We talked about this experience, recounting how over the past several years he had noticed marked decline in his aerobic performance, wrongly attributing the effects of poor aortic flow from the valve defect to age or lack of training. With hopeful hearts, we spoke of the new potential for life after this surgery.
Soon into our visit, Kevin's nurse came in to tell him it was time for his exercise, but first asked Kevin to rate his pain (I assume on a 1-10 scale). She asked, "About a three?" And he discreetly put his thumb up, and raised his eye brows in unison to gesture, "Higher." But Kevin is never one to complain, and he is persistent in the face of challenge.
Kevin got situated behind a walker, and with JD at his side, proceeded to make 3 laps around the floor, about 1/4 mile of walking within one day of heart surgery. Jane and I stood by near his room, holding out the watch and pretending to be timing his splits, noting that each lap was faster than the previous. Kevin gladly participated in our game.
After saying goodbye, Kevin back down for a rest, I left with a new found thankfulness for friendship, health, and life. As I left for Chapel Hill to run an evening track race, I silently dedicated the effort to Kevin.
I am thankful for these days we've been given, and for the eternal home we're promised in Christ. In many ways after Kevin makes his full recovery, it may appear that nothing has changed. But, I believe for all of us, we can live life with a poignant reminder of the daily gift that this life is for each of us.
Show me, O LORD, my life's end
and the number of my days;
let me know how fleeting is my life.
and the number of my days;
let me know how fleeting is my life.
Psalm 39:4
(The blog posts from the past week have been written by Scott Ickes, friend of the Bartkovichs and former Christ School teacher)
3 comments:
Thank you for these updates Scott and Andy. It is such a blessing to see the Lord's mighty hand at work. He is using this situation to touch lives all over the world.To God be the glory!
Dunno if Kevin received a "bovine" (read pig) valve replacment like Becky's dad a few years ago. It worked WONDERFULLY. Well, there was a minor problem. He would disappear now and again and we'd find next door - down on all fours -- rootin' in our neighbor's raddish patch!
That KEVIN BARTOVICH... what a guy.
Like a TIMEX - he takes a lickin' and keeps on tickin!
Hugz,
Johnny & Becky from London
We have been so uplifted to hear of God's gifts to the Bart family throughout this week. Since last Thursday, every time I start a prayer with the common words, 'thank you Lord for another day", I cry. And thank Him more. We love you guys and praise God for His healing. May He continue to carry you through these days of recovery.
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