attitude toward the situation and the changes necessary for our future.
8. Most of all, the Lord’s love, protection, care, and provision. And especially His grace and compassion in giving us a Second Chance – with Him and with each other. Our Lord’s grace and mercy are indeed abundant!
Caregiver, regardless of where you are in your situation, there truly is something you have to be thankful for, too. Please take a moment, recount those blessings, and tell the Lord how grateful you are. It’s good for the soul and the heart and helps us keep our focus heaven-ward.
Have a blessed Thanksgiving. And make wonderful memories while you can.
Shared in love,
Chris
