It still amazes me how one’s life can change so suddenly, whether it be in a split second or a few days. I have experienced both, the former being as recent as yesterday. Wonder why we can’t experience these changes only once in life? But I guess that wouldn’t be life.
It would be a typical Sunday--well almost. Walk four miles, play tennis, eat breakfast, go to church, and eat lunch with Mom and Dad. Usually have a blank social calendar but this afternoon I would be rehearsing with the Praise Band and possibly play keyboard on a couple of songs for April’s Sunday Celebration. I was very apprehensive but also very excited. Never have played before anyone but family and never with a band. There was a pinky ring I used to wear as a good luck charm when I interpreted and hadn’t worn it since. Today seemed to be an appropriate time to wear it once again.
As I sat waiting for Bible Class to start, Mom and Dad walked in. For several weeks Dad has been having trouble just walking a short distance from the retirement facility to church without getting winded and stopping numerous times. Today was no exception and Mom said Dad felt dizzy and more confused than usual. I didn’t think Dad’s coloring looked good. Mom was concerned and asked Dad if he wanted to go. Thought she meant home but she meant hospital. A debate ensued whether I should take Dad or call the ambulance. Greg called 9-1-1 and waited outside to guide the paramedics. They arrived within five minutes but, hey, they come to the retirement and assistant living facilities next door almost on a daily basis. Imagine they were somewhat surprised that the emergency was at church. Dad got very emotional, a not too familiar sight from the man who is constantly cracking jokes and making others laugh. He looked scared and was having trouble catching his breath. Many in class seemed to be stunned and as the paramedics attended to Dad, I could hear Chuck in the background offering up words of prayer. When circumstances close to home occur, they seem so surreal, like you’re watching from the inside out. I used to get visibly and verbally upset during these times, but the years with Carl taught me to be calm and collected in crisis situations.
When the paramedics took Dad, I drove Mom down to the ER. (It’s nice being so close to the hospital.) Joe, a member at church who is a cardiac nurse came down and sat with us. Not only was it a comfort having a friend with medical knowledge there, it also was gratifying for all of us to get to know each other better. The wait was long as is typical in the ER and family members took turns to go see Dad. Dad was completing the preparation stages to have a bypass soon and this incident led us to believe Dad would be getting that bypass sooner than anticipated. Greg, Janice, Steve, and Laura dropped by to check on Dad. Everyone seemed quite surprised that Dad would probably be released. Bruce came by just before Dad walked out. Yes, I said walked out. (Always thought hospitals had policies about patients leaving in a wheelchair.) When I drove my parents home, Dad got out and opened the car door for my mom. Typical Dad; always the gentleman. When I crossed the church parking lot, Chuck drove up. He had been to the hospital and was surprised that Dad was gone.
We’re blessed to have such loving and caring friends as we do at Long Beach.
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2 comments:
Your dad gave us a scare last Sunday! I'm glad it was not more serious and that it actually helped speed up the surgery he needs to open his arteries.
I was in the ladies class but when J. came in to let C. know he had to go with all of you that is when we found out. We stopped our class and said a prayer as well. I am happy to know your Dad was able to walk out of there! God is good!
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