Growing up, my mom and I had an ongoing joke. When I was not so angelic, she would say (jokingly) “I went through the valley of the shadow of death to bring you into this world”. While it sounds dark, we always laughed afterwards.
Recently having done a “fly by” with the “Valley O’ Death”, I can tell you that this time, it wasn’t funny. Amazing how extreme chest pain can make the last thing you said to your wife and children before they went to sleep really important. Fascinating how the lines on an EKG machine can make the line at Wal-Mart seem like the express lane. Blood work has a way of making you forget any other form of work. The treadmill of a stress test can make a walk in the woods, or at the beach a real priority.
While my recent adventure turned out to be nothing more than that, it was an alarm clock to the senses, a wake up call to reality and a glass of cold water to the priorities. It is also a reminder that there are some that are not so fortunate. You can bet that I will remember this little trip for a long time. I will also cherish those moments, those gifts, the blessings and the time that much more. My next visit will be more pleasant having done so.
Aaron, Wow its been quite the year for you. I am realativly new on the Bloggin scene but i am inspired by what you have done, not only with your blog, but with your life. I am 24 and recently married. We should be trying for our 1st this year and with luck no problems should arise. You have a strong christian man attitude and I want to give you some great applause for it. I hope you are feeling better these days. When I was in hospital I spent some time reading. A great book is “Wild at Heart” by John Eldredge. It really put things in perspective. But to get back on topic: Great Blog!