Papa

Last weekend I received a call saying my step-dad was being taken to a hospital in Wichita.  This man, since he and my mom met, has treated me like his own daughter.  I have always considered him my "other" dad.  When my father has failed me, Papa (as the grandchildren call him) has not.  It was decided that I would wait and see what the doctors said after he arrived in Wichita.

Sunday morning, Mom called and said they were doing a heart cath and stent.  He's had this before, so we decided to make a day trip to see him.....my husband said I would feel better if I saw for my own eyes that he was fine.  As we were driving, Mom called again and said that she needed me there for Monday...they were going to do bypass surgery....how many?  They didn't know, but most likely 3 with a possibility of 4.  So, I went back home and packed and got things organized.

Monday found me in Wichita with my 2 brothers, laughing and joking around and praying....lots of prayers.  Finally the surgery was over, and we were informed that he had 7 bypasses....7!  None of us had ever heard of that many.  I am amazed at how fast the body heals itself.  He was up walking 15 hours after coming out of surgery and was out of ICU on day 2 post-op.

I praise God that he knew his body well enough to have my mom take him to the ER that Saturday evening.  As I mentioned earlier, this man who I call my "other" dad has been the dad I've needed in my life, and wonderful grandpa to RayLynn.  We are extremely blessed to have him in our lives, and I couldn't have asked for a better dad.

So your PSA for today-----if you feel that something is off in your body....GO TO THE HOSPITAL.  Even if it's nothing, it's an inexpensive price to pay just to make sure.  Pay attention to your body.  If you think something is not right, get it checked out.