What matters most

Sometimes things happen in life that just make you stop and think. Every once in awhile something happens that puts life into perspective. That happened to me today.

I got a phone call early this morning from my mom. She told me that my dad had a heart attack last night. News like that really makes you stop. It makes you think about what life is really about and what matters most.

I tend to be an optimist and I really never think the worst will happen. And I didn't in this case either. I am confident that dad will be fine. Partially because his sweet home teachers gave him a blessing of returning to good health before he even went to the hospital. And partially because I like to believe the best will happen in every situation.

Dad is a little stubborn when it comes to his health. He doesn't like to admit that anything's wrong with him. For example, a few summers ago he nearly chopped off his thumb with a saw and finally decided to go to InstaCare to see what they could do. They instantly sent him to the ER because there was nothing they could do for his severed appendage. He didn't seem to think it was that big of a deal.

He is a tough man and I know it takes a lot for him to admit he needs help. I think I'm a lot like him in some ways. It takes a lot for me to finally give in and go to a doctor if I've been sick. Part of it is that I don't like admitting I can't solve my health problems on my own, and part of it is that if I finally go to the doctor, it's like I'm admitting that there really is something wrong with me and then I have to deal with it. Anyway, I'm sure that's kind of how dad feels too. I get it. But I guess with all the stabbing pains and trouble breathing and nausea, he decided maybe a little trip to the ER wasn't so bad after all.

So it turns out he has clogged arteries and they put a stint in last night and he'll probably have to have surgery again soon. I'm not up on all the cardiovascular lingo, but I know he's in pain and I know there are many places he'd rather be than in the hospital. I really don't know that he's EVER had an overnight stay in the hospital- at least not that I can remember. I feel so bad for Dad. I love him so much and wish there was an easy fix for this one. Things like this really are life-changing. For me, it reminds me how precious life is and of what really matters most.

I found a quote from Elder Ballard that goes along well with how I'm feeling today: "Crisis or transition of any kind reminds us of what matters most. In the routine of life, we often take our families—our parents and children and siblings—for granted. But in times of danger and need and change, there is no question that what we care about most is our families! It will be even more so when we leave this life and enter into the spirit world. Surely the first people we will seek to find there will be father, mother, spouse, children, and siblings."

I love my family. I love my dad. I love my mom. I'd do anything for any member of my family. They are what really matters.

I also love that even though things like this really suck, they tend to bring out the best in people. Dad's already received many well wishes, phone calls, cards, and plants. Lots of people love and care and they wanted to let him know that. I know that there are many others who would stop and do anything for my dad or mom if they knew it might help somehow. Little things really do matter. People really do have good hearts. Sometimes it's hard to see that in the world today. So if nothing else, this helped me to see how much good there is in the world. It reminded me that one of the main reasons we're here on this earth is to help and lift and love one another; To offer Christlike service and to help heal each other's hearts.

So I guess this post was just to get some feelings out. I hope it is OK with the family that I shared this news. I hope Dad knows how much I love and care about him and how much he means to me and my family. He is an integral part of our family and I know we're all praying for him and thinking about him. So get your dang heart better soon, Dad. Hey, I need a running partner. I hear running is good for your heart. ;) I love you and will continue to think about you often.