Laughter and Thanks

You know what they say about the best laid plans of mice and men?    Apparently the best laid plans of moms can go awry too.     I left the house yesterday with plans to go to the Barnes and Noble Homeschooling Open House, drop by the dollar store to pick up two simple items and then go pick up Big Guy from work.    It seemed like a simple plan when I left the house, but something went terribly wrong between that time and the moment I landed in the back of an ambulance.

I walked into the Dollar Store to find army men for a "Boot Camp" program which we are having for the upcoming 5th graders this weekend at church.     They didn't have them so I started walking towards the exit.    All of a sudden I did not know where I was.     I stopped, took a breath and looked around.   I was really confused because nothing looked familiar to me at all.    I walked outside and looked around and I still had no idea where I was.    I don't remember being scared, but I was so confused and felt disconnected.    I found my keys in my purse and pushed the button until I found my car with the lights blinking.    I went and climbed in and tried to call my husband.     He didn't answer.     I sat there and the feeling wouldn't go away and I knew I couldn't possibly drive.     I wasn't sure what to do because I could not remember anyone's name and nothing seemed familiar to me at all.    I tried to call 911 but the call kept failing.    I finally asked a lady to call 911 for me.  

Now, if you know me you realize that I cope with most things with laughter.     This was no exception.     I told 911 that I was in the Wal-Mart parking lot, but in the parking lot in front of The Shoe Department.     911 said that they couldn't find me.     Where we live isn't that big and Wal-Mart is a HUGE landmark.     He said, "Are you sure you are in front of the shoe department?"    I knew I was confused, but I could still read.   I told him I was reading that sign.    He asked if there was anyone around who could help me.   The lady who let me borrow her phone told 911 that we were indeed in front of The Shoe Department.   A sheriff's officer showed up and I heard him radio in, "Dispatch, tell the EMTs that she is NOT in the shoe department of Walmart.   She is in front of The Shoe Department store."     I got the giggles because I could just envision those EMTs running around the shoe department inside Wal-Mart looking for some confused woman.

After they showed up they asked if they could try hubs again.    I told them if they pushed the "G" on phone is would speed dial my husband.    The EMT was wearing gloves and he apparently didn't push the button long enough so it pulled up the G's in my address book.    The first name under the G's is Gene McGee (the mayor of our city).   The EMT said, "You are married to the mayor?"     Again, I started laughing.     I know these guys thought I was really losing it.   

The trip to the ER and several tests showed that I had a seizure.    I have never had a seizure like that before and had no idea that is what it was.     

I am so thankful to God that I made that stop at the Dollar Store and wasn't driving to pick up Big Guy when it happened.    I am also thankful that Little Guy had decided to go over and play with his best friend instead of going with me to the Open House.       God is so good.