This month, our
family quietly observed the two year anniversary of Trouper’s heart attack. We
also observed the National Day of Love (Valentine’s Day) and President’s Day. It’s
been a fairly uneventful few months, just anxiously awaiting a new heart. We
did experience a genuine “God Moment”, one that I think has set Trouper on a
new path, hopefully something he can continue after he recovers from his heart
transplant.
Before I
start, I’d like to say that yes, over the past few years we've experienced
several “God Moments” and I know, without any hesitation, that my husband is
here today because of a miracle that only God could perform.
On to our
moment:
We never go
to Ace Hardware. If we need anything that Ace would sell, we go to Home Depot
or Lowe’s. They are both closer to our house and typically have better prices. The
first Saturday of February, Trouper and I were out and about doing typical
Saturday errands; grocery store, pharmacy, gas station and farmer’s market. The
kids needed a new shower head for their bathroom and we planned on stopping at
Home Depot but by the time we were done with everything else, we were both too
tired. We happen to drive by Ace, and Trouper said he would run in and check
out the shower head selection. He wasn't feeling well and frankly didn't look
too good but he went into the store anyway. I stayed behind to call the house
to make sure that Ryan had done the dishes and cleaned up the kitchen from breakfast (I hate unloading groceries in a dirty kitchen). Trouper had been gone about 10
minutes when an Ace employee came outside, pointing at our car, asking if I was
Mrs. Gamble. I immediately started shaking, afraid something had happened
inside the store to Troup. I opened the car to get out, and screamed is he
okay. He apologized, introduced himself as Joe, and said that his son is 25
years old, currently inpatient at Piedmont and an LVAD candidate. He
said the family had been so upset, not really understanding much about the LVAD and
had been doing their best to research. He had just gotten off the phone with
his son, when Trouper walked into the store. Yes folks, a true God moment.
Trouper joined us and we talked for about 30 minutes, giving him the LVAD 101
lesson. We exchanged information, and Trouper said he would go and visit Sean
(the son) next time he was at the hospital. So the following week, after his
cardiac rehab class, he went and found Sean and talked to him for hours. Sean’s
aunt was there as well and took notes, asked questions and told Trouper over
and over how much she appreciated the visit. Sean shared some of his past with
Trouper, Trouper shared some of his past with Sean and a new LVAD friendship
was formed. Since that time, Trouper has visited Sean and his family many times
and stays in contact with them via text and email. I think Super Trouper finally
realized that his experiences; the good, the bad and the downright ugly, could
actually help potential LVAD patients. We even went and visited Sean and his
Dad on Valentine’s Day, post LVAD surgery. Sean now joins Trouper, and several
other hundred patients from Piedmont, as an LVAD recipient. Trouper’s LVAD
coordinator happen to come into the room one day when Trouper was visiting
Sean. She was a little surprised he was there, typically Piedmont asks the “transplant
brigade” to visit all new LVAD recipients and trust me, no one in the group is
under 60 so it makes it a little difficult for younger people to identify with
them. Plus they have all had transplants, not necessarily LVAD’s so their
experience is different than someone living with, or about to receive, an LVAD.
I think Trouper’s coordinator realized what an asset Trouper is and for the
past month, she’s asked him to visit other patients, and help her conduct an
LVAD class. Let’s face it Trouper is a people person. I know a lot of people
say they are outgoing but he is truly the friendliest person I have ever met. Thus,
I believe, is the making of his new career. I’m not sure how, when or what, but
I think he is perfect to assist healthcare providers with LVAD (and hopefully
sometime soon transplant) patients. Maybe he can work for UNOS, maybe the LVAD manufacturer
but this is certainly a good start! And by the way, we bought a shower head at
Ace and the kids (mainly Ryan since Em is at school) is back to taking a shower with non-leaking shower head!
