You’re Not Dying Here

My father had a heart attack yesterday.

Mum got him to hospital and he’s seems ok at the moment, more tests tomorrow. He’s 82 and we thought in excellent health. Life can be surprising.

One thing however that is not surprising is mum and dad’s innate ability to fight during even the tightest moments. Here is a brief replay of yesterday.

DAD: I’m not feeling good, I’m not feeling good.
MUM: Well what’s wrong? Should I call an ambulance?
DAD: [gets angry] You’re not calling an ambulance, just leave me here to die.
MUM: [gets angry] You’re not dying here, if you’re going to die you can do it in the hospital. There’s too much paperwork if you die in the house.

I called them both this morning. Mum at home, Dad in the hospital. They’re doing ok and one is equally worried about the other one. They’ve been married 51 years and have never handled stressful situations particularly well. Having a heart attack it seems is no exception.

Mum and dad were married on the 7th May 1966. I arrived two years later.

There’s a photo of dad (below) riding his motorbike about 4 years ago and I hope he is still riding it for many more years to come.

Mum really didn’t want dad to buy a new motor bike in his late 70s, but that’s another argument.
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Melinda J. Irvine

Melinda J. Irvine is a freelance writer, blogger and creative. She writes for business clients and online publications all over the world. When she’s not writing about holistic health and ways to become a more effective writer, Mel is practicing tai chi and supporting the emotional wellbeing of marginalised kids in the Philippines. Sometimes she even has time to cross stitch.

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5 responses to “You’re Not Dying Here”

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  3. Rowena McGregor Avatar
    Rowena McGregor

    I hope your Dad has a speedy recovery Mel <3

    1. Melinda J. Irvine Avatar
      Melinda J. Irvine

      Thanks so much Rowena, I think he’s going to be fine and was in very good spirits when I called him this morning.

      1. Rowena McGregor Avatar
        Rowena McGregor

        😊