normalcy

So, you know, we've been up to lots of normal things, like laundry, dishes, driving to and from Ikea in a day, going to the hospital because your dad was having chest pains....we've been busy.

I did take a day trip to Ikea just south of Chicago with two great friends and it was an awesome trip. So. worth. it. We made it there in 3 1/2 hours, spent almost 5 hours at Ikea, spent 1 1/2 hours at dinner and got home in 3 1/2 hours. I got 30 red bins, 2 chairs, 16 yards of fabric, 10 picture frames, 5 rolls of drawing paper, 1 polar bear stuffed animal and some other odd and end items for a great price. I was so exhausted by the end of walking through Ikea that I could hardly say words correctly. My brain was fried from decorating the playroom in my head. Why is there not an Ikea in Saint Louis? Will someone please explain that to me?! These chairs are with my upholsterer now. Super exciting.


And yes. My dad did have chest pains last Friday. (Not on Good Friday, but the previous Friday.) And yes. He was driving to Home Depot and instead decided to drive himself to the hospital. And yes. He did have a mild heart attack. It was a very scary and surreal afternoon while we waited to hear the diagnosis of his situation, and there was immense relief when it wasn't as serious as we were perhaps anticipating. I'm sorry that this may shock some people who know my father well and love him and are hearing this for the first time. And for all those who knew this already, thank you for how you love my family. I felt truly blessed by the body of Christ and saw how so many people love my parents and care for them in very real ways. Thank you to everyone who was praying for us through that weekend. Those were tangible prayers. My dad went to the hospital at about 1 pm Friday (April 3) and was released at 11 am on Sunday (April 5). We had a Jimmy John's sandwich with him and my mom that afternoon on their deck. Technology is amazing. My dad now has a stent in his heart and a very good relationship with his cardiologist. Praise the Lord that we have more time with him on this earth.