A husband lies in an Austin hospital at this very moment, awaiting a heart biopsy at 9am. It's a very delicate procedure, full of risks, but necessary because it turns out he has lots and lots of heart problems. I don't know him, except from what I've read in his wife's blog (Stephanie Klein.) From what she's written, I do know he's a caring husband and father, and he's only forty-one - way too young to be facing what he's facing.
About six years ago - it seems like it's been longer than that - Tom was sure something was wrong with his heart. Initial tests didn't reveal anything, but thank goodness, he was persistant: it turned out he had an arterial blockage. The doctor prompty inserted a stent, and so far, so good, knock on wood, see the cardiologist twice a year, eat right and pray every day, he hasn't had any more problems. Yet. His family history, as far as heart health goes, isn't very good. It scares me, the thought of losing him.
I don't personally know Stephanie and Phil, but my heart goes out to them. I've already said some prayers for them, and will step it up in a few minutes, at 9am. If you're reading this, please keep them in your prayers. They've already had more than their share of tough times in their short married life.
And while you're praying, please send up a few for the child of a friend of mine who continues to have problems with alcohol and drugs. That's the tricky thing about being a parent - you only have so much control over the choices your kids make, but you never stop being their parent, your heart never ceases being vulnerable to breakage, no matter how old they are.
