The Day the Bottom Dropped Out...

For those of you who do not know and for those of you who somewhat know, here is what happened. Thursday I was sitting at work, about to go to lunch when I received a call from a State Trooper named Bill Britton. Evidently my dad had been driving down Hwy U when he started having serious pains in his arms and chest. He swerved over trying to get to the shoulder, the trooper saw that something was wrong and stopped. Dad told him that he thought he was having a heart attack and Bill put him in his car and rushed him to PMHS. When I arrived with my mom, Bill met us at the door and said that Dad was talking but they were doing a lot of tests and we could not go back yet. Over and over again Bill told us that he had never traveled this route and just that day felt he should change his scenery. We believe with all our hearts that God put him on that path. Once they got him stable enough he was airlifted to Southeast in Cape Girardeau. Mom hurried to join him while I rushed to the airport to pick up my sister. From there we went straight to the hospital. He had a massive heart attack which shut down the entire left side of his heart. His major artery on the left side (known as the "widow maker") was 100% clogged and another one was 80%. They put in three stints and did a balloon angioplast?? Had it not been for Bill being there he would not be with us today. This morning he finally got to come home and we are all relieved and thankful to have him there. He still has a long road ahead of him but I think he is ready for it.
I wanted to thank everyone for all the texts, calls, emails, comments, prayers, thoughts and just, well, everything. It was not an easy weekend but thanks to all of you, it was a little easier to deal with. It is times like this that you see who really cares and who your true friends are. Thank you all for taking time out of your busy schedules to think about me and my family. I was amazed at how the calls came rolling in checking to see if I needed someone to keep Micah, or watch the dogs (a million and one thanks Karol!!), pick up Ashley, to check on my house, bring us things and more. I guess sometimes in life you have to be reminded of what is really important. That morning I had been fussing to Ashley saying how crazy things currently were at work and at home. In a matter of seconds none of that mattered anymore. I don't know what I would do without my Dad. He is such an amazing man. He has worked hard for our family all of his life and is everything to all of us. I am so thankful for Bill listening to that little voice and changing his route. For all of the wonderful and kind Doctors and nurses along the way and for God watching over our family. I feel very blessed to have you all in my life. And to know that when the bottom drops out you are there. Hold your family a little tighter the next time you get the chance. I love you guys!