This week I went to see my cardiologist for the first time since I had my heart attack.  It’s been almost 4 months, and to say I’ve been anticipating this meeting is an understatement. I’ve been pretty anxious to find out what was going on under my chest.

So, (drum roll please) . . . the doctor was content (not an overly excitable man, but I could tell deep down, he wanted to do a happy dance with me) – my heart is working at near normal levels!  He stopped my blood thinner medication immediately which means mountain biking and hockey are now back in my exercise mix.

I can’t describe how I felt when I was told. I just kept saying over and over, “That’s amazing!  Thank you Lord.”  After news like that we had to celebrate, so Lily and I went out for lunch.  I ordered a large salad . . . actually I had a gourmet burger, with fries and a salad (give me a break – we were celebrating!).

Now four months is not a long time but I’ve come to realize a few things since my heart attack and here they:

Number five  . . . Dr Pepper isn’t really a doctor. For years Dr. Pepper has been the pop (soda) of choice for me.  I used to drink it by the “Super Big Gulp” size from 7/11. I have no proof (or maybe I am the proof), but I think Dr Pepper has more sugar in it than most other pops.  I have to seriously consider whether I should be seeing the good doctor any more.

Number four  . . . Everyone has a story to tell. I’ve been amazed at how many people have been touched by heart disease. I was talking with a neighbor telling my story and he started telling me all about his heart surgeries.  While we were talking another guy came by, stopped and shared a few of his heart stories.  It was like we were all part of an exclusive club.

Number three  . . . It really happened … I had a heart attack. Sometimes I still find it hard to believe, but I’m coming to the realization that it really did happen.  What helped me face reality was filling out forms for my driver’s license and health card.  When the form asked, “have you ever had . . .” I always used to check the “no” boxes.  Now I have to check some “yes” boxes.  That just feels weird.

Number two  . . . I’m still in need of more patience. Patience isn’t my middle name. I told my cardiologist the day after my angioplasty that I was good to go.  That freaked him out and he cautioned me that I was not “good to go.”  The thing is, I felt good, but I needed to be patient.  No driving for a month was a killer; Lil is a good driver, but still  . . . patience.  No biking, just walking; you can go so much farther and faster on a bike  . . . patience.

And the number one thing I’ve realized so far is . . . God has been so good to me! When you think about it, I had my heart attack while I was alone in a hockey arena dressing room and then I drove home.  Yet, I’m still alive.  I didn’t have my angiogram till the next day, and needed to be on a blood thinner because my heart damaged.  Yet, four months later I’m off that blood thinner. This past Wednesday, I found out God’s been healing my heart. God blew me away and I am so thankful.

Until Next Time!

Pastor Paul

Question:  What are you most thankful to God for today? Leave your comment below.