O/T Lifes little wake up calls

[Greezy]

Latley I have been thinking about the direction my life is going. My job keeps me away from home and family for sometimes weeks at a time. Latley it has gotten better and Ive been able to spend more time at home. Since I dont get alot of free time I am a selfice basterd when it comes to MY time. I try real hard to do the things I want to do plus spend time with the family but I often come up short.

Two years ago my wife had a stroke at the age of 45. She recovered and suffered no deficits. This morning I woke up with my wife next to me she got up put coffee on and came back into the bedroom and sat down at the computer. Next thing she turns to me and my heart jumped out of my chest. Her hands and arms drew up and her left side of her face dropped. I jumped up and grabbed her and got her to the bed. My god I thought she is having another stroke, and its a bad one. By the time I got her on the bed she was seizing...the scariest thing Ive ever seen. I called 911 and got the paramedics there and off to the hospital. She was awake and coherent by the time we reached the hospital. I stayed with her until they started running test and came home to get her some clothes. I walked into the empty house and broke down...the thought of her not being there devastated me.

I definatley did some prioritizing in the following hours and alot of praying. She is home now and doing great, turned out to be a seizure. Which she now has medication for, to help prevent it from happening again. My priorities have changed, my family will always have my full atttention now. Everthing else comes in its own time.

Thanks for the ear I just needed to get this off my chest. Some of you here have become good friends. God Bless Troy

[McGrath]

Glad to hear she's allright. Pretty Lucky pulling out of the Stroke too. I had an Uncle that had one and he never regained the use of his left arm, or was able to talk again.

[Assdragger]

Hey man, tell Reba to take it easy for a while. That would scare the hell out of me too....scared the hell out of me just reading it! I`ll catch up with you later, gotta go to an anniversary party for the inlaws.

Later-Tony

[Fat Hack]

It really alters your perspective when you experience something like that.

Earlier this year, I had a sudden extreme dizzy spell that would not go away. I ended up going to the hospital because I couldn't even walk...thought for sure I was having a stroke.

While you're laying there and they're firing questions at you and taking tests and hooking up sensors...you start to realize that your time could come without notice. Makes you look at the world a whole new way if you pull through it.

(My problem turned out to be some nasty sort of inner ear infection I think. I wouldn't let them run an IV or do anything more invasive than the few quick test they did. When they said my blood pressure was normal and everything else seemed fine, I signed myself out and spent about two months walking around with a funky buzz. Dramamine eased the nausia, and I just learned to live with the dizziness. It faded and is barely there now.)

Like you say...Life's little wake-up calls!!! They can come without warning, and they WILL change your perception of the world around you.

Glad to hear your wife is doing better. I knew a couple here that had the same thing happen. They thought it was a stroke, but it ended up being a mild seizure...treatable with meds like your wife's.

[Donzie]

It's too bad that it takes something that dramatic to happen for us to realize our priorities. I find myself being very selfish with my time also. Sometimes I have to step back and realize that I have other responseabilties to fullfill.
I'm really glad to hear that she's doing fine.

[RileyRacing]

Glad to hear she is well. Family is the most important thing to us, even if we don't wanna admit it sometimes.

Good Luck!

Jay

[Ayers Garage]

Quit that job and figure out someway to make a living locally.

I had a damn good job as a mechanic for the post office. I realized that working nights was killing all my time with my wife. I quit it cold and have never been sorry. You can make a living anywhere, you only get one shot with your family though.

This isn't your practice life, you better try and do it right the first time. There are no second tries.

[thrasherbill]

[ QUOTE ]
This isn't your practice life, you better try and do it right the first time. There are no second tries.

[/ QUOTE ]

Words to live by...

Glad to hear she's doing alright.

Bill

[fordiac]

wow.

damn good thing that you stayed home this weekend. (rather than goin to the swap meet)

i wish you all the best....

[InPrimer]

On New Years eve two years ago I had chest pains.... you know the rest, since then I've learned to appreciate a lot more than I ever had before. the best was RETIRING!!!!! Ive learned to take better care of myself. Let the asshole blow by me on the interstate etc, its not worth it I' ve learned that every day is a gift.

[Blownolds]

I recently had a big wake-up call, in the form of health problems that were pretty scary. Turns out it was all from stress overload from just being a workaholic! I'm taking steps to correct that, taking time off to goof around, etc.

You are a very smart man to recognize that every day is a gift and that more time should be spent with the wife. Do something about it----- go get her some fresh-cut flowers!

[Fatchuk]

Troy: I don't think we have ever spoke before but your in my thoughts and heart to-night....I am 59 and have probably had the same thoughts as you are feeling, I have been fotunate not to have had the real trauma that you must be feeling...seems trivial but the other night my wife went out to one of those candle parties...like a tupperware thing..and usualy we are pretty much stay at people ...but boy I got that erie chill up my back and the house felt empty and cold...gave me quite a chill ....was glad when she got home safe..I think of that some time and I'm scared to face the day...tends to make you want stop and take the dog and wife for a walk in park, spend some time at the beach and buy her some flowers more often... spend some time fishin and talkin to your kids and grand kids (I got eight) 41 years married to the same girl....guess I'm kinda in a rut you might say..Thanks for for sharing that with us ..it's the thing that makes us human and Godfearing....God bless and the best to you and your wife......fatchuk

[Rix2Six]

I went through this earlier this week when I lost a friend in a car wreck. You just never know.

[Tman]

Man, that sounds too close. Glad she is OK. BTW, The guages came today.

[fab32]

I'm glad things worked out for the best. I had my wakeup call in 1988. Spent 3 1/2 years in the hospital/ rehab. You are so right, it makes you take a long look at life and how fragile it is. Do whatever it takes to get yourself to a place where you feel comfortable with every aspect of your life.

Frank

[Greezy]

Thanks for the kind words and thoughts. My wife read your responces and was touched. And Trent glad they got there, I hope they will work out for you.

[BELLM]

Troy glad everything seems to be working out for your wife. Medication usually controls seizures, know folks had a seizure, only had 1, never had again, others take reg meds. You guys are in my thoughts & prayers.

Hard to find a proper balance but family comes first..

[stresser]

Troy what can i say ....other than as a husband and father i cant imagine the feeling and my familey and I hope for the best for you and your wife

[buzzard]

I'm glad that she is okay. It's easy to get wrapped up in work and this hobby. But at the end of the day, our loved ones are the only thing that really matter. Sounds like you have a firm understanding of that.

[Pontiac Slim]

From this side, glad things go'n OK.. Listen...go on my web site for my wake up call.
There's a page about attitude that sums up the whole deal rather nice'ly...
take care
"Pontiac Slim"
www.badlandscoupe.com (http://www.badlandscoupe.com)

[38Chevy4door]

That's a pretty potent wake-up call. Glad she's OK. Take care.
Steve

[Missing Link]

Greezy, hope everything is o.k. good luck to you and yours. Hell, if she is married to you she must be a trooper! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[atch]

troy,

i also am glad she's ok. you need anything just call, ya hear? i'll keep both of you in my prayers. seems like you guys are always together when i see you and you treat each other right like married folks are supposed to. you're fortunate for that. some couples fight and bicker all the time, even if someone is listening. take good care of her; she's a keeper.

[hotrodladycrusr]

Troy, sorry to hear what has happened but thrilled that your wife is better now. It really was a godsend that you were home and able to help her. Please tell her I said hi and I'm looking forward to the next time our paths cross.

[scarliner]

Sorry to hear about your wife,but glad to know she is o.k.I met you both this year at the HAMB drags and really enjoyed talking to you both.You both seem like really good people and I think you enjoyed yourself a lot while you were there.I know I had a great time.I can relate to what you are saying about family,I really dont spend as much quality time with mine as I know I should.Even getting on the Hamb sometimes takes me away from them too much.I guess Im gonna try and learn something from this and try and be a better husband and dad starting now.So good luck and hope all goes well for you both.

[oddrod]

i am glad everything is ok. i want to know how to maintain that not worrying about the little things attitude besides prozac? though i can only speak for myself it seems like when these things happen it puts me in check instantly. eventually things kinda slip back into where they were before. i have almost died in a bike wreck (crushed discs, metal hip, broken sternum, etc), been stabbed (was going for my throat but i managed to get my arm in the way), had a gun put to my head and heard that hammer being pulled back (long story), seen people die but no dice! i am the luckiest guy i know and am very happy with my life. yeah once in a while stuff gets under my skin but i get past it.
so here's what i'm trying to figure out. when something traumatic happens in my life i thank god i am still alive. there's a high almost like a drug that hits me and everything becomes crystal clear. live life to the fullest, look at everything i have and everyone around me! poor scott got hit by a car outside his house while his wife who just miscarried watched it happen though the living room window (truth and friend). he died, she will never be the same and i'm one lucky so and so. i realize we do what we can and i always (ok, usually) have that don't over react it's not worth it, it's not important in the big picture mentality but what happened to the high i was on for a month after scott died? it comes at a high price and can slip through the cracks so easily.it can become routine, you get used to it. what's your secret (this is a general question)?
on a lighter note i scored a cool lakes project and am selling a roadster project for one grand if anyone is interested. catch you later, stevo

[Cruisin']

<font color="green"> G, thanx for the chat tonite.
I am glad to hear things are back on track.
Take stock and take care.
Remember, "Tough times never last, tough people do"
</font>

[Greezy]

Wow thanks to all of you. I am feeling much better and am touched by the kind words and encouragement. I had the pleasure of meeting alot of you at the HAMB Drags and found this group to be made up of the niceest people. I am looking forward to meeting with you all again.
Thank you again, Reba aka Mrs Greezy

[Assdragger]

Hey Reba, If you act sick for a while I think you could milk a new car outta this! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Take it easy, if you need any thing while Troy`s away, you know where I`m at.
later-Tony

[trailer-Ed]

Hey if you guys need anything just say the word, I go through Ashland everyday to and from work, I acn stop in and lend a hand, give a ride, pick something up almost anytime. Glad to hear all is OK now. Just keep close tabs on everything. I know what you are going through, Mica had a cancer scare about 2 months ago, worst 3 weeks of my life. but it all turned out ok for us. You seem to have your priorities together, one thing to remember, also, if it were'nt for old cars your extended family may be a lot smaller, and not so many cool people to hang with! So don't drop out of the hobby. Again, need anything, or just someone to visit with , just say the word. Later on, Rusty.

[Greezy]

Damn Rusty I didnt know about that, REAL glad to hear everything is ok. Hey Tony my lawn needs to be mowed... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Assdragger]

Hey Rusty, Reba`s lawn needs mowed....so does mine! cough..cough..I`m feelin a little sick. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

[visor]

Troy, you take care out there this week.
No worries mate!!
Reba, I'm so happy to here you're ok.
Sandy says take care also and
God Bless.
Reba
I'm always here so, ya need something just call ok?

Hey Rusty,
After you mow Reba and Troy's and Tony's lawn,
Just come on down Y, stop in and I'll have the
mower ready for ya. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
-----------------------------------------------------------
"OPOSSUM BENDERS"
Central Missouri Chapter

[Petejoe]

Greezy, I am glad your wifes doing well. Its amazing how we take one another for granted. We always feel there's going to be a tomorrow. Only when they're gone to we realize what we've done or not done. Here's a good story...wordy mind you.. but good thought on this issue.

Subject: 1000 Marbles
The older I get, the more I enjoy Saturday mornings.
Perhaps it's the quiet solitude that comes with being the first to rise, or maybe it's the unbounded joy of not having to be at work. Either way, the first few hours of a Saturday morning are most enjoyable.
A few weeks ago, I was shuffling toward the basement shack with a steaming cup of coffee in one hand and the morning paper in the other. What began as a typical Saturday morning, turned into one of those lessons that life
seems to hand you from time to time. Let me tell you about it.I turned the dial up into the phone portion of the band on my ham radio in order to listen to a Saturday morning swap net. Along the way, I came across an older sounding chap, with a tremendous signal and a golden voice.You know the kind; he sounded like he should be in the broadcasting
business. He was telling whomever he was talking with something about "a thousand marbles". I was intrigued and stopped to listen to what he had to say.
"Well, Tom, it sure sounds like you're busy with your job. I'm sure they pay you well but it's a shame you have to be away from home and your family so much. Hard to believe a young fellow should have to work sixty or seventy hours a week to make ends meet. Too bad you missed your daughter's
dance recital."
He continued, "Let me tell you something Tom, something that has helped me keep a good perspective on my own priorities". And that's when he began to explain his theory of "a thousand marbles".
"You see, I sat down one day and did a little arithmetic. The average person lives about seventy-five years. I know, some live more and some live less, but on average, folks live about seventy-five years. Now then, I multiplied 75 times 52 and I came up with 3900, which is the number of
Saturdays that the average person has in their entire lifetime. Now,stick with me Tom, I'm getting to the important part. It took me until I was fifty-five years old to think about all this in any detail", he went on, "and by that time I had lived through over twenty-eight hundred
Saturdays. I got to thinking that if I lived to be seventy-five, I only had about a thousand of them left to enjoy. I went to a toy store and bought every single marble they had. I ended up having to visit three toy stores to round up 1000 marbles. I took them home and put them inside of a
large, clear plastic container right here in the sack next to my gear. Every Saturday since then, I have taken one
marble out and thrown it away. I found that by watching the marbles diminish, I focus more on the really important things in life. There is nothing like watching your time here on this earth run out to help get your priorities straight. Now let me tell you one last thing before I sign-off with you and take my lovely wife out for breakfast.
This morning, I took the very last marble out of the container. I figure that if I make it until next Saturday then I have been given a little extra time. And the one thing we can all use is a little more time.It was nice to meet you, Tom, I hope you spend more time with your family,
and I hope to meet you again here on the band. 75 year Old Man, this is K9NZQ, clear and going QRT, good morning!"
You could have heard a pin drop on the band when this fellow signed off.Guess he gave us all a lot to think about. I had planned to work on the antenna that morning, and then I was going to meet up with a few hams to
work on the next club newsletter. Instead, I went upstairs and woke my wife up with a kiss."C'mon honey, I'm taking you and the kids to breakfast."What brought this on?", she asked with a smile."Oh, nothing special,it's just been a long time since we spent a Saturday together with the kids. Hey, can we stop at a toy store while we're out?
I need to buy some marbles.... "

[raven]

Troy,
I met you at the Sedaila swap meet last summer (the one I blew my first motor coming back from).
Glad to hear your wife is doing fine now. If you need some help on the weekends, let me know. If I'm not picing back my '54 I'll come down. If I'm really put out with the '54, I'll come down just for an excuse to get away from it...
r

[Stovebolt]

Petejoe that's a really amazing story.

I'm going thru a rough patch with mrs SB at the moment, and I left the house to go to work without giving her a customary peck of a kiss goodbye. We had a less than pleasant conversation - where she was bagging comething I'd done. All this talk about ILL wives and reality checks makes this selfish old bastard feel like a real arse!!! especially for focussing on his Hot Rod all the time and not watching the kids grow up, and finding better ways to be a dad and husband!!! My reality check is complete!!!

Mrs SB was diagnosed with cancer and had it removed when our first born was 6 weeks old, and you'd think I'd learn from that!!! Nah, I'm too fuckin stupid for my own good!!!

Guys, we gotta that all our wives,GF's and family - 'cause without them we ain't go no meaning to our lives!!!

Mrs Greazy - glad all is well.

[Rix2Six]

Great Story Petejoe... I might need some marbles too!

[Action Girl]

I'm glad to hear that you wife is Ok.. I just went through a scary bout with my husband. He was accidentally given a prescription that he's allergic to and ended up being hospitalized. Very scary stuff.

Stacey

[50mercfan]

wow! thats the scariest damn thing i've ever read. got me to thinkin' about my own situation. thanks for the enlightenment. and petejoe thanks for the marble story.

[50mercfan]

you know i've only been on the hamb for 6 days and in those six days the hamb has made me mad, it's made laugh, and now it's made me almost cry. damn hamb. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif