I anticipated having a hard week the week of January 25. I knew I would be testifying in federal court in the district's unitary status hearing. After 20+ years under court supervision in a federal desegregation case, it was our time to move forward with release. I was prepared, but anxious, as the thought of cross-examination didn't thrill my heart. Little did I know on Sunday morning, January 24, that court would only be part of my week. Early afternoon on the 24th, John and I decided to brave colds temps and a stiff breeze to ride our bikes. We parked on the North Little Rock side of the river and layered on the clothes. We rode across the Junction Bridge, through the River Market, around the Clinton Library and the Heifer Village, and through town to the Riverdale area. We were riding directly into the wind and I noticed John was riding slower than normal. He pulled over and before I could tease him, I realized that something was seriously wrong. He was gray - having chest pains - shortness of breath - and was sweating profusely in spite of the cold. He wouldn't let me call 911 and wanted me to return to the car - leaving him alone in a parking lot. That was out of the question. I called Betty to pick me up. By the time Betty got there, he was better so I left long enough to get the car and get back to him. We loaded bicycles and went home. No luck getting him to the doctor, but I was able to convince him to stay at my house until Monday so he could see Dr. Tilley. The next 4 days were crazy - with doctors and hospital and tests and stents being co-mingled with court and testifying and cross-examination. For John - Monday was very high blood pressure (198-110) and meds - Tuesday was a physical, failed stress test, and appointment with a cardiologist - Wednesday was a heart cath, 3 blockages, 3 stents, and a night in the hospital - and Thursday was getting out of the hospital.
John's heart before the stents. Notice - blood, then almost no blood, in 3 areas. Scary stuff!
For me, Monday was a full day in court and a full day of concern that I was in court and not with John - Tuesday was being with John for all of the tests - Wednesday was split, early AM with John at the hospital, a full day of testifying, and spending the night at the hospital - Thursday was getting John home and then another half-day on the stand.
We were very blessed. John did not have a heart attack. The 3 stents worked well from the start, restoring the blood flow. He did not have any complications and the prognosis is wonderful. I survived court.
We weren't supposed to get much snow and I didn't expect any at all. I went to bed on Sunday night - February 7 - without even considering that I might need to check the roads on Monday morning. I woke up around 3:00 and tossed and turned until Maggie needed to go out at 4:30. To my amazement, the ground was covered. By 4:40, I had received an email that school was closed. As a 12-month employee, I had to report to work anyway. In spite of the snow and sleet, I made it to work safely. Around 11:15, the superintendent decided to send us home because the roads were getting really bad. Daddy was in town for a doctor's appointment and by that time, had made it safely back to the house. We spent a great afternoon entering his family tree on Ancestry.com, looking at old photos, and cooking. The snow was beautiful and I took some pictures without getting out in it. I always walk around in the snow but this snow was heavy and wet - which made for good coverage and great snowman making - but wet clothes pretty quickly. When all was said and done, the schools were closed through Wednesday and federal court was canceled on Monday and Tuesday.
