Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Being Thankful



Hi, everyone. Hope you guys had a wonderful Memorial Day Holiday.

 

Today I wanted to talk a little bit about thankfulness and second chances. My husband, Richard, went to the doctor for a regular follow-up visit. Next thing we know, he’s in under the knife and needing four bypasses. Crazy, right? Tell me about it. The blockages in his arteries (all the main ones) was so severe that the odds were not good at all.

 
My better half


It was a pretty scary time. Looking back, those uncertain hours are like a blur in my mind. The hardest part, though, was that last hug, right before they took him away. I wanted to somehow convey my love and hope and fears through that touch and not breakdown so he wouldn’t see how terrified I was. The way he held me, like he would never let go, broke my heart.

 

So five days later, back at home, there are so many things I’m grateful for. I’m grateful that family came to share those black moments with me. Their love and support made me stronger to be the rock my husband needs at this time. I’m grateful God guided the hands of the surgeon and Richard is not only alive but his recovery is going great. I’m grateful that we were at a hospital where the nurses and the techs and everyone else were committed to giving him the best possible care. I’m grateful for all the friends that called, messaged and/or texted to see how he was doing and offer help and support. One of the many positive uses of Social Media.

 


I am thankful that the road ahead stretches as far as the horizon and then some more. That I have a second chance with my soul mate and I intend to make sure it lasts as long as it can. Of course, this means a lot of hard work on many levels, his recovery being the main one right now. I think we’re up to it.

 

What about you? Have you had a close call with a loved one? What are you thankful for? I’d love to hear from you.

10 comments:

  1. I was the one that had a close call March 2012 when I was hit by a Mack truck. I spent 3 days in the ICU and have no memories from just before the accident until maybe 5 days later.

    I'm thankful that not only did I survive but with only minor brain damage and it kicking my fatigue back in I've recovered from all the other injuries. I'm thankful for the incredible online and offline support system I have starting with my husband and mom.

    May your husband have a complete recovery and be better than ever.

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    1. What a terrible accident, Tasha! It must have been pretty scary, too. I'm so happy that you're doing better and that you had all that support. It has made a big difference. God bless.

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    2. I hear it was scary to everyone around me. By the time I was aware of what had happened I was more focused on reassuring everyone I was ok, getting out of the hospital into rehab, and then getting home. It took over 9 months for it to hit me that I almost died. By that point I was 90% recovered.

      I actually began working from the hospital less than 10 days after the accident. I drove the people at rehab crazy as in addition to all they were doing physically & mentally for my rehab I was working 6-9 hour days... Turns out that may not have been the best of ideas. But on the other hand they said that may be why cognitively I was improving way faster than expected. I think not knowing how damaged I was had a lot to do with it to. LOL

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  2. What a beautiful post, Joanna. I'm glad your husband is going to be okay. Your attitude shines.

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    1. Thank you so much for stopping by and for your kind words. He's my walking miracle. Thanks again.

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  3. Exactly 5 years ago this week I got a phone call that they were flying my only son in a helicopter to USC medical Center after a motorcycle accident he had while riding with his dad. Let me tell you, that put my depression I was in because of my heart breaking divorce into perspective!
    I give Thanks every day of my health and the health of the ones I love!

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    1. Thanks for stopping by. What a nightmare! Those calls are plain horrendous. My husband rides too and the possibility of an accident is always at the back of my mind. Thank you for sharing your story.

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  4. I was 5 yrs old and my Mom was bringing a surprise home for us, I wished with all my heart for a guinea pig. She gave us Richard Ernest.
    Images of him growing up are like a slideshow in my mind. Three years old and the family dog dragging him out of the creek by his diaper. Eight years old and stretching up to reach the counter at the corner store. His first broken bone, his first tattoo, his first car wreck, his first child.
    Now, his first surgery. As they wheeled him down the hallway, I stood in the shadows and watched as he disappeared around the corner. Everyone who looked saw a grown man on his way into surgery, I saw the ghost of that skinny little boy I've loved for so long. I am so thankful he is still with us for i cannot imagine a world without him in it.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Robin. I can't imagine a world without Richard either. I cannot picture my life without him, without that miracle that he is, my sweet tough guy.

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