Denny’s “Event” Anniversary

Ask any old guy what an "event" is and he or she will tell you that's the day you had a heart attack.  Well, Wednesday marks my eight-year anniversary of my event.

I remember it like it was yesterday.  My family and I were at the Lake of the Ozarks shopping.  I kept getting short of breath, then pain in my shoulder.  I just thought I was in shock over the amount of money my wife was spending.  We went to eat then back to the motel.  the kids went swimming and I wasn't getting any better, so I told my wife, "I'm going to the hospital next door to have this checked out, something isn't right."

By the time I got to the emergency room, I was in a cold sweat.  They hooked me all up with machines and IVs, and it wasn't long before they were wheeling me into surgery.  The doctors put in two stints that day, gave me a day's rest and then put in another stint before sending me home.  In this amazing day of modern medicine, I only missed five days of work.  Granted I wasn't running any marathons, but I came back to work.

My point to this blog is I was only 42 years old, strong as a bull and didn't think anything could touch me.  I was wrong!  Pay attention to your body.  We as men are horrible about going to see the doctor.  We pass things off and don't pay attention.  I am eternally grateful for my doctors and nurses, then and now, and I'm glad to still be a kickin'.

I try to do something to celebrate every anniversary of my "event." I am taking a few days off and will be spending that time with friends and family.  I'll see you again on Friday.