In three decades and change of pastoring, I have taken my place beside hundreds of people going through life’s unexpected intrusions. I’ve had a gift, I think, for helping folks calmly embrace those realities and find God’s peace, strength, and hope while staring down life’s most uninvited uncertainties. So on Halloween Eve, it seemed both odd and normal to be looking up from one of those beds being told what I already knew – I was becoming a full fledged member of the “cardiac event” club. I can honestly and thankfully say that I got in with a much smaller initiation fee than most. After few hours of discomfort, good drugs, diagnostics, and a couple of stents, I felt amazingly well. It was a surprise, having had no family history and low risk factors for such things. But seemingly other factors did prevail. Anyway, I’m getting closer to full strength, and trying to take the kind of advice that I have given so many over the years. Take it easy. Lighten up while you still can. Just find a place and make a stand. Don’t let the sound of your own wheels make you crazy. (Evidently the Eagles spoke words of instruction by way of the morphine and ativan.)

I am grateful to so many folks. The ER crew at St. Anthony’s was great. I particularly loved it when the doctor told Lisa that I looked way too fit to be having a heart attack. The hospitalists spoke with firm, confident, calm demeanors that helped me keep the same. I was minimally awake as the cardiology team did their thing but best I could tell, they did just fine. The nurses and techs, holding forth on Halloween night, provided both care and comic relief. The best thanks goes to my favorite nurse of them all, my wonderful wife Lisa. She was with me from its onset over five dollar burger night at Luckie B’s – (probably won’t see that again for a while) – till now and a long time beyond. Can’t say enough about how much I love that girl.

Events like this certainly make you stop and think about what really matters in life. I’ve had an epiphany or two that will impact how I think, feel, and act on a few fronts. These brushes do wonders for one’s gratefulness and appreciation for life. They can also clarify what is not worth the levels of concern, bother, or tolerance that some people and things extract. Besides my diet and drug intake, I think this may be the most evident lifestyle adjustment for me. The other thing I can tell you is that at no time was I deeply afraid. Not sure if that surprised me or not, but I wasn’t. There was a calmness in me that must have grown from the awareness I was in the best of hands, both doctors and divine. That said, I sure am glad to have awakened on this side of the Jordan. I have a great love for life that this will no doubt greaten. I will love my wife, family, and dear friends even more deeply if that’s possible. And I treasure my calling to serve the God who was present with me through it all. I pray that this experience will render me better able to care for others in those sacred moments.

I expect to be back with you Sunday and in close to full swing the week after that. A week ago I would have told you that was my plan. But I’m learning that God laughs when you do that. I certainly didn’t plan this particular adventure. But I am glad that I am around and doing well enough to look forward to what awaits us all together.

Blessings,
Glen