My first instinct for help in quick traveling, was to call Frank De Jong, and that instinct proved to be correct! Within minutes, he was at my door, a printed itinerary in hand, with the mission of getting me and my hastily packed bag to the DFW airport in record time. That 80 plus miles blurred past my window, as I texted family and friends, and spoke with the OR nurse who felt so very far away.
As my plane began taxiing, I had one last medical interaction as the Physician's Assistant called to let me know Burt was wide open on the operating table and things were in full swing.
My last nine years with horses have contributed to my ability to live in the moment - not an hour ahead or behind - and I believe this mindset helped me to endure that flight as I played a mindless game on my phone. Arms of grace wrapped around my heart, and held me in perfect peace.
As the plane was about to land, I mentioned to my seat mate that my husband was having unexpected open heart surgery as we flew, and she looked rather wide eyed, trying to find appropriate words. My phone rang as we hit the pavement of the O'Hare runway and I was updated on the surgery as if I were merely in the waiting room a few feet away.
All was well, Burt was doing great, the bypass was complete and they were going to start sewing him up.
This is the face that greeted me when I finally got to his side at dinnertime that evening, minutes after the respirator was taken out.
My husband, helpless on his back, smiled at me.
He's still smiling, and I am smiling back.
