Monday, June 09, 2008

A Tribute to My Dad

My dad will be 80 years old this September 15. Yesterday we discovered that his heart was failing pretty severely, beating at 25-35 beats per minute. That is dangerously low; the numbers were alarming to everyone who read his monitor. The solution? Today they surgically implanted a dual pace maker. The little electrical shocks trigger his heart into regulated beats that are a normal 65 per minute. Within minutes after returning from the recovery room his color was better, his feet felt a bit warmer, and his light-headed feeling was diminishing. We left him finishing up a meal of fried chicken and mashed potatoes topped off with sugar free chocolates from Russel Stover.

Was it a bit unsettling? You sure could say so! My dad has been very healthy. His last hospital stay was in 1973 for gall bladder surgery. He has mild diabetes controlled with minimal medical intervention. Other than that, he has known excellent health. He plays golf a few times each week and sings in choruses and plays trombone in bands. He is a brilliant man who loves music, trivia, sports, history, and reading. He chomps through volumes voraciously -- our Madrid librarian knows him well by now!

In spite of a frightening situation, Daddy bantered with nurses and doctors. I rarely see him interacting outside of the home, and it was delightful to recall his good humor toward strangers. He is quick-witted and friendly -- a quite likable man, I must say.

I am grateful beyond words to know that soon he will be playing golf again, singing his heart out, and tooting that trombone. May he have many more years with us, and may the knowledge of the love of Christ become his joy and strength for the future years. Amen.

15 Comments:

Blogger thisrequiresthought said...

We heard about his troubles yesterday from your kids. They, too, were quite concerned!

I love your dad. What a guy!
Now I know how to pray for him even better: for a quick recovery and also
some serious thinking about eternal things.

9:51 PM  
Blogger Quinne said...

Hi Darlene :) What a precious post about your Dad! So glad to read the good news that the procedure was a success. Love, Q

10:21 PM  
Blogger Quinne said...

This comment has been removed by the author.

10:21 PM  
Blogger Kate said...

I will be praying for a full and abundant recovery!

3:04 PM  
Blogger Keila said...

Amen to that, Darlene! Your dad is surely an exceptional and very likeable man. I have really enjoyed his easy going nature when I´ve gotten the chance to see him. We´ll be praying for you!

4:18 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Glad to hear he's on the mend. I was going to call your house this morning to get an update so thanks for posting!
Helen:)

5:22 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Tearing up thinking about how special our Daddy's are!
Every moment with them is priceless! We are praying for your Dad that he may come to know the saving grace of Our Lord!
Love- Sarah D.

7:30 AM  
Blogger Kathleen Moulton said...

I didn't know about your dad...

My father will be 80 on Sept. 17th!

We bought him a computer for Father's Day and his B-Day.

He was delighted and will be online soon...

7:57 PM  
Blogger connielafaver said...

Darlene,
It is nice to be able to still have your dad in your life. I lost my own dad at the age of 23 and he was only 43 years of age. I encourage all people to take each and every moment and cheerish our mom's and dad's, I am happy to see you are doing that, it is a great example to folks. Your dad is a friendly guy and I have enjoyed several times visiting with him, he is a delightful sort or man. He has a wonderful smile too. Your lucky to still have him to love on.

connie

9:48 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

moncler outlet
cheap beats by dre
uggs clearance
ugg boots uk
burberry handbags
christian louboutin
parajumper jackets
nike store
michael kors outlet
ugg sale
ugg boots sale
christian louboutin outlet
michael kors outlet online
celine outlet
marc jacobs bags
pandora jewelry
michael kors uk
mulberry bags
mcm bags
nike roshe run
tory burch sale
ugg boots sale
cheap jordans
ugg uk
longchamp handbags
genuine uggs
tory burch outlet online
uggs on sale
nike basketball shoes
kd vi
woolrich jackets
fitflops sale

1:24 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Canada Goose Outlet Online
Michael Kors Handbags Clearance
ugg boots
cheap ugg boots
michael kors handbags
ugg boots clearance
football jerseys cheap
michael kors outlet
montblanc pen
Coach Factory Outlet
michael kors outlet online
michael kors handbags
uggs sale
coach factory outlet
toms outlet
Louis Vuitton Outlet Official Site
timberland outlet
Jordan Retro 13 Hot Sale
uggs outlet
Louis Vuitton Handbags New
Louis Vuitton Outlet Louis Vuitton Handbags
Christian Louboutin Outlet Authentic sneakers
michael kors outlet
michael kors outlet
Coach Factory Outlet Coach Outlet Online
Michael Kors Outlet Sale Online
louis vuitton
oakley sunglasses cheap
canada goose jackets
ugg boots wholesale
michael kors bags
authentic louis vuitton handbags
north face outlet
canada goose jackets
Louis Vuitton UK

2:09 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

celine handbags
louis vuitton outlet online
abercrombie kids
ugg boots cheap
pandora charms uk
michael kors bags
polo ralph lauren
birkenstocks
true religion jeans
michael kors outlet store
michael kors
uggs on sale
oakley sunglasses outlet
uggs outlet
christian louboutin shoes
canada goose jackets
true religion outlet
michael kors uk
michael kors outlet clearance
ugg boots clearance
ugg boots canada
pandora jewelery
coach factory outlet online
coach purses on sale
cheap ray bans
christian louboutin shoes
cheap rolex watches
coach factory outlet online
polo ralph lauren outlet
coach outlet online
reebok shoes
wholesale nike shoes
2016826caiyan

9:32 AM  
Blogger chenmeinv0 said...

canada goose outlet store
canada goose outlet
canada goose jackets
canada goose sale
canada goose coats
canada goose sale
burberry handbags
cheap jordan shoes
jordan shoes
cheap jordans
chenyingying20161021

3:47 AM  
Blogger chenmeinv0 said...

tory burch outlet
michael kors outlet
beats by dre headphones
louboutin pas cher
canada goose
steelers jerseys
retro jordan 12
ugg outlet
michael kors outlet
broncos jerseys
chenyingying20170109

10:58 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

ray ban zonnebril sale
coach handbags
louboutin sale
coach outlet store online clearances
fitflops sale
air jordan shoes
adidas originals tubular
michael kors handbags
polo shirts
kobe 12 shoes
2017.7.1chenlixiang

7:50 PM  

Post a Comment

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]

<< Home