Three years ago, when I turned sixty, my Search and Rescue credentials were cancelled, and the only way to get more years of volunteer service was to undergo a complete medical exam, including a heart stress test. Although some issues were found, I was pleased with the results. I was able to get my SAR credentials back. Going regularly to the gym and trying to have a balanced diet continued to be part of my routine, including long hikes. My daughter Andrea and I did the most challenging part of the Mont Blanc trail, the Rinn River trail in Germany, the St. James Trail in Spain, the Roma trail and the Mayan trail in Guatemala.
During those days, I suffered the loss of a good friend and prayer partner from obstructive coronary artery disease. It was a real surprise since I always admired his healthy lifestyle. This heart condition happens due to the gradual narrowing of arteries that supply the heart with blood. This blockage is usually caused by plaque (atherosclerosis) build-up and can begin early in life. It may continue slowly worsening in some people and more quickly in others. This condition is also called “The silent killer” because many people who have it do not realize it until it is too late. Coronary obstruction is something we all have, some more acute than others. It is part of the development of our society, our longevity, and our modern lifestyle. Genetics may have also played a role in my case, given that it runs within my family.
When I was in Ukraine, I began to suffer from depression and fatigue. My support group and coach thought I was suffering from PTSD, and I agreed with all of them. The decision was taken that I would take a six-month sabbatical upon returning to Costa Rica. The depression continued, as well as fatigue. June and July were the worst. In the meantime, I felt terrible because I thought my sabbatical would help me recover. I felt worse day by day. While resting and doing personal projects, which I had on my bucket list, my vision became blurry, and my memory was losing sharpness. I experienced difficulty breathing. Guilt settled in. I was supposed to get better during my time off, but I was not. Some people, including myself, were sure I was dealing with PTSD. Still, I was baffled.
Despite all the risks taken, my two years serving in Ukraine have been by far the most rewarding, spirit-lifting experience of all my years of service. Serving alongside humanitarian workers and medical volunteers worldwide has been uplifting. I served alongside international volunteers, some aged in their twenties and others in their seventies. The Christian church I have been serving in Ukraine was tremendously encouraging, and they have always been grateful for our support. I have helped to provide emergency medical attention and assisted dozens and dozens of displaced who have lost everything they owned, and their gratefulness will never be forgotten.
Then, it happened: a heart attack. It was gradual, but during the last episode, I felt I was dying. Three miracles happened. First, I was granted full medical insurance without the required documentation. Second, a heart attack occurred in the hospital, and someone prayed for me over the phone, and I still cannot remember who called. The doctors were quite surprised at how quickly I had recovered at that moment; however, they had ordered my admission to the hospital since they had located two severe obstructions in my vascular arteries, and they would not let me go home because I was a high-risk relapse patient. The third miracle happened while I was hospitalized. As there was a long list of patients waiting for the same procedure, a couple of doctors became very interested in my experience in Ukraine. They would even bring other hospital doctors to introduce me to them. Some of them recognized me because this is the hospital where I usually bring patients during my volunteer ambulance service. One day, one of my treating doctors came to me and said in a solemn voice.
“Partner, (companero) I wish I did not have the obligations I have; otherwise, I would gladly accompany you in Ukraine. We will try to make it possible for you to have your procedure soon so you can return to continue helping in Ukraine.” That evening, the nurse told me I was scheduled to have the procedure early the next day! I had developed an 80% heart obstruction. Two artery stents were put in. I was out of the hospital the next day, feeling amazingly well. I had forgotten how to feel healthy.
Two days later, my son Jonathan and I went for a hike at the beach and another hike in the mountains the next day. Six weeks have passed since the procedure. The doctor has given me a clean bill of health, and I have slowly increased my exercise routine. I intend to do the St. James trail for the third time in Spain this fall. This trail is a centuries-old Catholic pilgrimage, but in recent years, it has been used by Christians of other traditions to reflect on our faith journey. After that, I will return to Ukraine for three months. On my way to Ukraine, I will stop in Argentina to attend the Mission Global Gathering and teach a Christian Humanitarian Relief Operations workshop. I am pleased to teach at this conference, which hosts pastors and leaders of significant ministries worldwide. I am grateful that this ministry was started with the support of my home in Toronto, Bayview Glen, and my home church in Costa Rica, giving this ministry considerable leadership support. Both churches will send a team of short-term missionaries to support this year’s conference.
This heart procedure requires some degree of preparation, which can be very enerving, mainly because I was about to face the “unknown.” Of course, it did not help that before the procedure, a doctor came with all kinds of waivers for me to sign and warned me about all the risks this procedure would involve, including the fact that I might die during it. Not very encouraging...
Having Jonathan around during my stay at the hospital was uplifting. He had shared a worship song he had recently released at his ministry. Part of the song I made as my prayer as I went through the procedure:
“Moses stood on a mountain. Waiting for you to pass by. You placed your hand over his face. In your presence so he wouldn’t die. All Israel saw the glory, and it shone down through the age. Now, you called me to seek your face boldly. Show me your face, Lord, Your power and Your grace, And I will make it to the end if I could see your face...”
I appreciate your prayers and support.
Nery
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