Every year, people will highlight what happened in their
lives over the past year with themselves, their kids, and even their pets. I
will start out my card this year that way, but then move into a different type
of Christmas card. I want to acknowledge and thank all the heroes in my life
the past year. Yes, heroes is the right word here.
The highlight of my year occurred in May, when I got to
watch my son graduate from the University of Kansas in Lawrence with a Finance
degree. I am immensely proud of this likable and lovable son of mine. Rock
Chalk forever Brent!
Now to my Christmas Card. Two thousand eighteen was a year
that I got to experience heroes all around me. People often bemoan the lack of
heroes in today’s world. They just don’t know where to look. Heroes are all
around us. Many will tell us they were “just doing their job.” I am forever
grateful for those who were “just doing their job.” There are far too many to acknowledge, but I
will do my best.
I start with my family. I remember calling my sister, Sarah
Zeller, the morning of July 19, stating that I needed help. I believed that I
had a stroke the night before, and could she take me to the hospital? For the
record, if you or someone close by is having a stroke, call 911 immediately!!
Don’t do what I did by waiting overnight. Back to Sarah, she got me to the
hospital. I believe she also had the task of calling all my other family to let
them know what had happened with me. Poor, Sarah – I’m sorry about that.
Mom and Dad were with me all the way, each in their own way.
No way would I have made it without them. I am so fortunate to have had such
supportive parents, who were there for me. When I have needed them most, they
have been there for me. Even Angie’s Mom was checking in from Georgia, doing all
she could for me, and her support was very much appreciated. But the list is
just beginning.
I am so grateful to those who took care of me, medically at
St. Luke’s Hospital and St. Luke’s Health System in Kansas City. Nurses who
were providing round the clock care and helping me do the most basic life
tasks. This was not always a pretty sight, yet I am so thankful they were there
to help. If you have ever been in the care of a nurse, you know what I am
talking about. Physical therapists, who
brought me back to functioning adulthood. I had to re-learn how to brush my teeth,
get dressed, shower, walk, use my hands and legs. I also had to re-engage my
brain and re-learn my mental capabilities. The doctors who monitored my
medicines and brought my blood pressure under control.
People who visited me in the hospital. If you only knew how
much your presence meant to me in those days. Words cannot express the
gratitude in my heart. People from my Bible study, a friend from my Baylor days
who now lives in Tulsa, who had a stroke himself 5 years ago. A junior high
shop teacher from Indian Creek who I hadn’t seen since 9th grade. My
son Brent, whose presence always made me smile. Hundreds of messages of
encouragement on my social media accounts. Loved the words of encouragement
from each of you. And the countless friends and others all over the country who
were praying for my recovery. Prayer is indeed powerful!
I was fortunate to see the best of humanity in each of you. I
don’t feel as though I have adequate words to express my gratitude. To all my
heroes, I leave you with this -
Thank you. Every single one of you. Thank you! Merry
Christmas to you all and all my best for a well- deserved joyous holiday
season. Best wishes to all of you for
2019.
