Why the Fishes Multiplied
For about two months now, hubby and I have been confronted with the question of our mortality – well, hubby’s mortality, to be exact.
It is not easy to imagine this. Hubby does not drink, does not smoke, is an athlete – he lifts weights, plays basketball, soccer, rowing, just ran a marathon. Healthy and active would be words to describe him.
Or so we thought.
When the doctor pronounced that his heart was weak, it sounded like a bad joke. But tests after test confirmed that something was wrong. But why it is happening, no one can explain.
And why him?
We talked to his heart (asked it to heal, asked it for forgiveness, told it we loved it), prayed, went to a Chinese herbalist, followed the doctors’ advise to the letter (no strenuous activity, drink medicine, no-fat diet), I tried to be a really good, dutiful, obedient, loving wife (was it too late?), but hubby’s heart continued to deteriorate and weaken.
Until the ultimatum – he had to have a pacemaker implanted.
The doctor gave us 3 days for the aspirin (blood thinner) to be out of his system, and 3 days to come up with the money. Almost half a million pesos or some $10,000.
I was not a picture of sanity or calmness in the days that followed because I was wracking my brain for solutions, asking myself – how? Hubby told me not to worry. In his situation – ejection fraction of 25-30% (down from 57%, when normal is 55-100%), heartbeat at 17 beats per minute when he is asleep (at 2 am and 5 am to be exact, when normal is 60-100), pauses of 2.5 seconds from time to time (read: no heartbeat) – he tells me not to worry. The doctors say he is sick and he still wanted to be my knight-in-shining-armor. I wanted to be hysterical and did not know if I should smack him or kiss him silly.
Little did we know that his friends started calling friends, asking for help for us.
People and help – financial, moral, spiritual – came in droves.
This entry is not only a testament to the miracle that has happened – hubby’s recovery – but most especially, to the miracle that is family and friends. They moved mountains so we could get the help we need.
It is said that when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. And when that good old-fashioned do-not-despair-pick-yourself-up does not work, turn to others. There you can find comfort, understanding, love. I know this. I have seen this.
To my hubby’s fraternity brothers and sisters, highschool and elementary batchmates and co-teachers, his doctors and nurses at the Philippine Heart Center, a senator, some congressmen, our officemates, friends, relatives, hubby’s family, my family (to my mom who called me every minute of the hour of the day to ask how we are, how my husband is), our bubbly daughter, our yet unborn son, to the heavens, to the universe, to Mama Mary, to God – our heartfelt thanks.
When his operation was over and he was still drunk with anesthesia, hubby turned to me, smiled, and said, I am now Iron Man. I laughed and hugged him.
Here’s to life.
Be rich,
Issa
Article by Issa. Painting by D. Copyright 2010.
website: www.YouWantToBeRich.com
email: issa@youwanttoberich.com
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Touching… here’s to Iron Man.
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Wow! Thank God everything was ok… I for hope your husband’s speedy recovery. This is so much inspiring!
@Glenda Thank you. Iron Man thanks you too 🙂
@Jeffrey Thank you. We appreciate the concern 🙂
Hi Issa and Iron Man. Good to hear that you’re past this challenge already. I pray that God continues to favor you with daily miracles and hopefully less lemons. 🙂
Hi,I also hope your husband recovery soon.
@Faisal Abdullah Thank you. 🙂
Issa, the two of you are soooo cute! YES! Everything will be fine. Sabi ni Iron Man eh. You live a charmed life, mare. See you soon!
Hi Issa,
We all have a mission in life, a destiny to fulfill. Ever since the inquirer project, i sense so strongly that your lives with Danvic will greatly influence many others. You must be equipped with wisdom and compassion to lead others to financial freedom. Both values are earned and learned through your own “walking thru the fire” sometimes. Your own story will give you not only wisdom and compassion, but conviction. So, tell your story and I know a great many will listen.
See you soon!
@Salve Charmed life – I like that! Thanks for the blessing (positive words are a blessing), mare, and for the offers of help. D and I appreciate it. Kisses and see you soon.
@Nannette Sometimes the fire gets too hot (haha), but yes, we are not complaining. We know it is the path to loving this life and understanding (being one with) others. Thank you for being an inspiration too, to D and I. We hope we can make a difference in the lives of other people like you have.
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Hi melissa: God will never give something we can’t bear. Thanks for being strong. You are an inspiration! Claim God’s promise ” God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 . Take care always.
Mommy Mel!!! 🙂 *Hugs*. Apir lang kay Danvic. Haha. 🙂
@Ronald Thank you!
@Gay What you said is true – God will never give us something we cannot bear. He is fair and great that way. Thank you!
@Pau Hahaha… Hugs to you too, brother 🙂
Hi Issa, Hope hubby is doing fine now and I truly agree that prayers can really move mountains! We just need to be very sincere and keep our faith strong and let HIM do the works. I admire your strength and love to your family, may this post be a living testimony of God’s true miracles!
Be safe and continue inspiring the blogsphere!
When you experience the miracle of family and friends, then you are thankful for the lemons. Now you know, by heart, the true power of Love and God’s Grace. You are a very special family to have been blessed with this gift. Love you guys!
@Babs Thanks so much. Kisses, kisses.
Hi Issa, I’m so happy and thankful that your hubby has recovered, a real miracle! I hope and pray for his perfect health, and more of God’s blessings to come your way.
Thanks, Jay! 🙂
Hi! Issa I know that you love your hubby very much.I’m very much happy that your hubby has recover.If you are love each other then god also with you.So keep continue loving each other.:)
Thanks!
I pray that God continues to favor you with daily miracles.
@saymend1212 Thanks! I wish the same thing for you too 🙂