by Beks
My mother asked for three things this Christmas:
Healthcare
Legal Will
Life Insurance
(Hmm. Maybe she DOES actually read my blog?)
My dad bought her healthcare – effective January 1st…
And they say romance is dead.
Last Friday, my father was admitted to the ICU. I didn’t panic. I didn’t cry. I drove to the hospital.
I told my sister to knock off the crying, told my mom everything would be fine, and begged my brothers to not get us kicked out of the ICU for talking too loud. We laughed, we made jokes, and weirdly enough, had a good time with dad.
At no point was I fearful or sad.
Saturday, I spent the afternoon watching the football games on the tiny ICU television. At night, we all sat around my dad’s hospital bed and worked out who would cover his work schedule the following week.
Sunday, I wasn’t feeling well so I stayed home, did laundry, drove my brother to the airport, and cooked dinner.
Monday, my dad was scheduled for a quadruple bypass at 10AM. I arrived at 9:30 so I could give him a hug before they wheeled him out.
My brothers, sisters, mom, and I played dice games, argued about who was hotter between McDreamy and McSteamy, ate a lot of hospital food, and read grimy hospital magazines.
12 ½ hours later, they wheeled my dad into post-op.
I hugged mom, told her all would be fine, and drove home.
I put on my pajamas, washed my face, crawled in bed…
And absolutely fell apart.
The reality of the situation finally hit. My poor husband didn’t know whether to hug me… or have me breathe into a paper bag.
Dad is still in critical condition and my mom is a mess but you know what she isn’t worried about?
Healthcare.
It’s not that you can’t afford it…
You can’t afford to go without it.
Beks is a full-time government employee who enjoys blogging late into the night after her four kids have gone to sleep. She’s been married to Chris, her college sweetheart, for 15 years. In 2017, after 3 long years working the Dave Ramsey Baby Steps, they paid off more than $70K and became debt free. When she’s not working or blogging, she’s exploring the great outdoors.
I am praying for a full and quick recovery for your dad, Beks. And thanking Him for impressing on your folks the need for health insurance. 🙂
Beks,
I said a prayer for your dad this am. Please keep us posted. The. Bible says, Cast your cares upon. Him because. He cares for you.
May. God heal your dad completely,
Steve
Best wishes for your dad’s recovery. And what amazing timing on the healthcare.
I am also going to say a prayer for a full recovery.
Sounds like you did a good job holding it together for the most part. Just a side note, My father also had quad about 10 years ago and it took a while for a full recovery but he thankfully is still around to tell me where I mess up.
Good luck to you and your family.
Yikes! I’ll keep your father in my thoughts. I hope he recovers fully.
So glad to hear that your Dad’s blockage was found in time for the bypass surgery, Becky! My father had a quadruple bypass several years ago and came through it very well. He has since passed but due to a bike accident, nothing to do with his heart. Take care of yourself and your family!
Wow, Beks, thanks for sharing such a personal story. I truly hope your father is OK. It always amazes me how people react to these situations. How you can be OK for several days until the massive pressure of the situation finally cracks you. You’re very brave.
Hi Beks, I rarely comment, but always read your blog posts via email. I hope your dad recovers quickly from his bypass surgery and is back to his old self soon.
I’d also like to thank you for a timely reminder. I have actually been considering dropping my health insurance (I’m self employed) because of the monthly expense. Your post has given me pause for thought.
Thank you.
Warmly,
Lis
Quadruple bypass. Not good. So glad they were able to catch it/find it. I hope he is doing better with each day.
I sometimes wonder if my healthcare plan is too rich with coverage or if I should increase my deductible. Then I read or hear about situations like yours and I am changing nothing. Absolutely nothing.
I hope your dad makes a full recovery.
From a financial point of view it’s fortunate that the healthcare was put in place before this happened.
I’ve always hated the whole health insurance thing. It seemed like a rip off, particularly for someone like me with a pre-existing condition I’ve had since I was 18. I could get insured but the monthly premiums were astronomical. It didn’t seem to make sense to do it. The health care reform did nothing to change or improve that. I can get insured but premiums are insanely high.
That said, last month I personally landed in intensive care. Tens of thousands of dollars in hospital bills compared to insanely high premiums and I think I actually break even on net cost. That’s before I negotiate the bills down to something more reasonable, which I definitely intend to do.
Thinking of you…it’s hard to see someone you love go through anything that deals with pain.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery. Will keep your dad and family in our family prayers.
There’s nothing like having to worry about healthcare. No one in the modern world should have to worry about paying for their health. I’m personally glad that you’re folks don’t have to worry about it anymore. Thank you for sharing this. I can’t even imagine the emotional impact that this situation must have had on you.
I’m very impressed with how long you held out. Bravo.
I tend to fall apart on the spot. I claim it saves time.
Lis – Hope you never need it! Thanks for the well wishes.
Emmi – I never thought of it that way! ; )
have faith and it will be alright. My dad was also in the hospital last spring but I couldn’t go due to family restrictions. My sister and I decided that we would take turns going to visit once he came home. At least you are there for your family!
Since I usually procrastinate about everything, I do the same with crying. I’m fine, I’m fine and then, wham, I’m Niagara Falls!
Dear Beks, I hope your dad is recovering well, and I hope you are too. I noticed you tend to hold things in and get through the situation then it all hits you at once. I do this myself and it can be a useful tool, but I have learned that its okay to let myself be scared from time to time and to let someone else take charge once in a while. I find I can still be strong even if I admit my fear. I hope the best for both of you.
Tanya
As I read your mom’s Christmas wishlist I smiled to myself….just before the year ended hubby and I did out will (filed in county) not just fill one out on a 8×11 page at home. We are in our late 20’s and have that all taken care of. Earlier last year we got out life insurance and thankfully have had health insurance for many years now. People think they need the latest pair of designer jeans, car or shoes. Um, no what you NEED in life is health care, life insurance and a will.