I had No Idea…In Hindsight, I Should Have
I had no idea.
In hindsight, I should have.
My trips up the hill to the mailbox left me huffing and puffing like The Little Train that Could. I excused the strain on my body on my lack of aerobics and my age. So instead of reporting it to my doctor, I filed the information in my personal card catalog under “Get a Life,” and I just kept pushing. Not only did I not mention it, I increased my trips up and down the hill sometimes to ten times in a row in an attempt to build my stamina.
So when I was on the road doing the last three speaking events of the year (2018) and a sharp pain went from my arm, up my neck, into my jaw, and spread across my face, suddenly, my body had my full attention.
The Symptoms
The set of symptoms catapulted me back to years earlier when my husband, Les, had the identical trauma when he had his second heart attack while seated in our living room. I walked in the room and glanced in his direction and saw he was a ghostly grey covered in beads of sweat. When I had Les describe what he was feeling, it was exactly what was happening to me 32 years later.
(Les would go on to have a triple bypass, followed by another heart attack (3), and then be medically retired to help extend his life, which obviously and gratefully, it has.)
I, after a failed attempt to put stints in, would also have a triple bypass on January 22, 2019. No one was more surprised than me.
Kindness and Support
I have to say I have never been more aware of the kindness and support of people as I was throughout and following my surgery. The prayer and love was palpable. It comforted and strengthened me beyond what I could have imagined and I remain deeply grateful. My family and friends were champions and ran this race with me. Their presence, prodding, and prayers kept me moving forward. The Lord knew the voices I would listen to and the people I would trust.
At first I didn’t want anyone except my immediate family at the hospital and I wanted them to go home when the surgery was over and not come back until I was released.
What was I thinking?
Friends Matter
When friends called and wanted to fly in to be with me I was adamant that I would see them a few months after I was released from the hospital and not before. However, I have a couple of friends who had other definite plans and they weren’t budging. Jan Silvious and Anita Renfroe teamed up and came to my house for a come to Jesus meeting a couple weeks before my surgery. It was a long, lively, sometimes loud discussion that they ended up winning with huge doses of reasoning and love.
The hospital time was divided up between my daughter-in-law Danya, Jan, and Anita. I was never alone my entire stay. It was an unbelievable experience that deepened friendship and family ties. And reminded me of the importance of camaraderie and community.
Thanks again for your continued prayers.
I had no idea Patsy! But now that I do praying for a complete and total recovery. You’ve inspired so many of us, I’m glad that you allowed God bring those people you needed most at a time when you most needed them. God is good all the time – all the time God is good! Praise his holy name!
Absolutely
Had Your Location been leaked
It would have been one heck of a hail Mary prayer vigil. !!
Now behave Yourself and We’ll see You back on the road when able
HUGS TO LES, DAYNA, JAN , ANITA, And Every One Involved.
Blessings. ((( X)))
I am sorry you had to go through this, but grateful it helped you get medically back together. We have love you and loved you at Women Of Faith and have read your books. I have always loved your humorous personality, made me laugh and even relate to you. I have admired you and you have encouraged me, many times.
Take care, Patsy, and may you keep on going for a long time.
Love, SallyAnne
So glad you are on the road to recovery. You continue to inspire and us as you share this experience….so very glad that God has given you more earthly time to share your journey with us. Onward…you go girl!
Bev Edwards
Spokane, Washington
So glad you are on the road to recovery. I will continue to pray for you. God bless!
Patsy,
So glad our Great Heavenly Physician is with you. Get well soon. Love the outfit your “sporting”🤗
Prayers and hugs sent your way. Praying for speedy recovery
Ok I know this isn’t spiritual! I knew The Lord was not through with you here on Earth and had plenty more in the assignment book… for you dear Patsy and I’m glad He does. We need this encouragement that you faithfully give us. So I had a sneaky suspecian you would be healed. Thank you Lord. We are grateful.
May God continue to bless you and keep you safely in His care Patsy.
I’ve only known you through Women of Faith conferences and your books, but you have had a huge impact on my life.
Thank you for your blessings on my life and my God richly bless you during this time of healing
I know you are in His care now and forever
God Bless you
Patsy
Good to hear from you. Prayers continue.
Gentle hugs for you sweet woman. Love from Maine 🌹
Totally ditto this message!
Thanks for sharing with us. You have given so much to us for many years. Spoke much wisdom to us and cared. We care for you and want to pray for you. You have friends all over the country who love you! I am praying for a full recovery and for energy when you are back on the road giving out to others. In the meantime, let those friends and family members pour into you! God bless this journey!
So glad that everything went well. Sending prayers for a speedy recovery. You are the best
Patsy, my words are similar to so many others… I too counted it a privilege to pray for you and your family. You have been such a blessing to me since I first heard your presentation of “God Uses Cracked Pots” on Focus on the Family.. a long time ago. I bought your books and the tape and later CD and then was delighted to see you at WOF conferences. You have lifted my spirit so many times over the years… and now it is my turn to continue to lift you and your family up to the Lord. Thank you for letting us walk with you through this journey and join with you in prayer.
Patsy, The Lord Our God is not finished with His plans for YOU!! Jer 29:11 You are a beautiful and well loved inspiration and JOY❤️ A darling and quirky lil gal….so thankful that you are healing so well. Please remember that’s it’s OK to rest and relax. I will continue prayers for your strength and healing. Love, love you and your kindness, openness and sharing of yourself. Enjoyed “Patsy’s Porch” and appreciate you opening your home. FUN girlfriend time in Franklin. Love and God’s continued BLESSINGS to you and your beautiful family!!
Patsy I am so glad you had the surgery and are back to being your precious, unique, funny self.
Jennifer Pigg
I had no idea Patsy Clairmontim continues using to lift you up in prayer for your strength and healing
Continuing to pray! It’s good to have friends around when going through trials, even when we want to be the martyr and do it on our own. Thank God for friends 💕.
Patsy I had the exact same thing happen to me.. I was 44 years old..12 years ago this month. I had bad breathing issues climbing stairs at work and even just carrying some books. New to the area I called several doctors and explained what was happening. None of the receptionists knew anything and asked why I was calling I said because I need to see a doctor. I was told they aren’t accepting new patients. I let it go until the next morning. Had another episode in the shower, broke down and called my husband’s doctor, his receptionist told me to go straight to the ER so I did. They ran tests etc. and kept me overnight for observation. They never said to get up and walk around until the next day when I saw the cardiologist. When I did i felt another episode but the monitors didn’t show anything so they released me. Got up the following morning to take a shower and go to work..same thing. Scheduled a stress test went in got on the treadmill for no more than 30 seconds they pulled me off that and my numbers had skyrocketed. The cardiologist ran in from his office saying “you surprised me!” Three times he said that! Back to the hospital and transported to another hospital the next morning. They did the angioplasty and said I would have to have a double bypass but would have to wait until Monday morning. This all started on the Tuesday before. A weekend in ICU surgery Monday morning home on Wednesday. 6 weeks recovery and back to work. It’s a crazy thing but the surgery didn’t scare me..I knew I would be taken care of..the part that really scared me was the tube going down my throat lol. All in all I knew God was with me. Only had a few of my husband’s friends come see me at the hospital, one of my bosses from work, of course my pastor and her husband came the day I was moved to the other hospital and the day of the surgery they were there to support my husband. After that..no one.. I’m so glad you had friends with you throughout! I’m still kicking.. it gets better with time. I still have the scars as a reminder of what happened and I thank God every day!
I have been to several of the WoF conferences and volunteered at most of them in Rochester NY I met you a few times and my husband also volunteered one year as the runner. I truly miss those times! I worked with Leslie my first time..she’s amazing. We are still Facebook friends 😀 My love and prayers go out for you! You are truly blessed!!
Coleen
Edit** while in the surgery they found another blockage..so it was a triple bypass.
I had no idea that you had gone through this. Praying for a complete recovery. Love your humor.
Best wishes for a complete recovery. Have had some of the same symptoms in the past week and ER visit and now tests. Praise God something can be done about it and glad you got your surgery and are coming back in style and strength and faith. Keep on on keeping on Patsy.
I’m currently going through treatment for pancreatic cancer, and you are right, friends matter!! I’ve received so much love and support from friends and co-workers, it’s carrying me through. I also see God answering their prayers in very specific ways! He is so good and loving. I have two specific friends that have been with me from the beginning. We teach nursing together at a large university. Although I tell them they don’t need to sit with me during long days of chemo, one if them is always there to support me and my elderly mother, who also sits with me. I know they’re busy, but give to me anyway. I’ll tell them when it’s all over how much it means to have them there. I won’t tell them before because I don’t want them to ever feel obligated.
Thank you for sharing your story and continuing to inspire us. I just read through Obadiah and was searching for your “thank you, God and thank you, Obadiah” story, but came across this instead. God bless.
Dear Patsy ,
I counted it a privilege to pray for you. You have for many years blessed me at the WOF conferences.
God bless you as you continue to recover.
Love you,
Donna Libolt
Praise God that you are on the road to recovery. Love Jean
Love the humor and endearing style of communication. Praying for you, Patsy. Hoping you recover soon!
Thanks for update.
A listener and reader of your emails – a friend in Chicago.
Patsy, I had no idea either! I will be praying for you, that good health will continue and that your stamina will return. Take care of yourself, set necessary limits and follow the advice you’d give your friends if it were them instead of you! (I can hear you saying “yeah, yeah, yeah”).
I have several wonderful memories of you at the womens’ confernece in D.C. many years ago (2006-7).
God bless,
Dear Parsy, I am so glad to to hear from you and see how well you look! The green gown and yellow socks are so “Spring” and make me think it’s time for new baby chicks!
I remember seeing you at WOF in Pittsburgh years ago and you were so “Hot”! Thank you for being a wonderful gentle leader. Continued prayers for healing and strength God loves you and so do I! 🐥
Tammy
Oh dear Patsy-Girl,
SO sorry you had to go through this. SO blessed to be able to pray for you and with your circle of warriors. SO happy you came to your senses and realized family & friends support matter. You go sweet girl and keep on recovering because I have a deep sense God has alot more wisdom to share with all of us through all of your glorious words! Take care. Hugs galore, Rosanna & Sarah
Praising God that you are doing better and pray you have many more years of encouraging us through your ministry to come. Kind of selfish I know but gotta be real. 😉
Patsy, I love your enthusiasm about life and your love for Jesus. I saw you a couple of years now in Clermont, FL and LOVED the show. I pray that you will continue to recuperate with all your loved ones and friends around.
Thank you for being so real and sharing your life with us! God Bless
Ruth
Prayers are with you as you recover. You have been a blessing to so many of us.
Thank you for sharing, Patsy. I have lived with heart disease for 19 years, and sharing this, I feel a special bond with you. You have always encouraged me, and I’m lifted by your humor ever since seeing you at WOF conferences in Billings Montana. God bless you and give you strength. Heart disease demands courage. And our mighty God provides it as we walk with Him each day.
Glad to hear you are up and “Twirling” again!!!! God isn’t finished with you yet girlfriend.
So, so, so thankful your body got your attention! We need our Patsy. Continued prayers 🙂
So good to hear a report from you. Thankful the Lord has kept his hand on you thru this time of need in your life. Continued prayers for you.
Love the videos I can watch on you tube. You have blessed me as you have shared your life experiences thru your ministry. Hoping to come to one of your events in the near future.
You’ve been in my prayers! So glad to hear from you and super happy you are on the way to recovering!
So glad you are on the mend! You are a wonderful woman of God. I am so grateful for all the Women of Faith conferences I have been a part of where you were a speaker. May God give you the speediest recovery possible! Prayers.
Patsy, I am so happy you are on the road to recovery! I have kept you in my prayers since I first heard and will continue to send healing prayers and love to you and your family! With God’s healing Grace, you will be back on the road before you know it! I heard you speak at a Women of Faith Conference in Philadelphia, PA many years ago and your story truly touched my heart.
In God’s Love,
Cheryl Anne
Hope u feel better! Thank u for letting your readers know how u r.
Blessings & love,
Susan wessels
Blessings to you always!! Consistent prayers are pouring down like rain.
I didn’t know, but I would have prayed for you. It is a shock when something medical slaps you in the face and you HAVE to take care of i immediately. Last February (2018) I was sent to the emergency room to be admitted to get a pacemaker. No symptoms, no warnings………..no planning. Now, immediately, no waiting! Be kind to yourself. Life is too short to worry about tomorrow. Use up your “stuff” today. When friends are in the hospital, I always tell them to look at your videos. You have been an inspiration. Be well.
Sending prayers for a speedy recovery!! You are such a blessing to so many!!
God bless you Patsy, you brighten up so many lives, Love and Prayers <3 Anne <
Good for your pals to hang tough with you! Love that about those sisters!! Prayers continue for you sweet lady! Gentle hugs…♥️
I am so happy they caught it in time and was able to fix your heart. This world would just not be the same without you in it. Now do as the MD’s tell you to do and God will heal you inside and out. God’s blessings
Thanks for sharing. I did not know. Now that I do…I can pray for you and a complete recovery. Glad God chose to leave you here longer to bless us more!
Sweet Patsy
I have been praying for you. As you hold your heart pillow, I hope you feel me hugging you back. Speedy recovery. Will continue to pray for you. Thank you for keeping us updated. Rest my sweet sister in Christ.
Patsy, I had a similar experience just befor you, but caught it earlier when I was gasping for breath. Doing well now.
I came home on my birthday, Jan. 19 and then read about you. I began to cover you and your family in earnest prayer. So glad you are recovering.
Those of us in ministry are blessed by giving out to others, so now others may be blessed by serving us, right? I had to learn that lesson too, Friend. I love you and will continue to pray for your full revovery.
Prayers for complete healing and renewed strength
You are a joy to SO MANY of us. Thankful the Lord has used you in ministry to women
Prayers for a complete and rapid recovery!
So thankful you are doing well, Patsy! You are a blessing to so many who love and admire you! Continued prayers for your complete recovery!
Patsy, my prayers are with you. I did not know. I know you are in good hands.
So happy things are looking up for you , Patsy! I am currently reading “You are more than you know”. I love you and your ministry. I have learned so much from you through the conferences and books you’ve written. I love the times of laughter you give us! You are precious to us and Jesus!! May you be blessed and refreshed through your recovery. Love always,
Kathy ❤️❤️🙏🙏
Oh my Patsy. The prayers of my household are covering you in prayer!
We pray for a rapid and complete recovery!
Although, I love to hear you and have done so in person many times, I do hope you slow down and smell the roses!
Take care of yourself sister.
So glad to hear Jan and Anita were along side you during all of this.
What a blessing good friends are!
Many prayers and blessings upon you!
You know where I stand, Miss Patsy…right smack behind you! You are a blessing. Still praying! Lili
Patsy: Your friends from a small town in Nebraska are praying for you as you continue to heal. God is so good! Thank you for your inspirational messages that I have heard through Women of Faith throughout the years. May God go with you as you are on the road to recovery. You have done a wonderful job doing the Lord’s work and we hope that you are not done yet. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Wow!!! Praising our Heavenly Father for watching over you and bringing you through this. Praying for a good recovery and quiet time with Him. And dear lady, I have to say that I am thankful for your awesome friends that would not listen to their stubborn friend!!! What a stinker you are!! ❤️
So glad, my friend, that the bypasses are in your past and full recovered health and strength are on the near horizon. I continue in prayer for you, Les, Danya, Jason and the boy. I am so grateful for Jan and Anita! I pray for them too…. for all of the ones who pour in to you as you rest and prepare for the time you will again to pour out into the lives and hearts of others.
So glad, my friend, that the bypasses are in your past and full recovered health and strength are on the near horizon. I continue in prayer for you, Les, Danya, Jason and the boy. I am so grateful for Jan and Anita! I pray for them too…. for all of the ones who pour in to you as you rest and prepare for the time you will again to pour out into the lives and hearts of others.
Prayers continue for you. Hope the fluid in your lung has cleared and that your BP has stabilized.
Ms Patsy,
I’m so glad to hear that your recovery is progressing along. I think of you fondly & often as you are one of my favorite people on the face of this planet. Do continue to progress so that we all can continue to enjoy your presence. Bless you.
Oh Patsy, I had no idea…I’ve had a Gap in your Emails…I guess there was a good reason ! I’ve been going through this for the past 13 years with my Husband Brian. His first major heart attack was 2006 April 13th (Friday the 13th) lol !! A heart cath and stints ended up reoccurring pain on Easter Sunday with a diagnosis of blockage and bypass surgery on that Tuesday. He’s had a few more heart attacks over the years since then and now this past September had a defibrillator put in.
We are always the caregivers but we never think it could happen to us…I am glad you are recovering! I just love you to death! you’re such an inspiration to me!
You take care of yourself as you continue to have friends and loved ones looking after you and keeping you company! I’ll keep you in my Prayers too!
God bless you, Patsy! I am so thankful that the good Lord brought you through that and that you are now recovering and doing well. God isn’t finished with you yet! My love and prayers are with you always ❤️
I am so thankful that you listened to your body! God isn’t done with you on Earth yet. You have blessed me beyond measure at the WOF conferences for many years and thru your books (of which I have many). I saw your Sisters tour last year and you just don’t change (Praise God for that). Sending prayers of healing and comfort. See you back on the road soon!
Patsy, When my grandkids were moved to Nashville I told my daughter the only one they could ever hug and call grandma in the area would be you. We go to Franklin often when I am there from Chicago to see if you are around in a shop or at Merridee’s Bread Basket. If you were there I would just tell you how much joy you have brought to my life. You made me feel normal. You changed how Christian women can be–themselves. So happy you are fine. Thanks for sharing so we can be on the lookout for each other and we can share with our friends. My good friend Jean Hansen sent this to me. I will send it to others. I will be looking for you the next time I am in Franklin to give you a hug and thank God for you!
Jeannie
Chicago
I just read what you have gone through. Praise Jesus that you caught it in time (a slight delay due to our womanly stubborness)) but He was able to heal you through surgery. I think sometimes we all get a little bullheaded and think we know better , but then God shows up shows out and shows that He’s the one in charge of all things. I thank God for your core group of godly women. They came lifted you up and let you know that we are all in this together if we know Jesus Christ as Lord and savior. When one part of the body is hurting so do all the others. Thats when we all come together to help healing in any way we can, be it by prayer, just listening, or sitting with a friend in the hospital or doctors office.. Many blessings on you and your family and friends and I pray for a very speedy recovery for you.
So happy you are on the road to healing…I’ve been praying for you. ❤️ You just needed to kick back and smell the roses…and I hope you are doing that! I just finished reading your book, Twirl! I loved it! So inspiring…going to read it again! Sure do miss all you wonderful ladies at the Women of Faith event!
Scary stuff, but what drama to add to your story! We heard about the “major surgery” but a triple bypass! Yikes! Sure glad the Lord and friends brought you through all that! Don’t ya just love the gowns designed by Seymour Butts? Thanks for the update and the answer to our prayers!
I am so glad you are able to keep up your sense of humor. I just giggled when I saw your picture with the yellow socks!
I pray you have a speedy recovery.
Wow! I am glad you weren’t looking for squirrels…lol. I will put you on my prayer list although you are more than likely back to your new normal. I had a pacemaker placed in me when I was in my late 40’s. Who would think that those of us that exude a great deal of energy are perhaps pushing our heart’s buttons a little too much! God bless….squirrel….another idea!
Take your time recuperating! We all want you healthy before you try to take on a schedule. Hope you haven’t had too many hiccups in the road to recovery. Think of this as a time to just reflect, maybe paint or doodle, read, …..whatever makes you relaxed. We love you!
I knew of your surgery and helped pray you through the operation. And I am delighted to hear your good report! God bless you, sweet lady. Love from Tennessee.
Patsy,
Your life is pure joy to me!
I have enjoyed your humor and straight to the heart teaching for years ! (And I’m still a child ! Hahah! As I’m pushing closer to 6-0!)
We love you soooooo much ! And want to know you’ll be alright for many years to come !
Healing is yours – in Jesus name and AMEN !
Can’t imagine a world without Patsy Clairmont!! You’ve been a wonderful part of my life for a long time – since CLASS in Seattle (twice) and WOF. So glad to know you’re on the road to recovery, and that you listened to your daughter-in-law and good friends; let them walk beside you. Take all the time you need (plus a little more!) to completely heal. God bless and keep you, dear Patsy, and your thousands of friends will rejoice when we hear that you’re “on the road again!” Sending lots of love and prayer for you and your family!
Oh, Patsy! So glad you are recovering. Did you actually have heart attack or was it another heart issue? I ask because in December 2014 I had to have emergency pacemaker surgery. I had no idea that my heart was in trouble. I had fainted several times over the 2 years before, but I attributed it to with low BP or low blood sugar, both of which my mom had. Turns out that I had a electrical problem with my heart, so off to ER I went. This happened when by husband and I were spending time in Branson, Mo. with cousins Roger and Dian. God was all over this event because this was a brand new ER wing at the hospital, and hubby and I usually go on trips by ourselves. But, by the grace of God, Roger and Dian were with us when this emergency occurred, so Bob had support when we were about 400 miles from home. Now, over 4 years later, I get along fine and have not had any fainting spells since I’ve had the pacer installed. Bob called everyone on my contact list while I was having this experience, so we had lots of friends and family praying for us, including our church family. Patsy, you have been a blessing to so many women over the years-we love you and are so grateful that you will be with all of us, hopefully for many years yet.
thank you for being your precious self. Now rest and we shall see/hear you soon! 🙂
What a shock…but so thankful you’re on the road to recovery! I still remembering you at a Joy for the Journey Crusade in Charlotte several years ago. I have most of your books, plus Barbara’s, Marilyn’s, Sheila’s and Thelma’s. My husband (of 56 years) had a double bypass some years ago and I have back problems. We’re slowing down but still serving the Lord as missionaries. God is so good! God bless…praying for you! Irene
You have done so much for me I wish I was able to do something for you. I am many miles away and I and my church will say prayers of thanks for you and speedy and complete recovery
Love you Patsy! and pray for a very quick recovery! God bless~ Sara
I was listening to you on YouTube while I was in the hospital for two weeks. they sent me home on the 27th of Feb. I didn’t listen to my body also, and ended up flat on my back on the bathroom floor. I finally, after falling 7 times in one weak let my daughter call for an ambulance. my friend who is a nurse who sat with me all night said I just about died. thank you for your laughter in my time of need.
Ethel
You will never know what an inspiration you have been to not just to myself but my sister and mom also. I hate that you had to go through triple bypass surgery however the Lord always uses any everything in our lives to Honor and Glorify Him. I am so GRATEFUL He used Les, Danya, Jan and Anita to stand by your side when the LAST thing you needed was to be alone. Just when you think family and friendship bonds can’t get any closer the Lord says “yeah well let me show you this.” And you have a bond that no one can break. Praise be to Jesus that you are on the road to full recovery and doing GREAT.
We are so Blessed that we serve a MIGHTY, AWESOME, HEALING SAVIOUR – JESUS CHRIST.
We will be praying for you and your family, now sit back relax, read a book, draw, or write in a journal but let others take care of you for a little while.
Hi Patsy, i’m so glad u posted about what has been going on with u after the surgery. Your hubby has been letting us know on face book about u and i hope u know we have prayed every day for ur continued success / health through this time. I did tell Les your one tough cookie so this time will be one of ur faith going deep to get u through this…. I’m so glad we can encourage u at this time. We all love and admire your spirit for life. It was awesome i got to hang out with a group of ladies at your home and it was so nice that your family allows us to show you how much we really do love you from here and there across the country. Please let us know how you are doing as often as you can and i will be seeing you soon at one of your events because i know u will be doing what u do no time soon.. in fact even better then u were before… hugs from NY….
Hi Patsy, I love love your humor and strength and encouragement as I’ve read some of your books and have seen you one time live in a Women of Faith Conference in Toronto Ontario Canada many many years ago. I also have many DVDs of you from WOF conferences and continue to view them and have shared with some of my friends. Thank you so much for sharing of your ordeal and yes been praying for you every step of the way! Will continue to pray for a full recovery! I love hearing of your progress and seeing some of your humor in these pictures shared in this email. Thank you! Glad that you had many supported prayers and friends and family during this time. Looking forward to reading more of your updates. Love from Dina in Pickering ON Canada.
I am so glad you are doing well now. Tganks to God for your supportive family and friends and for all the or as yet warriors who lifted you up to Him who heals all.
Wow, Patsy, good if you to share this.
Many women (&) men would go on ignoring these symptoms.
We’re so glad it has turned out so well for you. You will be in our prayers for complete healing.
Dear sweet Patsy and sister in the Lord, keep up the good faith and take it slow and easy. You are going to be stronger than ever in your ministry, family, life, laughter for you are amazing. You are so loved! By the way my sister had those bright yellow socks and they are blinding. LOL Thank you for sharing your journey of Gods blessings, healing, strength and laughter. Love and prayers.
My precious sister, Patsy!!! You’ve always had the gift of bringing me to tears (mostly laughing) but this brought me to tears on the other end of the spectrum. You mean so much to all of us… I want to have that impact on someone (anyone, really) but alas, I do not. Please know how special and amazing you are… have been laughing with you since (almost) the inception of WoF (I have pics with Lucy at a little church in Pasadena (Nazarene?) in 1995/6. I’d love nothing more than to sit and laugh together, but I’m going to guess that, this side of heaven, we’ll just have to be cyber buddies. xoxo Love, Char (have even been toting around the email address since the 90’s… biblethumpinmama…) <3
Praise God! So thankful for medical professionals with wisdom. And ever so grateful for friends. Glad you’re on the mend!
I’m so glad to hear that you were never alone, that was one of the things I was praying about for you. Glad you listened to your body, finally.
Keep healing. You remain in my prayers. ❤️❤️
So glad you are the road to a new “normal”
and that hindsight has not made you quit. Praying for strength for everyday. Psalms 54:4 God is my helper; the Lord is the sustainer of my life. Sincerely, Cindi, from the ADk’s. in upstate New York.
You make me a better me. Thank you for letting God use you in such an extraordinary way. So many prayers were lifted up for you, heaven must have felt the quake! Bless you, Patsy. Hugs from me in Maryland!
So glad you are recovering, you were a contestants companion in your books to me whiskey I was raising six kids in the middle of nowwhere.
Blessings love peace and joy
Patsy, you have been such a blessing to so many. Praise the Lord for great surgeon and for so many great friends that overruled you! Take care, get well because obviously God is not done with you yet in this world! Love and prayers and hugs!
Lynn
Missouri
Many years of Women of Faith and so many of your books – you have been an amazing blessing to me, and many others, I’m sure. You have prayed for each of us so many, many times. Now it’s our turn to pray for you! Prayers for peace and healing as you recover, Patsy.
My Dear Sister in Christ, Love and prayers from Ohio. I had the privilege so many times of your inspiring messages. Your honest approach to life has helped me through times in my life that were filled with sorrow. You always brought me back to God’s promise. May The Healer’s touch strengthen you.
Oh my Patsy! I had no idea! I will be praying for a total, healthy recovery! IJN AMEN
You are and have been an indkiration to me for years! Thank you for being human and so full of faith!
* inspiration
Patsy;
Thank you for this post. It reminds us all that we can not do this alone.
Oh, we can.
We are strong and tough enough.
However, we risk so much by not allowing others in to our life at the hard parts.
Raising the 16 foot 2×16 to 8 ft can be done alone. With help, it is faster and more fun. Most especially, more fun.
Thank you for sharing.
May God speed your revovery.
George
God be with you. Praying for you. You have brought joy to my life many times
Patsy, you are so amazing, and so very loved❣️ Taking your humor to the hospital is inspirational to me, and then sharing those pics with us! Lol, I wanna grow up and be like you 😂. (Well, I’m not too far behind you)
God’s love is so good, I’m praying for your complete recovery and can’t wait to see your next act❣️😘😘
Patsy, you look pretty in green. I am so glad to hear you are doing well. It is helpful to get in cardiac rehab program to regain your strength at a paced level. Continuing to pray for your full recovery.
Dear Patsy, you have been a big part of my morning talks with Jesus for a lot of years. To know that the same, or some of the same reactions to an illness came from you, is conforting in hindsight. It validates some of my struggle with the sensation that I was “losing my sense of self”. To be able to smile at your “come to Jesus “meeting withJan and Anita, very much the same as my “I won’t , it’s not, you can’t” cussed stubbornness. So far, my struggle does not involve the cardiac , but I am still.taking memberships in the MediSurg club, and not knowing what comes next is frustrating and somewhat scary., as you may know..All this is just to say that praying for you, talking abiutvyiubwith Jesus, strengthens my backbone, and my resolve to keep on..with places to go and beloved people to see, of whom you are most definitely a beloved one! Thanks for sharing your experience, and accepting my love and prayers!
I have to laugh at that picture. The hospital personnel and me had quite an argument over those yellow things. I DO NOT WEAR SOCKS. My feet would suffocate.
I am very glad you are on the road to recovery.
Praying for your continued healing
Dear Dear Patsy….thank you so much for sharing your heart journey with us, I am thankful you are on the road to recovery….my prayers for you continue, as you journey onward toward full recovery!
While I totally understand your reason for trying to protect your family and friends from the anxiety of being with you, I do, because I did the same thing!
A year or so ago I had an electrical problem with my heart and had to be admitted to hospital for a short period…For me being alone was the worst!….long story short my husband was unable to be there, my son had to travel out of state for work the next day, and I too didn’t want to worry or call anyone, it was horrible those hours not having anyone with me…..but God had another plan for me…a dear friend …as soon as he found out where I was came immediately to be with me and stayed for 8 hours until I was discharged in the early morning hours…brought me home and stayed until more family arrived, I will never forget that time….
I am so glad your family and close friends were with you….Bless you dear Patsy as you continue your healing journey!
Patsy!! You make me smile! Did you ever think your friends and family would honor your request to not see you!! Hmmm I didn’t think you were a stubborn girl!! 🤔😊 Ahhhh you are too cute!! You must have been the prettiest patient ever!!
Open heart surgery is an emotional rollercoaster pre-op and post-op. I cherish the days I worked in the open heart unit and also the days I was the open heart unit patient! But I remember the wave of emotions also! It was a blessing for me to experience both sides of the bed! My experience with the surgery changed my life forever!
You continue to be in my thoughts and prayers young lady!!! Gail David
Over the many years that I listened to you at WOF, the laughter and tears have helped me heal tremendously. It only takes a moment of reflection, and I envision my spunky Patsy bring me into balance and alignment with my Source, God. So since the time I read of your journey through this surgery, I prayed for you, your health and peace. Thank you Patsy and many blessings.
I sent up a big hairy audacious prayer for you. I told the good Lord that the World needs your inspiring faith and especially your sense of humor.
I had no idea of your medical dilemma. I
Have always enjoyed your talks & wonderful sense of humor !! Always looked forward to seeing you @ Women of faith. Will be praying for you. Thank you for the joy you brought into my life ) thru your books, too. ) Blessings.
Dear Patsy—
I’ve been praying for you for acceptance and peace during this latest valley. I just want you to know that you’re my HERO because of your good attitude toward life always and for your love for The Lord.
Thank you for your humor and your encouragement.
You’re a true treasure.
Much love, Lynn Purington
My mother passed away January 3rs of 2010. She absolutely loved you and she had all of your books, which I also read and loved. I am so sorry to hear that you are having heart trouble and I am praying for a swift painless recovery. Love and prayers to you.
Patsy, so glad you are feeling better. It is not an easy operation and glad you had someone with you the whole time. God supplies us with what we need thankfully.
Dear Patsy,
Just read about your heart issues almost 3 years later – where have I been? You are a delight and even in your sufferings you exhibit an amazing perspective on life. I have added you to my prayer list – will pray that God will heal you so that you can keep living out His plan and purpose for you – we need you on this earth – you make a difference.
Blessings, Love and Hugs in Christ,
Angie Green
Ft. Collins, CO