Summer Miracle

The summer of 2009 started like any other. Our two kids were out of school and ready for summer fun. The plan this summer was to go to Louisiana to drop off my friend Diane and her two kids at her mom’s and then to head down to southern Louisiana to pick up my sister and then off to see family in South Carolina.
After a lot of talking and prayer it was decided that we would put our trip off another year. Our son Matt who has Autism was to start Mayfair, a new school in September and we felt the transition would be easier for him if he went to summer school at Mayfair. Matt started Mayfair the end of June and was loving it. We had made the right decision.
We made plans to go to our time share in Ramona, CA so we all would have a little get away this summer. Everyone was so excited. No plans were made to visit Sea World or Lego land this trip, just hang out by the pool and maybe a drive to Julian.
On July 11th, Eric came home from work and headed up the stairs as he usually does. Only tonight was different. He was very slow. I hollered down and asked him if he was okay. He said yes, just very tired. We thought nothing of it because his job with AT&T can be very draining. He made it up and just relaxed the rest of the evening and seemed to be fine.
On July 12th Eric went to downtown Disney. He wanted to get some Lego’s for us to build while we were in Ramona. He was only gone a few hours when he called and told me he had found some but he wanted me to go during the week to use my Disney pass to get the discount. No problem I told him and he said he was heading home. Apparently this day he was feeling like he had the flu and just felt drained. He never mentioned this to me and I found out about it way later.
Sunday night was a lot of fun. We played with the kids, watched TV and talked about our trip. Everyone was excited. We put the kids to bed and then as we normally do kept playing with them. This night it was sneaking into their room and tossing a quacking duck on Katie. Matt was asleep. He can really ignore us when he wants. But Katie was having fun getting out of bed and throwing the duck back in our room. Fun time was finally over and the “I love you’s” were said to all and we all went to sleep.
On July 13th, I got Matt up for school, Eric up for work and Katie up to go with me to take her little brother to school. After a crazy fun morning of everyone being silly, again the “I love you’s” were said and everyone was off to their day.
Katie and I went and did some errands. I had bought a pair of shorts and a shirt and joked to Katie that it would be my birthday gift from dad. We laughed and headed over to pick up Matt from school and then home.
Eric always calls me from work when he has a break. Today I had not heard from him and it was getting close to 4pm. I figured he must be really busy. Not long after that thought, my cell phone rang and it was Eric’s boss. He told me that Eric had had a massive heart attack. Now anyone that knows our family well, knows we joke a lot and maybe too much. With that being said, I thought Eric had put his boss up to this horrible joke only because he didn’t sound serious. As I asked him to tell me again what he said, I could then tell he was serious.
My world just stopped. What do I do? I remember my entire body shaking uncontrollably. I need help. Who do I call? Where are the kids? I can’t let them see me like this. Calm down, calm down, I kept repeating this, but how do you calm down? God, yes God help me! He did. My thoughts then went to who do I call. I have no relatives here. But I do have family. I called Paula. Exactly what I said to her, I am not sure. This is what I think I said…Paula Eric had a massive heart attack, I don’t know what to do, I need help. Paula said to me, what do you need? I need someone to watch my kids and someone to take me to the hospital. Don’t worry she said, someone will be there within 15 minutes.
I called my sister and asked her to call my other siblings and start praying. I then had calls to make to the hospital and to some other lady Eric’s boss told me to call. She would give me more information. No, she wouldn’t. I begged her for something. Tell me anything. She finally told me Eric was still alive and in surgery.
Amy showed up in what seemed like just five minutes from hanging up with Paula. She was going to stay with the kids until Wendy got here. Paula was coming to take me to Cedars Sinai Hospital where they had taken Eric.
Amy, Amy, bless her heart. She was the first person I saw after the phone call and I sure needed that hug and prayer from her.
The kids, had stayed upstairs through this whole time. When Amy came Matt ran down and then I believe back upstairs. Katie came down and knew something was up. I had managed to calm myself and just told her that daddy had fallen and was in the hospital. Amy was going to stay with them until Wendy got here and Ms. Paula was going to take me to the hospital. He had fallen, that was true and I really did not think she needed to know any more then that at that time.
Paula came and off we went. Her daughter Jody was giving us directions over the phone and I do remember looking over and seeing that Paula was going 80 mph and telling her that I think we are going to get pulled over. She said good, I want to. Then the police officer can lead us to the hospital. Well, no police that day, a lot of praying that we not only find the hospital, but that we make it.
When we got to the hospital, I had already been told to head right up to the 6th floor. Eric was there in the cath lab. Of course when we get there no one seems to know where John Doe is. Eric was listed as John Doe for some reason. After asking and asking we finally found out that Eric’s boss and friends were around the corner in the waiting area and that Eric was still in surgery.
We knew his friends right away because of their work badges and boots. I remember them being so nice and so concerned. They told us that no doctor had come out yet to tell them anything, which I thought that meant they were still working on him. A lady brought up food for all of us, but eating was the last thing my stomach could handle.
Finally after some time, a man came out and asked me to go back with him. Why I did not have Paula go with me, I don’t know. I should have, because trying to remember what someone is telling you when your in a bad frame of mind, is not good.
When I got to the room there was a doctor who came out and asked me to sit. I remember thinking, oh no, he wants me to sit, this is not going to be good. So I told him no, I would stand. Like some how me standing would change whatever news this doctor was about to tell me. He insisted I sit and I gave in and sat.
He told me all that Eric had been through. Apparently Eric was at Jack-in-Box. He had ordered a shake and just after he sat down the manager heard a loud bang and knew right away what had happened. Eric had fallen, hit the right side of his head on the table and down to the floor. The manager told his crew to call 911 and he immediately started CPR. There happened to be a police officer sitting next to Eric when this all happened. He also called 911 which we would later find out that if a police officer calls 911, they will get there ASAP. That may not be true, but that’s what we were told.
The officer helped the manager with CPR and then they had to use a portable crash cart on Eric. Thank you God that Jack-in-the-Box trains their employees to use this and CPR. Within a matter of minutes Eric was at Cedars Sinai. Timing with a massive heart attack is very important. The sooner CPR starts, the less chance of brain damage due to lack of oxygen to the brain. Every second counts.
The doctor told me that Eric’s chances of surviving were very slim but they were going to do everything possible. He told me to give them about 15 minutes and I could see him. I ran out to the lobby to tell the folks there what was going on and that they were going to take Eric to Sapperstien building, 6th floor CCU. I then headed back I was able to see Eric and walk with him to his room. I had never seen anyone with so much stuff hooked up to them. I could only reach two fingers in between stuff to touch his arm and let him know I was there with him and he was going to be just fine.
The rest of our story is going to be told in just events that happened. I don’t remember what day it happened, so bare with me.
There was a lobby full of Eric’s family and friends as the word got out. I did not know many of them but was comforted that they were there. My phone rang constantly and my dear friend Paula stayed by my side. Lots of doctors were coming out telling me many things. Things I did not understand. At one point on the first day, there were many doctors talking to me at the same time. A women doctor had papers in her hand and she was asking me to sign DNR forms. I remember being very upset with her telling her no, yall need to do everything you can for him, don’t give up on him. I never saw her again or the forms.
Then there was Dr. Doom. So named because every time he came to talk to me he had nothing good to say. I would be given hope and then Dr. Doom would come out. It was a yo-yo with them.
Carol called me and I asked her to come. Michelle came with her and they stayed till about 4am with Paula and I. Carol was surprised at all the people up there. She knew I had no relatives here, but Eric does and many friends from work we found out.
We heard a lot of stories from his work buddies. They were the nicest group of guys. Asking Paula and I if we needed something to eat, something to drink, just anything. They brought us puzzle books, colors and crayons and folks brought snacks and magazines.
They were all appreciated so much.
Eric’s brother Mike and wife Sheryl and their two boys got here on Tuesday the 14th. Paula got to go home and Sheryl would now stay with me at the hospital. Mike would stay at the house with the kids and get Matt off to school each day.
When you have a child with Autism, their little world needs to stay the same or it can really throw them. So, it was really important that Matt kept his routine going. Mike was the best one to take Matt to school and he did it everyday for 2 weeks. He would pick Matt up with the other kids and take them to lunch or to the park, keeping them busy.
Sheryl and I slept in the lobby and every hour I would go back and check on Eric. The nurses were wonderful there and very helpful explaining to me how things worked that were attached to Eric.
Every other day Sheryl and I would go home so we could see the kids, shower and get clean clothes. This gave Mike more time with his brother on these days and I got to pick Matt up from school and have time with the kids.
Dr. Doom told me one night that Eric had a 10% chance of walking out of here. I said okay. He said you don’t understand, that’s 10 people out of 100. I said I do understand and I only need one and I have a God that can make it happen. He rolled his eyes and Sheryl said, he’s going to be on his knees before this is over. Well, two days later Dr. Doom came out and told us that it was miraculous what was happening with Eric. Big smile from Sheryl and I at him. We knew our God could do anything and Dr. Doom was seeing it come true.
Trent and Amy came to the hospital and brought Katie. We had talked and felt Katie needed to know the truth and prepare her for what may happen. Katie was very upset. She didn’t want to lose her daddy. They are so close. Trent and Amy went in to pray for Eric and Trent came out with surgical gloves on. That was a riot for Katie. Trent was telling her some story about how he was now a doctor there and so on and so on. I really don’t remember all he said, I only know he made my very sad little girl laugh. Thank you Trent!
Everyday Eric was getting better and the doctors could not explain it. They were thrilled but they did not understand. It was so easy for Sheryl and I to understand it. We had folks all over the world praying for Eric and our prayers, their prayers were all being heard. We had the entire lobby in a full hand to hand circle crying out to God for Eric to be healed. We had people laying hands on Eric and praying. People believed and God made it happen. Eric kept getting better. Dr. C, formally known as Dr. Doom, was seeing a miracle and you could see his mind thinking. He would follow Eric over to his next couple of rooms because he couldn’t believe Eric had made it. I told him one day, see, I told you God could make it happen and he shook his head yes.
Eric had a new tube put in his heart that had only been at Cedars Sinai since February 2009. The tube was hooked up to a machine that would pump the blood form the bottom of his heart to the top or vice versus, allowing the heart to rest and heal. There are only 12 of these machines in the United States. He only needed it for 3 and 1/2 days. Amazing.
Eric’s lungs were bad and his kidneys had shut down. Dr. G, the kidney doctor, really felt Eric’s kidneys would come back, but it would take time. He was on constant dialysis for about 2 weeks. Then twice a day, down to once a day. For an hour each time. He was not awake for the first two weeks.
Eric was 43 when he had his heart attack. He was to turn 44 on July 26th. On July 25th, the lung doctor decided to remove his breathing tube. This had been very upsetting to me, because it was suppose to be removed the day before, but someone messed up and Eric did not get the rest his lungs needed with the machine on during the night so they could not take it out. Dr. C, was yelling in the hallway at his group of interns for their mistake. He told them to apologized to the family. When they came in, they did not apologize, they tried to make up a different excuse for why the tube was still in. Because I had heard the entire conversation, only because Dr. C, was yelling, I told them that what they told me was not true and told them the real reason it was still in and that I had heard the entire thing in the hallway. They hung their heads and left, saying nothing. I talked to Dr. C and told him what had happened and thanked him for standing up for Eric and teaching them. He kept apologizing and I told him not to worry about it. It was not a life threatening mistake and all was forgiven.
Dr. C was very upset that the tube did not come out and we were again having to wait that he called Dr. N to come in. He is the lung doctor. He explained to him what had happened and asked what to do next. Was Eric strong enough to go ahead and remove the tube or do they wait. Apparently you do not want to rush this. If it has to be put back in, it is not a very comfortable thing to have happen to you, so it is better to leave it in and be positive the time is right for removal. Dr. N talked to the nurse and the respiratory therapist to see Eric’s numbers and then he decided that Eric would be fine. He is young and he is strong, he will be fine. So, just like that, out with the tube!
Eric is like a woman when it comes to talking. He can talk and the rest of our little family is the same way. Hard to get a word in around our house. So, needless to say when the nurse told him after taking out the tube he had to remain quiet for 2 hours Sheryl and I laughed and said yeah right, that is not going to happen. Eric was trying to talk as they were pulling the tube out! The first thing he said was “who sent me to Wilshire Blvd?” This was great! Not only did he remember being at Wilshire Blvd. but he knew he had been working. He has his mind! Something I was told was that he may not remember us or anything and that he may have brain damage. This goes back to the crucial timing of the manager at Jack-in-the-Box starting CPR so quickly. The doctors are amazed again. They are pulling me aside asking me if this is Eric, is he remembering the right things? And most of all, is this his sense of humor?
Eric’s voice was very scratchy from the tubes, but he sounded great. It was another step down the road of recovery. The doctors had told me only to answer the questions he would ask, not offer up any information as to what had happen to him. For right now we will just tell him he had a bad fall. We do not want him upset and put any stress on his heart. He had a massive lump above his right eye from the fall, so we went with the story of him falling in Jack-in-the-Box. Needless to say, but Eric was non stop talking. He actually thought he was attacked by 2 men which later we put together that the two men he was thinking of, was probably the manager and officer performing CPR on him.
Before the tube was removed, Eric had tried to tell me something by writing it. I could not make it out at all and thought oh know, he has some brain damage. He was very frustrated that I could not read it. Sheryl tried and the nurse tried, but no luck. I still have that piece of paper and showed it to him recently, he can’t tell what it says either.
Let’s go back a bit. My birthday was on July 19th. I was turning 50 and had said all year I did not want to hear about it, think about it, just let it go. But I sure didn’t want Eric to go through all this for me to forget it. But my family, my wonderful church family. You know, the ones that don’t follow the rules… Yeah, them. No food or drink allowed up in the CCU lobby. Yep, that’s what the sign says. But church folk don’t follow rules too well, especially when it’s your birthday and they want to make you feel good for just a moment, just make you forget for one small moment the sadness in your life. Well, bring on the church folk and sneaking in the cake, the sandwiches, the drinks and of course something that reminds you that you are now 50 (thanks Carol). There came Carol, Paula, Wendy, Heather, Mike, Amy, Jody and I know I am forgetting someone, sorry, with it all, cleverly hidden. They also brought a very special book that folks from church had signed. What a treasure I have in my family.
This reminds me that when this first happened, my brother had said to me, “what are you going to do, you have no family there”. No, remember I said earlier I have no relatives here? I don’t, but I do have lots of family, my church family.
My friend Patty had called and wanted to help in any way. I asked her not to come to the hospital, but if she could just be the person I call and say I need someone to run to the house and check on my kids that would be so helpful. And she did just that. We were having to leave the 4 kids at home alone at times. I had called Katie to check on the kids and Katie told me that she did not really want to be home without an adult when it got dark. Mike was going to be late that night getting back, so I called Patty. She was at my house within minutes and she noticed that I had nothing in the house to eat, and it was dinner time. She called her husband Dennis and he brought pizza over for them all. She entertained them and they told me she was so much fun. Thank you Patty! Also, food showed up at my house and Wendy worked with Patty from church setting up daily dinners for my family. They did this for I believe 3 weeks. You have no idea how much that meant to us and how much taking that worry of what the kids will eat helped us. What a huge blessing! Thank you all!
Eric’s brother Mike and family stayed with me for 3 weeks. I never have cried when they would come visit and leave, but this day was hard and even knowing my sister would be here within a few hours of them leaving, I cried. They had been through so much with me and I knew now I would be going to the hospital without Sheryl. She was able to retain information and knew a lot of what they were talking about with certain things. Miss them, I would.
I picked up my sister Judy at LAX around noon, I think. She would stay with me for 3 weeks. I really needed her to watch the kids. Matt was now out of school and I just needed someone to be with them. I would still stay over night with Eric and was now coming home daily unless they were going to run tests on Eric, then it was home every other day. The church was still bringing food, so my sister did not have to worry. She knew Paula and Wendy, so she could always call on them for any help. Judy is not comfortable driving around here. She lives in a very small town in Louisiana.
When my sister had to leave, my brother’s wife Patty came to stay with the kids. She stayed with us for 5 weeks. She got to see Eric come home. What a miracle! Wendy was wondering who would come home first, Eric or baby Cole that we had been waiting so long to see. Eric came home September 3rd and Cole was born September 4th.
Eric had to have rehab while in the hospital. To see him go from tubes all over him, to walking in his room and slowly seeing it empty out as things were removed from him, to seeing him with a wheel chair, then walker, then cane and home. Wow, amazing! He came home and started cardiac therapy at Long Beach Memorial. They have a wonderful program and wonderful folks working there. He goes three times a week and needs at least 36 visits for now. Then they will review and decide if he needs more or not.
On November 28th, Eric had to go back into the hospital. Dr. M wanted to see if he could clear the third artery that Eric had blocked. They were only able to clear out 2 of Eric’s arteries when he first came in because he was so weak. So we knew the day was coming, but we did not expect it so soon. Dr. M had told Eric the morning of his Angiogram that if he could not clear it out, he would wait a few months and bring Eric back and fly over some folks from Japan that have this new tool to clear out arteries. He was so excited about flying them over that Eric says, geez, I hope I don’t let him down and he is able to clear it out. J Well, he cleared it out and there will be no visits for the folks from Japan for Eric. Sorry Dr. M!
Eric now has to rest for 2 weeks. No lifting no moving much. He starts his rehab again on December 14th. We are hopeful that he may return to work in February. No climbing poles for a least a year, so we pray there is something AT&T has for him to do. Just the thought that he can even think of climbing poles again is something. He is up beat, he seemed to have just a some bit of depression, which is normal, but the nurses all loved him and his up beat personality.
Now I will always remember on Eric’s birthday that he started talking the day before. What does Eric remember about his birthday? That his missed going to Disneyland for free! Funny,funny man.
We are so thankful to everyone who has shared this walk with us. Who took care of our kids. Brought food, sent cards, sent gifts to help us with gas and any other needs we had. I am so thankful to my family. They put their jobs on hold and came to help us when we needed them most. Each family member came at just the time that that person and their personality needed to be here. My church family was amazing and I am so blessed to have them in my life. Thank you all!
This was my summer miracle. God gave me my wonderful husband back and my children, their daddy. We are so thankful!

It's blog time! :)

My sister-in-law Sheryl wants me to blog. To share our story. I will do my best. It's pretty long and on going. I hope I don't bore anyone. :) Get ready to share on this crazy ride my family has been going through. The hills get high and there are many bumps in the road. But you will see how God works with us, through us and we make it day by day. :)