Heart

My adventure for this week sure isn't what I thought it would be.  Last Wednesday (July 18) I started the day right with the 5:30 swim class and followed it up later in the day with a 2200+ swim at Donevan pool.  Work was crazy so I did not make it up to the lake and I'm so happy it happened this way.

The adventure started as I was coming home and turned the street to see an ambulance down at the end of our street.  I was hoping it was in front of our neighbours but I knew it was in front of our house.  My husband was being rushed off to hospital with a heart attack.  It was a big one and they sent him into Toronto for angioplasty and finally made it back to our home hospital today.  He'll be in for a little bit but I'm so lucky that he was smart enough to call the ambulance.

When I first met Barry he was the one always going to the gym and I was the one who did nothing.  He introduced me to the gym while in Almonte but when we moved in together I took it up more seriously.  Or maybe some would say I have become half crazy for it.  Your full crazy when you get the gumption up to sign up for a full Ironman. Although this crazy training schedule of triathlon does get a bit tedious for him he'll be the first to admit its his fault for getting me into fitness. He will also be the first to admit that in recent years he has been lax going to the gym and watching his diet.  It was only Monday that his family physician put the fear in him to change and look what happened two days later.  If Barry did not call the ambulance I dread to think what I would have come home to.  So please take care of your heart health.  Do it for yourself and do it for your family.  I'll be honest its tough trying to train, work and go to the hospital but I'd much rather that then the alternative. You don't have to go crazy like us triathletes just get out and walk and most of all watch what food you are consuming.

A situation like this brings out the heart in all our friends.  I have had countless offers to help from my triathlon friends and thankful for each and everyone of those offers.  What I really needed though was a big cry. I'm sure you all know how you want to be strong for others but sometimes its good to let it go.  I took time out and went to church on Sunday.  I really love my church.  Our minister is around my age (so not old) and provides insightful fun sermons every Sunday. .You never know from week to week what cartoon might show up on the screen and occasionally  a prop might show up to.  It is by no means what you might remember attending as a child.  When I walked in my dear friend Diane gave me a hug. Diane so reminds me of my Mom that when I see her its like the Mom blanket is wrapped around me.  Then many of the ladies came up to make sure I was fine and again ask what could they do.   When I moved here I did not know anyone but Barry's family and friends but now between triathlon and church I know there are people out there to help if help is needed.  Being part of this community gives us the compassion and connections that so many of us need.  (yep, stole that from Larry, Minister for Faith United). 

Thank you for being there this week.  And if we need help we might just take you up on your offer.

Liz