Sunday, August 5, 2012

The Keeper of the Stars

This week has been a week of ups and downs, so I am not posting my usual hymn, but using this as an opportunity to share what has been on my heart.

There is a country song, sung by Tracy Byrd, titled "The Keeper of the Stars".  It has a beautiful melody, and I love the words to the whole song.  But, the chorus especially speaks to me.   At the end of this, you will hopefully understand why.

My husband and I have only been married just under 6 years.  We have had a wonderful, whirlwind life, trying to catch up on all the things we missed out on in our earlier, working years.  Those of you who have been following my blog for a while know that in April of this year, Dan suffered a heart attack and subsequent cardiac arrest.  It was totally by the grace of God that he was already in the hospital when he suffered the arrest, or the story would have had an entirely different ending.

He has been following the protocol for post-cardiac incidents, and we were being told everything was going along well.  However, he has been still feeling very tired, having no energy, and frequently was dizzy.  After his trip home to see his family, we decided that he should go back to the doctor, even though he was not scheduled to go until October.  He saw his regular physician, who decided to run an EKG.  What he saw on that test spurred him to refer Dan to his cardiologist.  This past Wednesday, he did just that.  I was not going with him, because we thought it was just a routine followup, but at the last minute, I asked if he would like me to go along.  He said he would - my first indication of his fears.

He was taken back immediately, and was back in the examining area for quite a long time.  He finally walked to the waiting area and asked me to come back with him to see the doctor.  He said that he had some bad news.  My fear was immediate and great.  I tried to ask calmly what that meant, and he said that the doctor told him he had to have a pacemaker as soon as they could get it scheduled.  I had barely had time to digest this, when the doctor came by to talk to us.  He explained that Dan's heart was slowing down.  He has always had a relatively slow heartbeat, with 45 - 60 beats per minute being the norm.  However, during the extensive EKG done that day, there were quite a few abnormal atrial beats, and a heart rate that dipped as low as 25 beats per minute.  He said that the difference in the past 3 months was marked, and there was no medicine they could give him that would speed up the heart and enable him to resume a normal life.  The only thing he could see that would handle the problem was a pacemaker.

Now, I know they are pretty routine, and that it is a fairly common procedure - they even do it as outpatient with only local anesthesia.  But, I can tell you, when it is being done to someone you love, there is nothing simple about it!  He is scheduled for the pacemaker on Wednesday of this week.  Barring any complications, he will come home that evening, or at the latest, on the next morning.

So, with a deep feeling of gratitude to my Lord and Savior, I ask for prayers: for wisdom for the physician, strength for me, and peace for Dan as we wait for the next change in our life.  As you read the words of this chorus, you will hopefully understand why it is so close to my heart.


"So I tip my hat to the keeper of the stars
He sure knew what he was doin'
When he joined these two hearts
I hold everything
When I hold you in my arms
I've got all I'll ever need
Thanks to the keeper of the stars

It was no accident me finding you
Someone had a hand in it
Long before we ever knew."


I thank God for His goodness, and you, my friends, for your faithful prayers.




Linking to Spiritual Sundays.

23 comments:

Anonymous said...

Linda, your love for Dan comes through in every sentence of this post. Will be praying for an easy, problem-free surgery for Dan. And will also be praying for you!
That IS a very special song...

Hootin Anni said...

tears are welling!!

The first indication of your husband being dizzy would have thrown me for a loop. I've experienced heart attacks and strokes with my parents - and then my 250+ heart beats per minute myself. So anything off norm would have me seeking help and/or ER.

I'm glad he and you decided he should be checked out. If it was ignored, it may have been too late, and the outcome different.

Sure, the keeper of the stars [which I love] is there guiding you forever, but just plain common sense about your heart health is needed too.

You both, I know the anxieties you're having, will be in my thoughts!!!

Elizabeth Edwards said...

ok, now i am crying. wow, what you all have gone through, it is like GOD has been there to guide you both through. i truly believe that is why i met my hubby. i was listening to this song this very week. what a great song. makes me cry every time. so i have to leave it on the listen to only if i can see it through with no tears moments. ha. ha!! impossible. there are always tissues around for me. i wear waterproof mascara for that very reason. when i wear makeup that is. ha. ha!! i will continue to keep you both in my prayers. sometimes i wish i could talk to GOD (i do pray all the time) & say please tell us more of the plan we can't wait. i'm not a patient person at all. i do get restless. i'm like a child in that way. refuse to rest. thankful that you have Dan. what a blessing & a true gift from GOD. gives me chills. love is good. have i ever mentioned that i truly believe that folks walk into our lives at moments when GOD feels it is right, to help us through those moments of heartache, happiness, or other issues ... he knows best, you know. thank goodness for that too!! big big hugs!! (:

Unknown said...

praying for you both

CrankyPuppy said...

So glad that you decided to go see the dr. early! I know how scary the experience is...I have two folks in my life who have had to have a pacemaker put in (one is my mother). It is pretty much a routine procedure now. But you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Jan n Jer said...

So sorry to hear of this latest issue with Dan's heart Linda! I feel you pain n anxiety! I went through almost the same thing two years ago in January with Jer. He had ventricular fibrillation (V fib) He now has a defibrillator/pacemaker. It was a very scary n uncertain time! I marvel at our modern technology and am so very grateful for a gadget that is helping so many people. I know your Faith will get you through this dark time in both of your lives. I can relate to this song...bottom line, everything is in God's hands.

TexWisGirl said...

oh, linda, i'm so glad you did not wait until october to return to the doctor's office. i hope all will go well for dan on wednesday. i know you will be worried but we will be praying for you both.

PerthDailyPhoto said...

Bravo to Dan for going to the Dr. early Linda, hopefully all reading will take note and not wait around until it's too late. I think the signs are that you and Dan will have many happy years ahead of you. Mega positive vibes coming your way on Wednesday, I'll be thinking of you both.

Ms. Becky said...

oh Linda, my heart is swelling and my eyes tearing up from reading this. what an honest, beautiful post. This sounds very like what my father went through before he had a pacemaker put in. I'm glad that Dan followed his instincts and returned to the Dr. And I'm certain all will go well on Wednesday. You both will be in my thoughts and prayers. May God guide you through this challenge. {{{hugs}}}

Unknown said...

Oh no, I read with bated breath. I am so sorry that Dan is having problems but so very glad that he got in to see the doctor. I will keep you both in my prayers.

John @ Beans and I on the Loose said...

Oh that is scary to read, thinking if it were I or my wife. Yet know by the end of this week coming he is going to feel like a new man. I am amazed this procedure is now done with a local and out the same day in most cases. We've come a long way in heart care in such a short time. Rejoice in living in these times with the care and knowledge so close at hand. All will be well.

Brian King said...

I'm glad you found this out now, but I'm sorry he's having to endure more heart issues. My prayers will be with you all for a successful procedure! I hope this will be the solution for him.

Connie said...

It was also no accident that you were both at the hospital that day. The Lord has His caring hands holding you close. You are both in my prayers as well as the surgeon. God bless you, Connie :)

Grandma Barb's This and That said...

Linda, I am sorry to hear about Dan's heart issues. Sending prayers for a successful procedure and that all goes well in the future.

CEO Lisa Anne - L.A said...

Dearest Linda,
praying for a successful surgery and speedy recovery for your husband, Dan. My heart goes out to you at this time. May God's peace fill you and strengthen you at this difficult time.
Blessings,
Lisa

EG CameraGirl said...

Oh my! It sure is a very good thing that you decided to visit the doctor before October!Of course Dan will be remembered in my prayers!

Lighthousegal said...

It is a good thing that your husband didn't wait for his follow up appointment. It is so very important to listen to our bodies. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Red said...

Sorry to hear of Dan's problem. I hope everything goes well. Most people who get pacemakers feel like thy have a new Life, I hope that happens for Dan.

Cheryl @ TFD said...

I'm sorry to read of your hubby's heart problem. I know how scary this is as my hubby had a mild/med. heart attack last year. I hope all goes well and I will put him on my prayer list and you, too. Take care!

Roslyn said...

I speak peace to your heart my friend, I pray that all will be well. My brother had a pacemaker installed last year very successfully, his heart rate would drop to 20 beats/min & he would just pass out. It was very scary.
He works full time again[he's 67] and is doing just fine.

Pix said...

Linda prayers from MO are on the way!

Kranky Granny said...

Oh Linda, I am so sorry to get this news. You can count on me and my prayer warriors who I will e-mail right away. I have two brothers that are priest, remember, so I will have Dan's name put on the alter list starting with tomorrows mass.

My husband suffers from Ventricular tachycardia and I watch him like a hawk. In fact I call his doctors so often that they now refer to me as Doctor Wife.

Jenn Jilks said...

I have a friend with a hubby in a similar situation, only this guy drives home with her form a trip, and then, asks, If you had these symptoms, X, Y , Z..would you go to hospital?
Ah, these men in our lives.
For them it is a 2nd marriage.
We will have been married 10 years this summer and I enjoy every day he puts up with me in this my 2nd and his 3rd marriage.
I have a hospice client who is too ill (with several complex issues) for a pacemaker that she needs.
Go with God.