This weekend I went to my parent's for a kid-free "mommy vacation" which was Dan's generous idea. I was so happy to be able to go.
I took my time driving up, relishing the fact that I was alone in the car. I stopped to photograph a church that I've always wanted to, but never had a convenient time to do so.
Mom and Dad and I hung out. My first night there we sat in front of the fire and I listened as they each told stories of growing up and stories about some of their relatives. That is not our usual scenario. There is usually alot more TV and kid noise. It was so pleasant and I went to bed thinking, "Every child should be so lucky" to have a night like that one.
We slept in, worked, shopped, ate, etc.
And then Saturday was a beautiful day. We decided to take a "photography field trip" as I like to call them, since dad got the new Rebel for Christmas. He suggested a bridge by a river near their house.
When we got there, we had a good time trading notes and settings, and we discovered a trail that went all around the river. We just kept strolling and taking pictures.
And it was on the way back to our car that Dad started having trouble breathing. We stopped to rest but it became clear that something was wrong, when every time he continued to walk after a rest, he'd have to stop again after about 10 yards.
We made it to a field adjacent to a road. Dad and I went through a hole in the fence while my mom ran to get the car so she could pick us up.
I hadn't really felt scared until I was there alone with him. He was perched on some rusty farm equipment struggling to breathe and then he started coughing and choking. For that moment time stood still. I have never felt so helpless.
Mom arrived quickly and we went to the emergency room. They tested him for everything from heart attack to asthma. It turn out he had a large blood clot in each lung. He was immediately started on blood thinners and was admitted to the hospital.
He is doing well. Just as he said he was. From the beginning, he insisted, "I feel fine! I just can't breathe!". He'll probably be going home soon and continue on blood thinners for 6-9 months. They also discovered that he has diabetes
It wasn't until I got in the car Sunday morning to drive home, that I came down off my "high" of adrenaline. What had happened started to sink in and I drove home in a puddle.
It's been a wake up call-of health,of preparation, of expression of love, of Providence, of many things. God's hand is in every single thing.
And I love my dad.
11 comments:
I'm so glad your dad is alright - what a scary experience! Good for you for taking a "mommy vacation". I could use one of those right now...
I'm wide awake. I love you.
Well said---glad you were there!
I was reading this trying to decide if I wish I was there or not. Being here puts me firmly in the 'nothing to do put pray' category. Somehow that alleviates the feeling of 'there ought to be something I can do to make this better.' I am glad that you were there to help mom and dad and the pictures are beautiful too-great expressions of what God is capable of, ya know?
I love you guys!
Glad he's going to be alright. That's wonderful that you got to take a mom only vacation.
oh, elise, i can't believe that! i can only imagine how you must have felt as you waited with him. Why does it take wake-up calls like these to make us realize how many things we still haven't said to and done with the people we love the most??!?! I don't know, i just know that I'm usually a changed person everytime i have a wake-up call, and I'm grateful that God grants so many of them.
Your pictures are beautiful. LOVE your (our) camera. We have MUCH to talk about, and soon. Life will settle down someday and we'll get on the phone and chat. Until then, best wishes to you, your family, and especially your dad.
Mom told me about this jsut yesterday. How scary for all of you - but I'm glad you were together and close enough to the hospital to get help fast.
Glad he's doing well!
My heart skipped several beats reading this! I'm glad he is ok. Also, so glad you were there for your parents. I love you guys so much!
I just talked to Mom today, and she told me about this. So scary. I'm glad everything will be okay. You're all in my prayers.
How is your Dad doing now? It was probably inspiration for Daniel to suggest you go visit your parents.
Are they certain he has diabetes? Sometimes blood sugar can be high when your body is under stress.
I'm sorry to hear about you dad. I'm glad he is alright now. I'm so happy for you though you had your vacation. It totally feels diferent when you are in the car by yourself. I love my kids but I think all good mothers (like us:) should have one of those vacations once in a while...or twice:)
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