More From Darlene Forgues

Tomorrow marks the first anniversary of Earle's heart attack which resulted in open heart surgery. 

Two and a half years ago, we downsized into a seniors’ condo.  From being an agoraphobic person dealing with bipolar disorder, I now lead a very full life. I serve as corresponding secretary for a PEO chapter which involves a lot of computer work, I serve in women’s ministries including public speaking regarding the connection between mental illness and spiritual warfare, I have prepared dinner for 80 residents in our building three times, I single-handedly held a bake sale which raised over $500 for women’s scholarships, and served on a church committee which was dealing with the “women in ministry issue.”  All this from a woman who once spent an entire morning trying to get up enough courage to get in the car and drive herself to the local grocery store. (It’s fair to say I finally did so, but I cried all the way there and back.) 

THEN! a year ago, between morning and afternoon meetings, I had the feeling I should return home over the lunch hour.  It was God at work as I found Earle in distress and, against his express instruction, called an ambulance.  The results of an angiogram were given to me by a cardiologist—Earle’s condition was called “the Widowmaker.”  That’s a complete blockage of the main artery to the heart.  Doctors spent four days trying to stabilize his condition by complete bed rest.  They emphasized the risk both prior to and during surgery, and they so prepared me for the worst that this led to an interesting scene when the surgeon came out to speak to me in the waiting room after the surgery.  His first two statements led me to conclude Earle hadn’t survived.  I immediately thought of how best to tell the kids and was startled when the surgeon continued with “You can see him in ICU in about twenty minutes.”  My response of “You mean the operation was successful?” was answered with “Oh yes, of course.”

At the follow-up appointment with the surgeon a month later, I pointed out that it’s a kind thing to do to let the family know the patient is alive! 

Earle recovered well and we returned to the wonderfully abundant life that the Lord has led us into. 

I’ve shared this story so others may see the transforming power of the Holy Spirit of God at work.  At no time during Earle’s “Heart Event” did fear, panic, or indecision attack me.  As a matter of fact, Earle wasn’t even aware of the grave possibilities of the situation while in the Intensive Care Cardio Unit.  He had no idea at the time of the gratitude I felt each of the four mornings I received his “Hi.  I’m awake” text. 

Only God can give the Peace that passes all understanding.  You see, as I followed the ambulance to the hospital, I clearly heard the Lord saying, “It’s going to be all right.”  Because of what God has done in my life, I believed this and never doubted. The Lord made it clear that my job was to keep Earle relaxed.  I did my very best, including Easter Sunday when I arrived to see him wearing pink sequin bunny ears.  As I got on the elevator to go to the cardio floor, I smiled as we passed the 2nd floor—Psychiatric Unit.  I’d gotten off on THAT floor many, many times as a patient.  I couldn’t help but say, “Now that’s funny, God! Thank you!”