Walmart

My other blog was more of a medical record. Because this is a journal, too, I thought I would occasionally write down memories of people and events that I want to remember. So lucky you, you get to join  me.

Because my kids all have birthdays in the same week (November 1, 2, 8) The boys had birthday money to spend but I hadn't quite gotten to it with having a new baby and the chaos involved. So, the day before Thanksgiving, 2007, I ventured to Walmart with all 3 kids. I know others take more kids with them but this was my first outing with them all and I was a bit nervous.
I managed to get us all in to the store, put the baby carrier in the cart, and started past the greeter. Just then my eyes could only see black and my legs gave out. I managed to yell to the greeter to call 911.  Two ladies, who didn't know me or my kids immediately came over and took care of my kids. I never did get their names or get to thank them but I still get emotional at their sweetness. Walmart employees formed a protective circle around me. I remained conscious the whole time and by the time the paramedics arrived I felt shakey, but fine. And really embarrassed!
They cheched me over and wanted to take me to the hospital, but I declined. I really felt fine. But they said they could not leave until I had someone with me.They asked who they could call and I let them call Robert, who was understandibly freaked out. I then called Karen Stallings to come get my kids. I got no answer.  Come to find out, she was on the other side of the same store! I then called my mom for help. She got my sister from across her street and they drove like crazy to Walmart. Unfortunately, they went to the wrong Walmart and had to talk to the manager to find out where I really was.
While we waited for the cavalry, I got moved out of the entrance and into the optical center. They brought me water and crackers and one manager even took the boys and helped them pick out their gifts.I am now a Walmart shopper for life! My mom and Wendy arrived and right after came Robert. I don't even want to know how fast he was driving to get there so fast!
My mom and Wendy took the kids and Robert and I went to see my doctor.  The best way I could describe to him what happened was that I had passed out. He (without having all the facts) said that was fairly normal after giving birth and to rest and maybe get a massage. He was right for the symptoms I described. Looking back, I realize I should have explained more. In actuality, I had a TIA or mini stroke. Often it a stong indicator of a big stroke coming. many people suffer no lasting effects from TIA's but they should never be ignored!!  But a stroke was not even in the back of my mind. I just didn't know.
That day my sister asked Aleq if he was scared. He replied that it wasn't a scary story at all.  I love this!  Realizing that I was cared for, many people went out of their way to make sure my kids were okay.  What could have been a  terrible experience for them was, instead, an almost fun day for them. This was the first of MANY times I could see The Lord working through others to help us through this time.