Friday morning when I had just started loading my log haul trailer I had what I figured to be a heart attack. Now as I was already out in the bush in the logging block, I had to decide whether to drive back 2 hours to the nearest hospital or finish loading and go to the hospital in Whitecourt (where I unload)--same distance. I figured since it was the same length of time, I might as well get paid for the drive. So...I loaded and delivered my logs. Once in Whitecourt, it seemed like the attack was over, so i headed for home--about 1 1/2 hours away.
Saturday morning bright and early Miss Linda drove me into the Drayton Valley hospital. Yep. Heart attack. They sent me by ambulance to Edmonton. If you've never been in an ambulance then let me tell you they ride like a stoneboat.
They cleared out an artery that was 100% plugged and I feel good as new.
But...there's always a but..in Alberta there's an immediate mandatory 3 month
Driving suspension for all commercial drivers. That meant that even if I wasn't looking up at turnip roots I was going to miss out on the entire Winter Log Haul. The log haul accounts for about 40% of my anual income. It makes for a real long streatch with no paycheck until the asphalt haul to the pavers starts up in June. Lots of stress rhere!!!!
Then this morning I was talking to the cardiologist about it and he told me "no problem". He said with the minimal damage to my heart he could circumvent the 3 month suspension. So I have to rest up for 2 weeks and then I can go back to work.
Thank you Lord. I just wasn't sure where the money was going to come from to make the payments on my Freightliner, log trailer, and brand new gravel trailer. Not to mention insurance on all of them, a mortgage payment, and little things like food.
We all take our continued good health for granted until something like this happens, then its a real wakeup call. Good thing I have a first class Guardian Angel!!!
Gary
Saturday morning bright and early Miss Linda drove me into the Drayton Valley hospital. Yep. Heart attack. They sent me by ambulance to Edmonton. If you've never been in an ambulance then let me tell you they ride like a stoneboat.
They cleared out an artery that was 100% plugged and I feel good as new.
But...there's always a but..in Alberta there's an immediate mandatory 3 month
Driving suspension for all commercial drivers. That meant that even if I wasn't looking up at turnip roots I was going to miss out on the entire Winter Log Haul. The log haul accounts for about 40% of my anual income. It makes for a real long streatch with no paycheck until the asphalt haul to the pavers starts up in June. Lots of stress rhere!!!!
Then this morning I was talking to the cardiologist about it and he told me "no problem". He said with the minimal damage to my heart he could circumvent the 3 month suspension. So I have to rest up for 2 weeks and then I can go back to work.
Thank you Lord. I just wasn't sure where the money was going to come from to make the payments on my Freightliner, log trailer, and brand new gravel trailer. Not to mention insurance on all of them, a mortgage payment, and little things like food.
We all take our continued good health for granted until something like this happens, then its a real wakeup call. Good thing I have a first class Guardian Angel!!!
Gary
