Musings of a Senior Scribe
Stickin" Together
By Mona Lease 

Hi, all! Before I start this column, a little "backward glance" is appropriate. I was raised that - "Welfare is a option, a last resort - if you will - not a lifestyle. Work is everywhere - if you are willing - And I, as a human being, had better be willing to do a "menial job" and better my position. I was raised that - "All work is honorable." I was raised that - "We all stick together as a family. We keep our greivances amongst ourselves and if we cannot move forward - we at least hold our current position." In the words of the late Paul Harvey - "And now, the rest of the story." 

Looking at the last few column - I've been getting "the texts." I realize it's all been preparation for MY "the text." A week ago yesterday, I received it - "Dad is trying to have a heart attack. They transferred him to Dayton Heart." I sat on the floor cross-legged and watched scenes play through my mind. Every time I had put my arm around someone else and said - "I'ts OK - you're not alone - I'm here" danced through my mind's eye. What surprises me - as if it should - is how these people said those words to me - "It's ok, Mona. I'm here. We'll get through this together." 

When I was a little girl and was afraid in the night because a 4th grade classmate died of a routine tonsilectomy - Dad slept on the couch and I slept on the floor and we "went camping." 

So, down to Dayton Heart I went - packed and ready to "go camping." Dayton Heart provided me with a sleep chair. When it was determined that a Heart Cath would not fix the problem and it would be Open Heart - my sister from Indianapolis came over and we "went camping." The middle of us three arrived the next day - and we "camped." 

As I pen this - Dad is in ICU. He is breathing on his own. The venitlater is gone (standard procedure), His heart has been beating on it's own sine he came from surgery. A couple of chest tubes need to be pulled. They provide drainage from the chest cavity. He will need to learn how to use his arms differently to not put stress on the chest - no pushing on the arms of a chair to rise, no reaching behind you, no reaching above you, no scratching your own back. Try this - lay a hand flat across the middle of your chest over the breast bone. With your other hand try the above. See how it pulls/pushes on the breast bone? Amazing how the body is designed for all of the parts to work together to "get the job done, huh?" 

From a very skilled Dr. Kim -"All heart/vascular problems do not just arise - it's a life long process. We need to get to the young ones and tell them diet, and exercise - just walking - are highly important at a young age - even if you feel finely" 

I have two younger sisters - it's just us three - no brothers. From the three of us - Thank you to all at Wayne Health Care - the Drs. and Nurses are obvious. Thanks to those who saw us and offered a silent "I hope/pray they make it." Thanks to those who  provided directions and opened doors. Thanks to the Transport Team who got our Dad to Dayton Heart. Thanks to a highly skilled and I emphasize "dedicated" team of people at Dayton Heart - from the gal who mopped the floors to nurses to people who drew blood to the anestheologist to Dr. Kim himself...all are dedicated to "being the best I can be"...incredible!!! I spoke with the "floor-mopper" - she's gonna mop the floors to the best of her ability. She has a shoulder problem that caused her to give up a lucrative position at a local factory. She's greatful to be able to work and help make Dayton Heart - "Dayton Heart." Thanks to our family and friends that could not be there but kept contact and our spirits buoyed. If we have left anyone out - we are sorry. 

Remember the kiddies and our service people. Take good care of the furry and feathered ones out there. Be safe and healthy. See ya next time!!! Ever Toodles. MONA