Have you ever received a phone call that left you with the feeling that you’d been kicked in the gut and you couldn’t breathe? I have.
The first one came seven years ago, and I can remember it like it was yesterday. Jim and I were headed to MI to sing with our friend, Paul Lancaster when Jim’s cell phone rang. It was my mom, telling us Dad had just had a heart attack.
For the past seven years, after having a stent put in, Dad has been going for check-ups and everything’s been fine. Then, on Wednesday, March 10th, what should have been routine soon became the unexpected and I received another call I’ll never forget. Dad would be having triple by-pass surgery the next morning.
I immediately began packing and soon headed for OH. I have to admit, even though I have great faith in God, I felt fear. All I could think about was that a surgeon would be cutting open my dad’s heart the next morning and he could die. Deep down, I believed this was God’s way of preventing another heart attack, but still, this was my dad. MY DAD! So, faith and fear battled in my heart all the way from Spring Hill to Cincinnati.
I was able to visit with Dad that evening and it was wonderful to see him. He was in great spirits and didn’t seem anxious, which was a comfort to my heart. Jim caught a late flight and met me that night, then at 5:00 the next morning, he Mom and I went to the hospital to see Dad before the surgery.
It wasn’t long before Dad’s room was full of visitors. As friends, pastors and family gathered to pray with him before the surgery, he was full of smiles and jokes for everyone. I, on the other hand, was out in the hall asking a nurse for a box of tissues. More than once, over the next few days, when someone would ask how Dad was doing, I would tell them he was fine and I was a basket case!
It’s been almost three weeks since the surgery, Dad is recovering beautifully and, in spite of my overprotectiveness, is still in great spirits. God is so very good and I am so very grateful!
I share all of this to remind you that we don’t know what tomorrow holds or when we might get one of those calls that will change our lives.
To quote Jim’s song:
Don’t ever miss the chance to say “I love you”
Show the ones you love how you feel inside
Cherish every moment, while you still have time
We don’t always get to say goodbye
So don’t ever miss the chance to say “I love you”
I’ve felt a lot of emotions over the past few weeks and today, I simply feel thankful. Thankful he’s OK. Thankful for this time to be with him and help him recover. Thankful we have a close loving relationship and the assurance that if he hadn’t made it through the surgery, we’ve never missed the chance to say “I love you” to one another.
Now, more than ever, I’m saying those three little words because I want to LOVE the ones I love and TELL THEM that I love them! I hope you’ll do the same!
On a side note:
If you’re interested in seeing some of the pics and videos of Dad’s recovery, they’re currently available on my Facebook page.
Melissa Brady
http://www.jimandmelissabrady.com
Author: Melissa Brady
| Author's Website: http://jimandmelissabrady.com
Written: 04/03/2010
| 
Category: Love Stories
Comments: 2
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I can certainly sympathize and relate with your feelings and emotions with your Dad, Melissa. My Mom went through the same thing and God so graciously saw her through time and again. She has still had some issues from time to time which required stents since her bypass surgery, and is even facing another possible stent sometime soon. But we do rest assure that God does all things well and has it all under His perfect control! Our family tries never to miss a chance to say "I Love You" each time we talk and before we part ways. My Mom is my best female friend and she has taught me many things well by the way she has lived her life in front of me and the faith she has exhibited each step of the way, for which I am truly grateful. I am so very blessed to have such loving, giving and wonderful parents! Thank you, Melissa, for reminding us to never miss the opportunity to tell our loved ones those three precious words "I Love You!" Many blessings to you!
Amazed in His presence and humbled by His great love!
“God makes everything happen at the right time.” (In His Time) Eccl. 3:11
I'm so glad that Dad is doing well & thankful that Jim was able to be with you during that time. Thanks for sharing & for reminding us that we don't always get to say goodbye so we need to make sure we say 'I Love You' often. I didn't get a chance to say goodbye to either of my parents or my husband & not sure I told my folks often enough how much they meant to me. Did tell my hubby, though.
God is good all the time & all the time God is good.
Elaine Harcourt
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