I almost died 3 years ago today.

I have never told this story publicly, but I feel that it is fitting with all that is going on in my life. This time of year is so special for us all with the death and resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ. It also holds special for me, because it represents my rebirth not only with my physical life, but my spiritual one as well.

I have always had some kind of heart problem. I had my first heart procedure 9 years ago. That worked for about 5-6 years, and that was the healthiest time of my life. I was running and exercising daily. I was even competing in local 5 and 10Ks. It was fabulous. I actually noticed that something wasn't right with my heart during a run. I just KNEW. That was June, and my health just started to deteriorate. We tried all kinds of different meds, but nothing was working. My hands and feet were numb most of the time, because I wasn't getting enough blood to my extremities. At this time I was still teaching full time and attending grad. school. Have I mentioned that I was a single mom and had 2 young boys to take care of? I didn't have time to be sick. 3 years ago yesterday I had been to my night class. Andrew was watching the boys, and as soon as I got home something just changed with my body. I can remember being in the bath tub and having the strangest feeling in my head. I didn't know what it was, but I hoped that a good night's sleep would help. Since I felt so bad I asked Andrew to stay the night with us. The next morning when I woke up I couldn't even lift my head. It was a feeling unlike anything I had ever experienced. At that moment God spoke to me and told me to go to the hospital. He really spoke to me....I heard his message in my soul. I couldn't stand, so Andrew carried me to his truck to drive me the 2 and a half hours to the hospital in Mobile. During that ride I was experiencing times of unconsciousness. I prayed the ENTIRE way that God will let me live to raise my children. Even when I wasn't completely aware I was continuing to pray, and I felt God with me. I knew that I would be ok. When I arrived at my doctor's office my pulse was in the low 30's. That afternoon my doctors decided that a pace maker was in store for me and scheduled my surgery for Good Friday. I had friends and family telling me how sorry they were, but I was thrilled! God sent His son to die for us on a Good Friday long ago, and He chose to save my life on that Good Friday. I can't even put into words what that means to me. God heard my prayer. He is allowing me to raise Logan and Hayden and soon Anne Pearce. He told me that he answered my prayer, and that he had another little one that He wanted me to raise! I don't tell this story because I want sympathy or attention. I am telling it in the hopes that it may lead one person to know Jesus. He saved my life for a reason, and part of that reason is to adopt Anne Pearce. Our life has many peaks and valleys, and Jesus is always with us. He was with me when I beat the odds and ran a 10K one April, and He was with me when I almost died the next. He is always with us, and He is in control. My life isn't perfect, but God never promised it would be. He did promise that He would be with us through it all! I am SO much better these days. I will probably never be completely normal, but who is?? When Andrew kissed me after my surgery he said it was the first time he had ever kissed me when my lips were warm! They had always been cold, because of my lack of circulation. God renewed my body and soul. Please let him do the same for you. Happy Easter to you all, and I love you.

In Christ,
Lou