Walt's Journey

Today I made a trip to the U of M Cardiovascular hospital. It seems that no matter what intentions I have of leaving an appointment encouraged, it always ends up being a discouragement. Today I did not receive any terrible news, but as I sat waiting to see my cardiologist, I could not help but realize that this is now my life for as long as I live. Daily reminders of what happened nearly two years ago, physical restrictions that can be frustrating and periodic trips to the hospital for checkups.

My cardiologist said that my aortic valve may be leaking a bit more than it has in the past. I return in six months for blood work, echo cardiogram and a CAT scan. These tests will reveal the condition of my aorta, heart and valve. In the mean time, I have an appointment with my electrophysiologist in a couple of weeks to discuss the next steps in eliminating my heart palpitations if at all possible. I also need to keep exercising and try to take care of myself that best way that I can.

There is never a day without symptoms. Some days are downright debilitating. Then there are days that I wish it was all over and I didn’t have to go through the pain any longer. I have been trying so hard to verbally be more positive when talking about how I feel, and then there are days that I just lie about how I feel so I don’t have to be a Debbie Downer.

Recently there have been days that I look at my wife, daughter and son and how much joy I have had in the last several months spending time with them. There are times that I am overcome with emotions when I think about how close my family came to not having a husband or daddy around. I can relate to not having a father in my life, but I didn’t lose mine in a tragic accident. I am thankful that God spared my children the pain of losing a father.

I will be thankful for the extra time that God has given me. I recommend that you do the same.

A friend of mine sent this verse to me just a little while ago. It was an encouragement to me, and I am continually thankful for the friends that won’t let me drown in despair.

2 Corinthians 4: 7-9:

We have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.