There's Been A Change In Plans

This has happened to so many of you, I'm sure you'll identify.

It was Monday afternoon.  Troy and I had spent the day together.  At 3:00, I jumped into the shower to get ready to leave for Kittanning.  I had thrown my things together and was grabbing them to head out the door.  Troy had been on the phone since before I got in the shower.

He walked in the door and told me that I was probably going to be late.  I didn't understand?  I asked:  "Do I have a flat tire?"  He said "No."  "Did the kitten get out?" "No."  I could see fear in his eyes.  "Did you break something?"  "No.  Stop, Dad!"

He took a deep breath and then said, "Travis is in the hospital.  He had a cardiac arrest last night."

I was frozen.  I could not believe what I was hearing!  My son, Travis, is 39.  How could this be?

It was 3:30 PM.  Time for me to head to the church in Kittanning.  Debbie would be just finishing work at school.  I called the school and told them it was an emergency and to send her home immediately.

She arrived home shortly after and I had Troy tell her what we knew.  I felt the sadness as I saw the shock take over her face.

Then followed a flurry of phone calls and exchanges of information.  By 5:00, I was online buying tickets for the three of us to fly to Honolulu.  By 6:00, we had thrown things in a bag and were driving fast to the Pittsburgh airport.

We've just had a difficult night of sleep at LAX.  Tracie is now also in the air.

Sometime this morning, the doctors will warm Travis and remove the sedation.  We should arrive shortly after that time.

In the meantime, we've had text-prayers sent and numerous offers of financial assistance.  Family members have been called and are praying.  Slowly, but surely, our full circle of family and friends will know about Travis.  And as this happens, thousands of prayers will rise to God on his behalf.

This is one of the greatest benefits of being part of God's family!  Thank you for praying for our son!