Seven years ago today, I had heart bypass surgery. It was a life-altering time in my life.
The doctors said I had had a heart attack while Patty and I were in San Antonio, TX. I knew I wasn’t feeling well, but I didn’t know of the heart attack. I told Patty that I wanted to make it back to Canton and stop by Aultman Hospital on the way home—just to see if they could give me some medicine. The tests revealed the heart attack, and the doctors said that I needed to be admitted.
It shocked both of us. That week I had the surgery—5 bypasses. It has forever changed my life. I think about death every day. It has helped me to focus on what is really important in life. It also has developed an even greater trust in God.
It has forced me to live every day to the fullest and to keep short accounts with God and to make sure that my relationships with my wife, kids, family and friends are in good shape.
"Show me, O LORD, my life's end and the number of my days;
let me know how fleeting is my life.” - Psalm 39:4
Today I was introduced to a new friend. His name is Steve. He shared with me that last month he felt some numbness in his right foot and it started to go up his side. He went to the doctor and the early diagnosis is that it is a brain tumor. It is malignant and he is in the fight of his life.
The good news is that this has caused him to reevaluate life, his priorities and his relationship with God. Today Steve received the greatest miracle that any person can receive--eternal life. I shared with him that God will walk with him through this battle and will never let go of him.
“Teach us to number our days aright,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” - Psalm 90:12
Life is precious. Don’t take it for granted.
