Tomorrow Is Not…
Late on Monday night, at halftime of the football game, I got a call from my dad. I was relaxing as I stretched out on the couch and was surprised and happy to hear from him. So I said, “Dad, what’s the word!” When he responded with “Jeff had a stroke;” I sat up straight, muted the TV and said “What!”
That short phone call instantly changed plans for the week. Jeff and I are the best of friends. We grew up together in DC, causing all kinds of trouble since we met at church when we were 9 years old, through adolescence – evading the police and chasing girls, bachelor parties, go-carts, golf courses, children and baby blessings… You can imagine that the stories are endless. So, are hospital visits next on the list of adventures in friendship? Wow! If so, at the age of 40, I sure don’t like starting this phase so soon. There’s a lot more hell yet to raise!
Yet, after the surprise began to settle and I began to think of the plans that I may need to change, a few lessons came to mind.
-
- The value of a supportive spouse can’t be measured. I went upstairs when I hung up the phone to share this news with Crystal. Out of her sleep, she cleared her throat and, after she asked if Jeff was OK, said “Are you going to North Carolina in the morning?” While, I was thinking that this was the right thing, I hesitated because it would mean leaving home two days earlier than an already scheduled trip. I travel a lot as it is, so the time that I am able to spend at home is important to all of us. But she didn’t pause, she knew that it was the right thing to do, and encouraged me to do it.
-
- The emotion that kids show is sincere. Henry IV came in to visit on Tuesday morning before school, and I told him that Uncle Jeff was in the hospital. Immediately, tears came to his eyes. I explained how it happened and that he was going to be OK. I also explained that I was going to make sure that he was getting the care that he needed, and that this is the kind of thing that friends do for one another. He understood and the tears dried up. Later that day he made it clear to his mother that he was still concerned and wanted to talk to Uncle Jeff to make sure that all was well. Thankfully we were able to make that happen, so that he would go to bed without more tears. This sincerity is an undervalued charecter trait that we should all strive for.
-
- Our health is urgent and must be protected! Fortunately Jeff’s stroke was mild. It was most likely brought on by inattention to diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Not to mention, a need to eat better and excercise. Imagine that! (The doctor told him that he should stay away from anything white except her and cauliflower! Classic!) I think that Jeff considers his visit to a North Carolina hospital to be a pretty significant shot across the bow. He will make a full and speedy recovery, and has the chance to make significant adjustments to his lifestyle so that he can live a long and healthy life.
The love and support of friends and family make a big difference in our lives, but they won’t last us very long unless we fiercely protect our health. These things are important because tomorrow is not… promised!