Totally unanticipated—I walked into my husband’s office and saw him slumped over in his chair. We had run multiple errands and just finished lunch less than a half-hour earlier. I assumed he had fallen asleep and went to awaken him, but he did not respond. Assuming he didn’t hear me, I took hold of his face to get his attention and found it to be cold and sweaty. John was totally unresponsive. “Dear Jesus!” is all I can remember saying, and then I called 911. I am sharing this with you to make you aware of the steps that follow a 911 call. Unfortunately, that was not the only call I had to make.
In just a few minutes, the firemen arrived. They also determined John to be totally unresponsive and could find no pulse. Then came the next call: “Ma’am, do you have an advance directive?” (I suddenly realized the gravity of what was happening.) “Yes,” I replied, and then explained how it read. Our DNR was written in a way that left the decision up to me and the doctor as to whether or not there was a possibility for a good quality of life beyond resuscitation. They did not begin CPR. When the ambulance arrived, John was still unresponsive.
They placed John on a gurney and moved him into the ambulance. As strange as it may seem, I was at peace. John and I had discussed our wishes many times and had included our children in the conversation. The team asked me to follow the ambulance to the hospital with all the documents.
Within minutes of loading John into the ambulance, one of the young men stuck his head out and gave me a thumbs up. Then one of the firemen came to me and said that John had “awakened” and was talking to them. You see, God had made the final call and decided that John’s work on this earth was not yet over.
After multiple tests and doctors’ evaluations, it was determined that John needed a pacemaker. That call was easy for me. God had spared his life; now we wanted to make it a quality one. Yes, once again, I did have to answer the DNR question.
God’s favor was with us throughout the entire process, and he was dismissed from the hospital the next day. There is more, but it is unimportant at this time. John is recovering rapidly… and after his mandated rest time, is out mowing the lawn.
I wanted to share this story because the reality is that someday you may need to make “the call.” Have you and your family discussed your wishes? Do you have the necessary paperwork completed? I want to encourage you, regardless of your age, taking care of this is critically important. Many simple forms are available online or through professionals: wills, advance directives, medical power of attorney, power of attorney, and Do Not Resuscitate orders. We cannot take tomorrow for granted.
Please understand, the final decision is always in the hands of the Lord unless we take that decision away from Him. Passing on is only a necessary part of our life on earth. The next part is so much more exciting than we could begin to imagine! But let’s live every day we do have to the fullest—honoring Him with each and every breath.
