God’s Timing

Thunk! Hurrying from the kitchen, thinking one of the dogs had knocked something over, I looked to see what had fallen in the dining room.

I was startled to see my husband flat on his back on the hardwood floor. Lying there, dazed, he stared at the ceiling. After a few moments, he stood up.

He appeared to be fine, but as I turned toward the kitchen, he collapsed again. “I’m taking you to the hospital.” I reached for my car keys, unsure how I would get him to the car. “No. Call an ambulance. You can’t lift me.” Fumbling for my phone, I dialed 911.

As he lay there, I corralled the dogs and gathered our four-year-old daughter. I told Rebecca that her daddy was going to the hospital and that she was going to Grandma’s house. The paramedics arrived very quickly, loaded him up, and sped to the hospital. Buckling our daughter into her car seat, she settled in with her “Grandma blanket” (a baby blanket Grandma had crocheted) and her favorite stuffed animal.

Trying not to exceed the speed limit, I drove to my in-laws’ home.

My mother-in-law took Rebecca, and my father-in-law accompanied me to the hospital. We settled into the waiting-room seats.

Finally, the doctor appeared with a report. “Your husband had a stroke. Since he arrived here so quickly, we administered TPA [tissue plasminogen activator].

I believe he has an excellent chance of recovery.” I sat back down in gratitude and amazement. Earlier that day, I had returned from my exercise class and intended to leave shortly thereafter for a MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) event.

My husband collapsed during the hour and a half that I was home. How differently his outcome could have been if I had been away.

Ten years have now passed; he is strong and healthy, with no side effects from the stroke. God lifted him in due time. God cared for us during those anxious times, and He still cares for us today.

Sandy Kolb