Homecomings...

So about a month ago my father had some chest pain and a bit of shortness of breath. Ironically he had a Doctor's appt. later that day and mentioned it to Dr. Yoder. He sent dad in for a stress test which found some warning flags so he underwent another stress test which he failed with flying colors. So the scheduled Dad for a cathiterization with the possibility of an angoplasty if they found the need for it. That was last Wednesday (September 6th) They got the comera to the heart and Dr. Nolan pulled back out right away because of what he saw. They did not allow him to go home they admitted him and scheduled By-pass surgery of Friday (Sept. 8). The worst area of blockage was in an area they refer to as 'the widow maker' because nine times outta ten the first time you know about it it is already too late and you are dead. So all in all we were (and are) thankful to God that all of this was discovered without Dad ever have suffering from a heart attack. So his heart muscle was completely healthy and strong. Emily and I headed down on Thursday so we could be there for the surgery. I was sick as a dog on Thursday and kept my distance from Dad, wasn't able to hug him and used LOTS of hand sanitizer every time I sneezed, blew my nose, etc.... Dr. Hallern (a wonderful man) performed the surgery and he ended up putting four by-passes in, three on the left side and one on the right. We went to see him while he was still out, and the nurses told us to go home take a nap and come back around 5 p.m. to see him. We did so and around 4:50ish the phone rings and it is none other than Dad! Needless to say we were a bit surprised to be hearing from him, after we had been told he would prolly be out of it for all of Friday and start to really be with it on Saturday. But for all of those who know my father you shouldn't be surprised that he is turning out to be a better than text book case. Alert and doing incredibly well Friday evening, and transfered out of cardiac care Saturday afternoon.

Saturday morning my mother received the phone call informing us that her brother Bob had finally passed away and was Home with our heavenly Father. (I know what you are thinking...my poor mother, husband in hospital, brother dying...and you are right it was tough) Bob had cancer and had been ready to go Home for a while now. God really had his hand in all of what has happened to my family in the last week. He worked everything out that Dad did well and so that wasn't a huge concern when Bob passed. The viewing was on Monday and the funeral Tuesday (Sept 12.) Dad was released from the hospital on Tuesday Morning and obtained permission to attend the funeral. It was the most wonderful funeral I have ever been to, a true celebration of his life rather than a mourning of his death. Although there were many tears there was so much more joy it was a true blessing to all who attended.

So my Dad is home healing nicely with my sister left in Elkhart to help out, my Uncle Bob is healed and in his final Home, and my mother is weary from all the emotion she has experienced in the last seven days and I am back in Chicago. I ask that you continue to pray for my father's healing and also thank God for His wonderous mercy that my family has seen thoughout this entire ordeal. Well that is a long post but what can I say...i've always been a bit long winded. Love you all and I am so thankful for each of you. Keep up the good work if we don't give up we might just make it through this day.