“God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you’” (Hebrews 13: 5 NIV).
My car became the ambulance, and I was the driver. Without flashing lights and sirens, I drove fifty miles from our home in Greenville to the Baylor Medical Center in Dallas. We arrived at the Emergency Room where I dropped off my pale husband, Jim, with pain in his left arm. Then I parked our car several blocks away in a four-story parking garage.
I had no idea where I was. So, I walked to the Jonsson Hospital Building across the street and approached the attendant at the Information desk. I told him, “I’m from out of town and just took my husband to the Emergency Room. Could you tell me how to get there from here?”
I tried to listen carefully, but it was so complicated– hallway, stairs, left, right, elevator, etc. My expression became a big question mark, so the tall, handsome, well-groomed, black young man named Corey said, “Maybe I should take you there.”
“Yes, thank you! Thank you!” I was so grateful and a little bit shaky, especially not knowing about Jim’s condition.
He asked, “Are you okay?”
“Oh yes, I’m fine, my friends are praying for me,” I replied, as we began the long trek to the Emergency Room. At the ER desk the nurse said, “Your husband is having a heart attack, and he has been transferred to the Heart Hospital.”
I looked at Corey and asked, “Where is the Heart Hospital?”
He said, “I’ll take you there.”
We went outside where he escorted me across two large traffic intersections. In a daze, I was just praying for Jim in my heart. When we arrived, the nurse said that Jim had been taken directly to the Cath Lab. Corey then accompanied me to the Cath Lab waiting room. It was a warm day, so I didn’t bring a jacket. The air conditioning seemed strong, but I didn’t say anything.
Corey excused himself and said he would be back. I continued praying for the Lord to protect my husband. After a few minutes, Corey returned with a warm blanket, and he placed it across my shoulders. I was tearful and speechless, but then I asked Corey to give me his number so I could thank him for his kindness. He did. Then he returned to his desk.
Only a few minutes later, Pastor Joel from our church walked in and prayed with me. The cardiologist entered the waiting room and explained the procedure. He told us Jim was doing well following a stent placed in a blocked artery and that he would be in his recovery room soon.
I felt comforted. Our adult daughter, Angie, came and encouraged me during our lunch together in the hospital cafeteria. We proceeded to Jim’s room where he was awake, his color pink again, and he enjoyed our hugs. I spent the night on the sofa in his room.
Jim was dismissed the following day. Angie came and helped me find my car. I am directionally challenged. It was on the 4th level. I thought it was on the west side, but it was on the east. What a relief! Now I could drive us home.
As I reflected upon our experience at the Medical Center, I could only praise God for all the ways He provided for us.
I had no delays driving to Dallas, despite construction at the Rockwall bridge on Interstate 30.
Jim did not suffer heavy damage. The stent was successful.
God provided Corey, (His angel) to navigate me through the building complex. After we came home, I contacted him to get the name of his supervisor. I wrote her a letter commending and complimenting Corey for his caring assistance.
We were supported by prayers from our church family.
Angie’s questions aided me in finding my car.
Most of all, I give all the glory to God for rescuing us.
“And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus”
(Philippians 4: 19 NASB).