Four Precious Years

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Four Precious Years

Today marks the fourth anniversary of my husband Larry’s heart attack. It has become an annual event for us to reflect on the trauma that surrounded that day, as well as his successful recovery. Gratitude fills our hearts, knowing how lucky we were that his life was spared that awful Friday afternoon, just one day after Larry had lost his mother.

When I re-read the post I wrote just after Larry was released from the hospital, I am reminded of the sheer terror of those first hours. The weight of anxiety I carried lasted for weeks and months during and after his recovery. I suppose my yearly post on this anniversary is written, in part, out of superstition, but mostly to remind myself how grateful we both are to the professionals who pulled together to save Larry.

We have kept our relationship with the firefighters from Station 8 here in Mission Hills. Larry always marks the anniversary by dropping off a card of thanks and a Starbucks gift card. They always get a batch of my Scottish toffee during the December holidays as well and, sometimes, a gift on Larry’s birthday. Our need to remind these community heroes of just how special they remain to us feels so important.

As you can see, Larry is in good shape these days, and still plays tennis twice a week across the street from our house. I still have a little PTSD on Friday afternoons while he is playing, and tend to stay close to the house.

Today we are celebrating four precious years of recovery and renewed appreciation of our life together. We will be going to Jake’s in Del Mar for lunch, scene of our first date in 1996. Life is so rich – and we don’t want to waste a minute of it.

 

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23 Responses to Four Precious Years

  1. Jean | DelightfulRepast.com February 11, 2015 at 8:48 am #

    Liz, how lovely that you keep showing your gratitude! Wishing you and Larry all the best!

    • Liz February 11, 2015 at 10:22 am #

      Thanks, Jean – we are celebrating!

  2. Wendy Read February 11, 2015 at 9:55 am #

    How wonderful Liz ๐Ÿ™‚ Andsomeday…..maybe I might get to meet your Larry as well. He looks so good there in the gardenl!

    • Liz February 11, 2015 at 10:23 am #

      I would love for you to get to know Larry –

  3. Suzanne February 11, 2015 at 1:19 pm #

    Every year I read this and smile. I am just so happy for you both, so happy that Larry is still with you, in good health and that you can celebrate this together. So so happy for you both and grateful to the brave men and women that were there for you when you needed them.

    • Liz February 11, 2015 at 1:36 pm #

      Thank you, Suzanne – it is always such an emotional day for me.

  4. SallyBR February 11, 2015 at 1:27 pm #

    Beautiful tribute to happiness, and it is also wonderful that you show your gratitude to the heroes who helped save Larry’s life.

    I know that if it was me, I would also be freaking out every Friday afternoon while he plays, but I guess this is the toll we pay for being madly in love with our partners, right?

    CARPE DIEM!

    • Liz February 11, 2015 at 1:36 pm #

      Yes, you should have seen me when he started playing tennis again after the MI.

  5. Jayne February 11, 2015 at 1:49 pm #

    Wow 4 years Liz! The time has flown! It’s so wonderful to know Larry is ok, such a nice picture of him. I’m so glad you are celebrating.

    • Liz February 11, 2015 at 4:31 pm #

      It has been a lovely day, Jayne – wish I could send you some California sunshine.

  6. Laura @ Family Spice February 11, 2015 at 1:55 pm #

    Four years? WOW! It’s wonderful to hear that Larry is doing so well and looks so happy. Must be from your tender loving care! xxooxx

    • Liz February 11, 2015 at 4:31 pm #

      We are both healthier, Laura – hope to see you at the SP event – xo

  7. Sippitysup February 11, 2015 at 4:24 pm #

    You give us all strength with these reminders about the precious nature of lave and life. GREG

    • Liz February 11, 2015 at 4:32 pm #

      Thanks, Greg – it has been a good day and our hearts are full.

  8. Maureen | Orgasmic Chef February 11, 2015 at 7:51 pm #

    Awww, I sure do understand the emotion surrounding the anniversary. I’m still recovering. ๐Ÿ™‚

    • Liz February 12, 2015 at 7:02 am #

      It takes a long time, Maureen – be patient with yourself.

  9. Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious February 13, 2015 at 7:57 am #

    I look forward to your yearly celebration of this occasion. It serves to remind us all…gratitude, for every day we get.

    • Liz February 13, 2015 at 8:27 am #

      Thanks, Dorothy, I try to be grateful every day for the rich life I have – so easy to get caught up in small stuff that doesn’t matter in the long run.

  10. Beth (OMG! Yummy) February 13, 2015 at 4:36 pm #

    So happy that you share this with us, that he is doing well, and that you make the time to thank the team that saved him. I understand how you feel about this more than I care to because of an emergency we had with my son last year – how our lives can change and our perspectives in a matter of an instant…

    • Liz February 13, 2015 at 5:12 pm #

      I cannot imagine what it must feel like, as a parent, to have your child in such a critical situation – yes, we are members of a club that we had no intention of joining!

  11. susan @ the wimpy vegetarian February 18, 2015 at 10:46 pm #

    What a lovely tribute to an appreciation for life, and for those who help in our time of need. It’s amazing that it’s been 4 years now since that Friday afternoon. You both look wonderful! And love, love, love Jakes. I’ve been there several times and have enjoyed each meal tremendously!!

    • Liz February 20, 2015 at 2:38 pm #

      Thanks, Susan, let’s the four of us hit Jake’s the next time you and Myles visit San Diego?

  12. Lisa @ Whisk & Cleaver February 24, 2015 at 1:23 pm #

    Liz, this is a wonderful and moving tribute to Larry, your love and your appreciation of the local fire fighters! I’m sure it means a lot to them to be thanked every year for the blessings they gave you both. I know from experience that your Scottish toffee is a wonderful thank you ๐Ÿ™‚

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