My Dad

On April 3rd, while I was in Wisconsin, my dad suffered a major heart attack. A main artery in his heart was 100% blocked. I believe it was divine intervention that I was there visiting when this happened and have thanked God every day since.
I can't begin to explain the feeling of seeing by Dad lying there barely hanging on. For the first week and a half he was very critical. Last Tuesday he was able to come off his ventilator. Every day since, he has improved. He was moved to the cardiac floor of the hospital yesterday. The medical staff say it is a miracle he is with us today.

Seeing his blue eyes when he woke up was amazing. Hearing his voice when he began to talk was breathtaking. He is having trouble with his memory and is very confused as to what is going on. It's hard to see him so frustrated. It is a waiting game as far as what will come back to him. When I left on Saturday he didn't know me and I told him, "Just know that I love you." Although I struggle a little with the fact he doesn't know me, I am comforted just by hearing his voice. He is very jovial and has fun giving everyone a hard time. That's my dad. Sometimes he doesn't make sense, but that's ok. I couldn't help but add "our song" to my playlist. It is "Butterfly Kisses." I've always been a daddy's girl. We danced and cried to it on my wedding day. Dad, I love you. As always, you're an inspiration to me.

During this time I've been reminded of the gifts I have in my family, Brian's family and our friends. Words are not enough to even begin to describe the comfort they have given me during this difficult time. Thank you so much.

Here is my dad's CaringBridge website where updates are posted:

www.caringbridge.org/visit/johnhanson



Dad and I dancing to "Butterfly Kisses" on my wedding day.


Dad and the boys. I took this picture in the morning on April 3rd. His heart attack happened at approx 11:45 pm.