demolition of a parking garage? Club (aka home of The Masters)?
For those who know about our years of entering and being unsuccessful in The Masters tickets random lottery drawing, this answer comes as a big surprise. Yet, a "Big Surprise" is the reason for my answer.
First, I must back up one week:
Initially, we were told Jeff was having a minor heart attack as indicated by his abnormal EKG. I must have looked like the most cold-hearted wife as I sat in Jeff's ER room, emotionless and typing a text to my parents, as a flurry of nurses with IVs, oxygen and medications were prepping him for surgery. Once again, the words "Star 80" were uttered but a glimmering of hope as I was told they weren't "officially" making the diagnosis until a lab test came back. A nurse asked me if I was OK because she said she wasn't used to seeing a spouse so calm. If I appeared calm, it was NOT because of strength in the midst of chaos. If I appeared calm, it was because I was in denial. Denial that is could be happening again. Denial that we wouldn't be going home that night. Denial I would have to tell my son, who has been resisting going to school for fear of leaving his dad's side and having something happen to him again, that something did indeed happen again. I sat there feeling numb.
The results came back quickly, the cardiologist let us know it was NOT a heart attack. Instead, it could be something still dangerous: an infection of the fluid around his heart. It was this fluid causing his EKG to be abnormal. Jeff was admitted back to the hospital. His blood pressure was dropping and he was having very sharp pains and palpitations with irregular heartbeats. He was checked for a blood clot in the lung and thankfully, this was ruled out. They told us about a condition called Cardiac Tamponade, a condition that can be dangerous if allowed to progress and not caught in time. Jeff's was caught in time before any extreme surgical procedures or danger was involved.
Once again we were blessed with some outstanding doctors whose devotion and dedication led to the accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment through a series of strong medications in Jeff's IV relieving him of his pain and reducing the inflammation around the heart. We had the most amazing infectious disease specialist who came and spent a lot of time talking, examining and LISTENING to Jeff late on a Sunday night, in order to pin down the exact cause of the problem. Then, not too long before midnight, the partner for Jeff's primary care physician came up to examine and visit with him, showing genuine concern. We had been told by many staff members that these doctors would not be making any calls that late on a Sunday night. Not only did they come see us, they did it with a sincere level of passion that led them to a profession "to improve the lives of the people they serve". There was no grumbling, no complaining about leaving their warm homes on a cold, snowy night, no rush to do the minimum to get by until they could see us when it was more convenient during regular business hours. They served and we were humbled.
As I woke the following Monday morning, a wave of panic I had been trying to stifle for the past few weeks emerged with vengeance. I was supposed to be returning to work part-time but due to Jeff's re-hospitalization and uncertainty on his prognosis, I was by his side at the hospital instead. I began letting anxiety concerning lack of income from both of us overtake me. Anxiety is an unwelcomed sin. I read all the bible verses about it and read excerpts from books by Christian authors who have overcame its grip. I felt as if I was still drowning in mine. Anxiety is unpleasant and I wanted no part of it. I read 1 Peter 5:7 "Cast all your anxieties on him because he cares for you" and thought... "I must have a broken caster!!". Finally, I was broken and prayed to God giving him all my fears about bills and medical expenses, fears about when we would be able to return to work. I. GAVE. IT. ALL. and God, in return, gave me an indescribable amount of peace. Shortly after my prayer time, Jeff woke up and I was telling him of how I had let go of my worry when my cell phone rang. The caller ID showed it was the kids' school. My heart skipped a beat as I thought, "one of the kids must be sick". I moved to the window to get better cell phone reception. As I looked out the window, a member of the staff informed me both of the kid's tuition and lunch money had been paid off for the rest of the school year via an anonymous donation made possible by many individuals (some who I am guessing are reading this blog). Later, I received a letter telling me of a secret challenge called "Coffee Break for the Curtis'" in which people gave up their daily indulgences for a couple of weeks and put what money they would have spent on themselves toward this challenge. I took a picture of the spot I was standing, at the moment I received the phone call, because when I look at it, it is a reminder of the peace given when you "cast your anxieties on Him" and to trust in the Lord's provision. Therefore, in this season of my life, a view from a hospital room watching an old parking garage being demolished brings peace. Jeff, however, is pretty confident that if we ever had a chance to view picture (B) in person, my opinion would change. :-)
Throughout the course of those 3 days in the hospital, Jeff responded well to treatment. He is home now and feeling better. He still has occasional sharp pains and palpitations as the fluid is still present around the heart but is reducing. He will continue to follow up with the cardiologist and infectious disease specialist this week. We are once again feeling thankful. Thankful for the prayers. Thankful for the meals. Thankful for the words of support. Thankful excellent medical care. Thankful for the anonymous donations demonstrating God's love in action. Thankful for the recent trial that helped us grow in our trust of God. It is our hope and prayer, that in the future, God can use us to be as much of a blessing in your life, as you have been in ours. Thank you for continuing to walk through this trial with us each step of the way.
GOD IS GOOD!!!!! ALL THE TIME!!!!!!
-Stacy
