For those who have wondered where I’ve been, I’ve been dealing with another “Blink of an Eye” event.
Life changes in a “Blink of an Eye!” My life changed forever as I listened to a voice mail on May 18, 2000. That was when and how I learned of my daughter ‘s, Emily’s, attempted suicide. That was the day that I entered into the world of mental illness, not as member of an extended family dealing with mental health issues, but as a father of a daughter who was ill. My life changed in the blink of an eye.
Everyone one of us has had a “blink of an eye” experience: Lost job, lost wealth, death of a loved one, abandonment, just to name a few.
My fiancée, Kathy, complained about numbness on her right side the morning of May 29th. Her speech, facial expressions, balance were all normal. “I must have slept the wrong way”, was her logical reasoning, and off to work she goes. Two hours later, I get a call from Kathy telling me that she still felt numb and thought she should go and “get checked out”! I immediately left to pick her up and take her to the Emergency Room. Within minutes we discover she had experienced a stroke or a TIA, A TIA is a transient ischemic attack, a “mini stroke” that occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery for a short time. Life changed for Kath and me in “the blink of an eye”.
She is much better today thanks to the prompt diagnosis and treatment she received in the next 24 hours. She had a CAT scan, MRI, and more. She was released from the hospital with a list of additional tests to undergo. She’s now on prescription drugs for blood pressure, cholesterol, and an aspirin once per day.
Kathy does have residual neurological symptoms, in that her right side becomes weak after our walks. She also noticed the same occurrence after serving coffee to several residents at her job; again, when driving in “beep and creep” traffic having to put her foot on the brake frequently.
We are making changes in our life style which include, but not limited to, portion control, decreased sodium intake, limiting alcohol intake, and daily long walks. I’m sure Physical Therapy will be prescribed too.
It is our faith in God that sustains us, especially in times of crisis. Kathy shares my love for “Duct Tape”, focused reflective prayer. “Duct Tape” is an integral part of Kath’s recovery. We spend time in the “Word” each day, seeking wisdom and understanding. We have open and honest dialog with one another in His Presence. We trust in His Word when He says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God; and the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4: 6-7) Duct Tape will keep us in alignment with our life style choices.
If you share our faith in Christ, you can help by adding us to your prayer list. Please pray for His help in keeping us on our new path to wellness. What we have is so precious; please pray that we will, indeed, grow old together.
