... just returned from Vancouver

    The last nine days Mary and I have been in Vancouver--five days longer than we had planned, due to a surprise heart problem that became evident while there.
    After struggling for three days with chest pain and tingling forearms after minimal exertion, Mary and a pastor friend from the early (mid seventies) Amsterdam days (Paul Myers) insisted on calling a doctor for advise. In maybe typical male denial fashion I had come up with all kinds of other reasons for the pain, including the exhausting in-door soccer games I had played the Sunday before (first time in 8 years).
    We had gone to Vancouver to celebrate our 27th wedding anniversary which--once again <<blushing>>--I had missed the week prior when I was in Texas for a missions conference. While we went to celebrate the fact that our hearts have been beating for each other, in marriage, for 27 years, we discovered that my physical heart was in trouble.

... I am the Stent Man
    Bottom line, medically speaking: an angiogram showed my left anterior descending coronary artery to be 90% blocked (in medical schools THAT artery is referred to as the "sudden death" artery; others call it the "widow maker.") Following this diagnosis, an angioplasty and insertion of a stent was performed. It was easier and less painful than I anticipated.
    I am glad to be one of those who had warning symptoms. Many others, I am told, fall over with a heart attack without prior warning. It certainly was a sobering experience, and I am grateful for both life as well as for the well-wishes and prayers of friends and colleagues.
    Now, apparently, I have to focus more attention on healthier food and day-to-day activity (as a German who likes his sausages, that may be hard).
    I remember feeling very sad and annoyed when I first realized the potential seriousness of a sudden exit from this life. Sad, primarily and certainly, for Mary and the kids, about leaving them alone, but also about the fact of having a lot of things pending and cluttered, both in our personal life as well as in the ministry sphere. projects, finances, legal paper work and records. I want to get my life more in order, and plan, as much as I can, for such eventuality.
    In my previous email I had mentioned that Mary too is facing potentially serious medical issues, and had a procedure a couple weeks ago that our insurance will not cover; she will find out more this week.
    Financially speaking, I am sure that the majority of you reading this are probably facing similar unexpected financial challenges in your own lives. We do not presume that we are in any unique situation. While, because of our particular calling to Christian ministry, we depend on financial donations, we are well aware that being in a regular employment context is not necessarily any more stable.

          So, please, do not feel unduly pressured as we mention the fact that we had to resort to the help of a credit card in paying for the $4,500 that insurance will not cover ($3,000 for Mary's procedure, and $1,500 for  mine). At least, pray that the Insurance company WILL pay for the rest of my hospitalization (I won't bore you with the relevant details that I am concerned about, and which may give the company grounds for refusal).

Grateful to be alive, grateful for your concern,
Paul and Mary (and Sean and Noelle) Filidis

A Happy Advent Season to all of you as you reflect on the mystery of His coming

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