This text came from my wife while I was out hiking:

I discovered it upon my arrival back in Calgary around 6:00pm as I was dropping off my hiking companions. So, I think, “I’m on my way and will find out about her adventures when I get to the house.”

To make a long story short, my wife had suffered a cardiovascular incident. After googling her symptoms, she called health link. The nurse at health link said in a firm but gentle voice, “I need you to hang up and call 911.” The call was made and the EMS arrived. She was taken to the Rockyview General Hospital and immediately admitted to the Coronary Care Unit.

This was on Saturday. On Monday, she had an angiogram and a stent put in a main artery to the heart that was 90% blocked. She came home on Tuesday. The cardiologists were all  saying that she was very lucky and escaped with minimal heart damage. Isn’t  medical technology wonderful? The EMS, ER, and CCU staff were all amazing! And a special shout out to that health link nurse!

The folks are Deer Park, St. Andrews, and other United Church congregations have been so supportive. Thank you all! My colleagues have reached out to me; thank you for wonderful support and caring.
Saturday to Monday – what a difference in three days! In my gratitude, I wrote the following poem:

And on the third day,
He rose from the dead.

Chest pain and curiosity
As to what may be abreast

Led to googling symptoms
And wondering what the fuck.

Pain continues to persist,
And sounds the alarm.

Health link is called
And a calm nurse says,

“I need you to hang up,
And call 911.”

EMS arrive and care begun,
And life is guarded once more.

Day one, day two,
Day three a stent.

And on the third day,
Life holds sway.

One day death calls
And three days later ignored.

Everyday death beckons,
And yet we live.

Day one, day two and three,
The third a resurrection.

After all, it’s still Easter Season – it’s always Easter Season!