Three years ago today, my mom called me in the afternoon and wanted me to come check on dad. It was a Monday and I wasn't working much so I went to see what was going on. My boys were 9, 6, and 1 at this time. I mention this because dad took care of them from the time they were born. Well really even before they were born because he'd rub my feet and make me slow down and take care of myself so baby would be born healthy. Dad was in the delivery room with me and Gary. He's very much apart of our lives. As I was driving to mom and dad's I remember thinking what could possibly be wrong with dad. Remember, my dad is Ten Feet Tall and Bulletproof! After mom and dad had brunch, dad went on his bicycle ride which was usual, even in the heat. During that ride, dad had to call mom to come and get him because he apparently got overheated. He loaded his bike in mom's expedition and they went to the house. So when I got there dad was sitting on the floor leaning against the couch drinking some Gatorade and eating some crackers. I remember his face was a little red but other than that he looked just like my dad, strong and healthy. I sat and visited with him for awhile and mom went in the kitchen to give us some time to really talk. He assured me over and over that he just got over heated and that he was just fine. He was even a little testy that mom had called me and that I came to check on him. So after our chat I felt like he was fine and visited with mom as I walked to my car. I could tell she was concerned and very worried but I really felt like he was ok. So we hugged and I went on home. I talked to them before bed and he still sounded fine.
I woke up the next morning, my 32nd birthday, to mom and the boys bringing me breakfast in bed. I could tell mom was tired but didn't give it much thought. She didn't stay long and dad didn't come with her because he still wasn't feeling great. I really started to wonder what was going on because dad would always come out to the house! Mom said don't worry and she'd call me later. So I had planned on taking the boys swimming with a friend that afternoon and we went on as planned. By mid afternoon mom called and she was taking dad to convenient care. So I left my boys there and met them at convenient care. I went in my swimsuit with my cover up on because I still just thought he's fine. He walked into convenient care and that dr. wanted to get an ambulance to take him to the hospital. He refused of course! So he walked out and mom drove him to the local hospital and I followed. I called Gary on my way to hospital so he could get the boys from my friend. Dad walked into the local hospital and he only complained about feeling like he had the flu. He said he never had chest pains or shortness of breath. So while waiting on all their tests, I'm beginning to think something is really up. I called Gary and he had the boys taken care of and was waiting to hear what the plan was with dad. Mom was really worried and scared but dad kept telling her he was ok. He's always the voice of reason and never shows fear. After all, fear is weakness!
The ER dr. asked to visit with me in the hall. I don't know how doctors deal with telling people things that no one wants to hear. This dr. had much concern and fear in his eyes. He said your dad is having or has had a major heart attack and he needs to get to the Heart Hospital in OKC. He needs to be mediflighted there and this is very serious. I tried to tell him we would take him there because I knew dad would not want to ride in the helicopter or ambulance but he was very persistent that he get there as fast as possible. So after much discussion and convincing dad agreed to go in the helicopter. Mom headed there without getting anything from home. I called Gary and went straight home to change out of my swimsuit and pack a few things. He met me at the house, the boys were with his mom and dad, and we packed a few things and got on the road. It's about an hour and 15 minutes to the hospital in OKC. It's all a blur and I'm just so thankful that Gary's mom and dad were there to take care of the boys. I can't remember what I talked to Gary about for the drive and I don't really remember what I was thinking or feeling. I just thought this is some kind of bad dream! I've thought that a lot over these last few years and still I sometimes think, this is all a bad dream.
By the time we got to the hospital mom was already there and crying. My sister and her husband were on the way and I had called a couple that was friend's with mom and dad. It was dark but before midnight. They already had a heart pump going on dad and he was pretty drugged up. The heart pump goes in the groin area up to the heart and is basically a balloon that pumps the heart so the heart can rest. With the pump in, dad had to lay flat. So the dr. calls us into this conference room and shows us the picture of his heart and begins talking. I couldn't comprehend everything. It all seemed to be happening too fast and going in slow motion all at the same time. As the dr. is talking and trying to explain to us options, I realize this is not good. This is not good for many reasons. I wanted to fall apart and panic but I knew I couldn't and shouldn't. After all dad had been training me for the last 32 years to handle life with strength and grace. So with Gary by my side we listened to the dr. and began to try to make decisions with my mom.
Until I began writing this blog, I never gave much thought to what my mom was going through. As time has passed I'm realizing what great strength my mom has. I've always known she's strong but these last three years she's shown great strength and grace. I'm so thankful to have such an amazing mom and I hope I can be like her. Most people think I look like my dad and that I act like him too but I can tell I have a lot of my momma in me and I love it! She's awesome and beautiful inside and out. I've always wanted mom and dad to write their life story because just the stories I've heard are really amazing and a little jaw dropping. So I hope to encourage mom to get these stories down. I know we all take our loved ones for granted and I'm guilty! I've learned through this process what a loving and giving momma I have. I've also realized what a truly amazing husband I have. I don't know how I've been so blessed but I'm blessed beyond measure and so thankful. I want to always be thankful for all that I have and show the ones I love just how much I love and appreciate them!
I'll post the rest of the story over the next few entries.
Trinity
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