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.