Heart Attack

When my dad had a heart attack back in 2005, I found that to be very significant and life changing for me. I had grown up thinking here's this man, my hero. He's so invincible, but he's not invincible at all. He's just like anyone else. Like you or me. In the blink of an eye I almost lost him forever. It really made me realize that life is precious and you've got to value every moment you have with someone, big or small. You never know what might happen and life can be taken away at any moment.

That morning when I woke to get ready for school, I took a shower and went down to the kitchen to get a glass of water, as I always did in high school. When I made my way through the living room I noticed my father making the strangest sounds and sweating. I was completely confused. I asked him if he was ok and he slightly mumbled he was fine. I knew something was wrong. Later, when I finally got dressed and ready for school, I came back down and my dad was up trying to walk around, he was stumbling like he was drunk! I had no idea what was going on. Next think I know he said he needed to go to the hospital and he almost fell to his knees in weakness. I didn't know what to do. I was at a loss. I was 17 and in that moment I couldn't even remember how to get to the hospital! So I ran upstairs and woke Joe, my brother. I told him dad needed to go to the hospital and he shot up, very alert to everything. He asked me what was wrong and I told him I didn't know, but he said he needed to go. I didn't know what to do so he said he'd take him. Apparently he made a 30 minute drive to Joplin in about 10 minutes to one of the best cardiovasular hospitals around, St. Johns. I went about my way going to school that day, but I couldn't help but wonder what was going on with my father. I wasn't focused on anything but that the entire day. I even told a teacher that I was likely expecting a phone call from my family and I explained what had happened. He said it was perfectly fine and if I needed anything to let him know. I finally received a phonecall in his class and my mom told me my dad was going into surgery the next day. I obviously missed school and stayed at the hospital the entire Wednesday when he had his surgery. They had to do 6 bypasses and we were informed that he had been having a heart attack for a few days. It was just slowly building. I was so glad we got him to the hospital in time. He spent a week there then he was released to go home! Quite a quick recovery I'd say. Although he wasn't able to return to work or do much around the house for the next month or so.

I'm just so thankful he's here today. I don't know where I'd be or how I'd get by without him! Love you daddy!