My father, who is almost 83, is generally very active and in good health. Yes, he had a quadruple bypass 12 years ago, and yes he has high blood pressure, but at that age, those types of maladies seem par for the course.Ā The picture above was taken less than a month ago when my parents took a 2 week long trip touring around China. He walked 5-6 miles some days and up and down countless stairs (think Great Wall of China) at the same pace as folks half his age. Ā So it was a shock to us when last week he suffered a heart attack.
He had to go in for emergency surgery. Two of his previous bypass arteries were 100% and 99% blocked! It was so frightening. Ā He made it through surgery well and then went to the critical care unit for post-surgical care. Unfortunately he had some complications (bleeding at the catheterization site and difficulty breathing from fluid in his lungs). Ā He had to stay in the hospital for an extra couple of days. Ā My sister and I took turns staying with him so that we could help translate (medical terminology is difficult for anyone to understand, let alone for people for whom English is a second or third language like my dad).
He is at home now and resting/recuperating well; thank heaven! We are so grateful that he made it through this near-death experience. It reminds me that every day is a gift, even the bad days. š
Anyway, all of this is to say that I had no time to craft this week. I wouldn’t change a thing since I got to spend good quality time with my dad, but when he was finally allowed to go home, I had a stack of work to catch up on … and, of course, there is the little matter of sleep. LOL Anyway, I hope you and yours are having a wonderful, healthy and happy crafty day. Ā Hugs and blessings, Kristina
Im so happy every thing turned out so well for your dad and the family. Get some rest. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
HUgz kim
Thank you so much Kim! Yes, I think my body is telling me to get some rest–have been fighting migraines most days…. Thank you for taking the time to stop by and leave such a sweet comment. I really appreciate the thoughts and prayers. Much luv, Kristina
Thank God it all turned out well. Your parents are adorable, loved the photos. TFS
Thank you so much Michelle. I think they’re pretty adorable too. š Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by and leave such a kind comment. Hugs, Kristina
I celebrate with you and thank God for your parents
Thank you so much Lora! Yes, I am so thankful. YThanks for taking the time to leave a sweet comment. Hugs, Kristina
I’m so thankful that your dad is better.
Thank you so much Deanna. Yes, thank heavens he is doing much better now. š Thanks for taking the time to leave a sweet comment. Hugs, Kristina
Sounds like you did the right thing and put your dad first. I don’t think you would ever regret that decision. You obviously have wonderful parents that raised good kids. That dad of yours is one mighty determined man to pull through all of that at his age. God is good!
Thank you so much Linda! Yes, I know family comes first before all else, and once I made my decisions clear, everyone I worked with (whether or not they agreed with me) only had supportive and kind things to say. š God is good! TF stopping by. Big hugs, Kristina
Hi sweetie, I’m so happy that it all turned out well. Prayers and thoughts for a speedy recovery š big hugs Jane
Thank you so very much Jane! I so appreciate the well wishes and the prayers. Big tight hugs, Kristina
Praises, praises.
Good quality time with family and friends is what really makes our lives wonderful. I hope you are rested soon and able to enjoy the other things that make life wonderful!
Thank you so much Vicki! I totally agree with you. Family is everything. š I feel so blessed and am so grateful I have my parents and we are so close. š TFStopping by! Hugs, Kristina
So glad your dad is ok now,praise the Lord! xx
Thank you Ann. I can’t tell you how relieved and grateful I am. Hugs, Kristina
So sorry about your dad but glad he is doing well!
Thank you so very much. Yes, we are all breathing sighs of relief and are so grateful. TF stopping by and taking the time to leave such a sweet comment. Hugs, Kristina
Glad to hear that your Dad is home and doing well. Now it is time for you to rest and relax. God bless you and your family!
Thank you so much Sharon! We are so relieved and grateful. TF stopping by and taking the time to leave such a kind and encouraging comment. Big hugs, Kristina
How scary! So glad that your day is alright!
Thank you so much Christina. Yes, my dad is recuperating nicely. Thanks for taking the time to leave a sweet comment. Hugs, Kristina
Family comes before anything else…..even our love of crafts. I lost my Dad 8 years ago and it still hurts so much, so treasure what you have. My mum will be 82 this year, she had never before lived on her own, now she gets very mixed up and forgetful (so do I at 57yrs lol) she doesn’t see my sister or brother much, they only live a couple of miles away, I wish I lived closer but I’m 400 miles away. I go up to Scotland as much as I possibly can. The more interaction with people the better it is to keep your brain on the move. I’m so glad your Dad is a lot better and he has his family close by.
Huggles xxxAnnxxx
Craftylittlerthings
awww thanks so much for sharing a bit about your family. I do treasure my family so much and I am so glad that my hubby and I moved to be closer to my parents 3 years ago. It has made all the difference in the world, and I feel blessed to have this time with them. Big tight hugs, Kristina
Kristina I just wanted you to know that I think of you often and I keep your dad and family in my prayers. Stay strong and keep your strength up. It is so easy to get run-down. Big warm hugs my friend.
Thank you so much Dorothy. I can’t tell you what your kind words mean to me. I am running on fumes a bit right now, but I’m hopeful that I’ll be back to myself and my dad too very soon. š Big tight hugs, Kristina