Hi Dave:
News to share with the class. 2011 has ended on a sad note for our family. It’s probably easiest to paint a timeline of events: Dec. 12 we flew to Nashville to admit my husband’s brother (Bruce) to a Hospice care facility. On Dec. 13, while he was being admitted, my husband (Ron) suffered a massive heart attack in their lobby. Quick action by the Hospice team, and close proximity to one of the best heart hospitals in the nation, had Ron in the ambulance and to the hospital within 8 minutes and into surgery within 20 minutes. A 100% blockage was opened with a stent and after 3 days in ICU, he was released from the hospital, but couldn’t travel for another few days. I wasn’t with him when it happened as I was back at his brother’s house gathering things he needed at the Hospice facility.
When I got the call, I had no transportation and didn’t have a clue where the hospital was or even if Ron would make it through the heart procedure. I’ve never felt more alone than at that moment. My daughter immediately hit the road and made the 11-hour drive to be with us. Fast-forward now as Ron is released to return to Iowa. We are home 2 days and our beloved wiener dog of nearly 15 years suffers a stroke and we have to have her put down at midnight – I picked up her ashes just a few days ago. Making daily calls to Ron’s brother, we knew when we left to return to Iowa that he would likely take a turn for the worse. Two days ago, last Friday, we got the call from Hospice – Bruce passed away at the Hospice facility. He had been up walking that morning and still talking……but the day before on the phone he had told us it would be the last time we’d talk. Guess he had that Divine Connection to know his fate, as that was the last time we spoke. This week Ron faces yet another heart procedure to have a second stent put it for another artery that is 80% blocked. We’re having to delay Bruce’s funeral a few days to give Ron time to recover so he can attend. Needless to say, prayers are appreciated.
I was suppose to start a new job this week, but that is delayed a week until all of this is behind us. I’m excited to start this new venture – Program Development Director for Camp Fire USA, Iowana Council – so at least there are some bright spots among this mess.
Nancy