My dad had a major health scare on Saturday. Anything that happens with dad when it comes to his health scary for us. He is a bone marrow transplant survivor, so when it comes to his health, he doesn't mess around.
So, Saturday afternoon, mom called to say that dad thought he had better go to the emergency room. He had a funny feeling is his chest and it wasn't easing up. My brother and his wife were home for the holidays, so he drove them in, while I stayed home, anxious for a phone call which would say everything was just fine.
About two hours later, mom called to say that his EKG and early blood tests looked fine, but his pain was increasing in his chest. At that point, I headed in to be with mom and my brother. A short while later, the doctor came in to let us know that he was admitting dad, so that they could monitor his heart closely. In the meantime, he wanted a second EKG to see if anything had changed. The EKG was done and soon the doctor let us know that there were some changed on the second one, and that dad was heading to Kalamazoo by helicopter.
Okay.....now it was officially scary stuff. The helicopter crew arrived within 30 minutes of the call and they quickly worked to get dad ready for a ride. He didn't feel good, I know he was hurting, but amazingly he was still making jokes with all of us and trying to make us feel better. Our Pastor and his wife got there and prayed with us. What a comfort that provided for all of us. Finally the moment came to say goodbye and watch him head to the roof of the hospital where the helicopter was waiting.
My brother and his wife were took mom to the hospital in Kalamazoo and I went home to settle down the family there. It was interesting to see the differing reactions from the kids. Thomas was worried enough that he left three messages on my cell phone. Suzanna was nearly as concerned for grandma as she was for grandpa. Kathryn in the meantime was already a puddle of tears over an injured barn kitty, so her emotions were obvious as she shed a few more tears over her grandpa.
I marvel though at the power of prayer. Many people, friends and family were all praying. Not just for dad, but for our family as well. There is such comfort in the knowledge that God is in control and he knows all of our fears and will be there with us through it all.
Within three short hours of his flight away from the local hospital, a call came from my brother to say that the doctors had already determined what the problem was and had fixed it. Dad would sleep the night in the hospital and return home on Sunday.
So there it is....our family Christmas present. To have dad sitting at my dining room table last evening for Christmas eve dinner. To know that he is at home right now, impatiently waiting for the family to arrive so that we can open presents. Just knowing that he is fine, that was enough Christmas for all of us. Thank you Lord......and Merry Christmas!!!!!!
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