Heart Ache

 

Well...I'm feeling like I've spent more time in the hospital lately than at home!  Not fun...
I had my mom take me to the ER on Tuesday morning with chest pain.  Now with being in complete heart block last week and needing a pacemaker, I wasn't going to take any chances!  As we waited for the results from many tests, the pain escalated to a breaking point just to find out that everything looked fine!  What? Are you telling me this pain isn't real?  Thanks to the Lord's intervention He had my cardiologist call me on my cell phone while in the ER just to see how I was doing and I mentioned I was in the ER and they couldn't find anything wrong with me.  He had me explain my symptoms/pain and he said, "sounds to me like you have pericarditis!"  Pericarditis is often found in people who have had recent heart surgery, chemotherapy, radiation to chest, stress and viruses.  I can check yes to most of these causes!  I am so sorry my mom had to see me in such discomfort, but thankful she was here to be with me.  I am thankful for Julie Mitchell, RN who came in and "took charge" when I was in great need.  Tuesday night and Wednesday I don't much remember thanks to medicine!  I was finally released from the hospital on Thursday evening.  Through all of this I just want to say my heart so yearns for Tom...this is why it (my heart) is struggling.  Wednesday was Tom's six month eternal home anniversary.  I don't remember much of Wednesday...my longing to "go home" increases with each ache my body experiences.

I'm so thankful that God brought Janice into my life.  She was at church with me last Sunday and is planning to be there again tomorrow!  She gave me a small devotional book...as I read today's writing I was hit with a ton of bricks:  "Hope in Suffering" was the title and while I was in the hospital a verse kept coming to my head:

"But I have this against you, that you have left your first love."

Revelation 2:4

Because of all I have been through I have used excuses not to be in the Word like I used to when "life was normal".  God keeps reminding me that He is my first love and not Tom.  This is so hard for me because Tom was so Christ-like and Tom had flesh!  I can't describe the pain...and this pain effects my heart.  The devotion ended with:

"I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich)...do not fear what you are about to suffer...Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life."

Revelation 2:9-10

Thank You, Janice!

I can't begin to express my thankfulness for my faithful family and friends who continue to support me through each trial.  Tuesday night mom slept in a recliner by my bedside at the hospital (with an over zealous air-conditioning unit) she is still trying to get over a sore throat, cold & cough.  On Wednesday I was moved to another room (I really don't remember any of this!) where my sister slept (or tried to sleep) on a recliner while another patient was admitted to my room and was up most of the night!  These women get the "woman of the year award"!  Also, Carylee and Ginny provided their own form of comfort, care and visited...even though I barely remember their presence...God knows their tender hearts!  Carylee brought beautiful daffodils from her yard:

Thank You, Carylee!

Prior to all this heart "drama" I was able to enjoy a Chick-fil-A lunch with Kelly, Brittany and Declan!

"Mr. Blue Eyes"...Declan John

On Good Friday we were able to have Zac's parents down for dinner and then join us for our Good Friday service.  Sarah made a delicious dinner and the service was heart touching.  Elaine always comes bearing gifts:

Thank You, Elaine!



Easter Sunday...He is Risen!

Matt, Lisa, Sarah & Zac

A delicious carrot cake from Betsy Berlin!

Easter peeps from Ginny!

A "pick me up gift" from Mary Gum Dilworth!

Thank You, Stomps Family!

Thank You, Anonymous Friend!

Thank You, Tracie Romanelli, Lisa Raikes & Lori Snedecor!

Thank You, Gayla Coldren!

I am SO excited for my niece Leah who had been in Madagascar for 4 months visiting her brother, Ben and his family, who serve as missionaries there.  What an incredible experience for her to have, BUT what an amazing SURPRISE on her return trip home on April 3rd...a young man by the name of Pete Cavanaugh surprised her in Paris to ask her hand in marriage!!!  Another Anglea wedding later this summer!  It doesn't get any more romantic than that!

Congratulations to Pete & Leah!