April showers bring May flowers.

Just kidding. We live in Arizona, we don't have rain showers in April. However, life has seemed a bit stormy for us this month. The flowers, or as I like to call them, silver linings, have been abundant. 

The days seem very long. Reminds me of the days when my boys were toddlers. Older women would stop me in the store during a full meltdown, tilt their heads so politely while whispering, "these years go so quickly, enjoy every moment". I always responded with an exacerbated, sigh, while my inside voice screamed, "SHUT UP"!

Anyway, long days, yet it's Sunday again, meaning we survived another week and we've been showering, walking to the mailbox, working out with bands...all the things needed for healing.  It's more the little things that take the most energy. The LifeVest alarm going off in the middle of the night. Running an errand for an hour while leaving Steve home alone. The calculations of sodium, fat, protein, sugar.

Mom & Dad left on Wednesday and we were all very sad. They worked so hard helping get some big projects done. I've been using a basic power washer to remove really slippery paint from a walkway near the pool. Dad watched me for 5 minutes and then drove to Home Depot and rented me a Turbo Washer and I finished in about 4 hours. It would have taken me months. Mom cleaned the pool for us and become obsessed with removing every bug that dared to land in the pool. 

On a much more fun note, we went out to a beautiful dinner at Vogue Bistro. It was so lovely and Steve did well. He was exhausted but was happy to make me happy. It's how we roll. I sacrifice and he sacrifices and we both grow and love each other more every day. Every moment. It's how love wins. 

We are settling into a very calm schedule. PT comes to the house twice a week. We go to a few doctor appointments. Steve naps often inbetween walks. I cook heart healthy meals. We are preparing for a meeting with the Social Security Department to see if he qualifies for disability payments. In reviewing his medical records, we counted 23 cardiac shocks. That means his heart stopped TWENTY-THREE times! And he's here! We are overwhelmed with gratitude.

To celebrate his survival we visited the heroes at Surprise Fire Station 301. These amazing men provided us the gift of life. Tears were shed when Steve introduced himself. Five of seven first responders were on shift and we all hugged, laughed and retold the story. They told us they don't usually see this outcome with a widowmaker. Steve hopes to be a regular around the station. We are both so grateful for their dedication and quick response. 

Steve loves getting messages and calls. Mornings are much better than afternoons and evening. He gets so tired. Please know that your prayers, thoughts and notes and gifts are so appreciated. If we don't respond right away, we will!!!

#lovewins #grateful #miracles #widowmaker