Around the world, hearts are pulsing with love and affection today, openly, often kitschily but with a sweet sincerity that for a single day wraps the planet in a powerful heart-shaped embrace. Can you feel it?
As a recent heart attack survivor, this special day of big-heartedness holds greater meaning for me than ever. The iconic images of hearts and flowers instantly call to mind recuperating in Cardiac ICU. I remember how surreal it all felt for days afterward. I look back and recall my gradual awakening to the truth of my vulnerability. And, a mere two weeks later, every mention of the word "heart" has mine beating with a slight pang of apprehension followed by an ardent pulse of gratitude.
In my last post I spoke of some of the warnings of heart attack that often go unheeded, especially by women. One of my dear friends took my message to heart and decided a visit to her doctor was in order after suffering prolonged upper abdominal discomfort. Her doctor ordered an EKG and full blood work-up. Luckily, my friend discovered that her symptoms had nothing to do with her heart. Rather, it was determined that she had gall stones. Relieved, she returned home and researched "gall stones." She sent me an e-mail with the following quote from an Emergency Medical Technician:
"About 80% of our ‘heart attack’ calls were gallbladder attacks. There can be shortness of breath, pain up or down the right arm, pressure or pain in one shoulder blade or the other, heartburn, heart palpitations. You may experience pain or pressure beneath your sternum (breast bone). There may be nausea or even vomiting involved. The pain can last a few minutes to several hours. It does mirror a heart attack in many ways and only a professional can tell you which it might be. Don’t choose to do your own guess on this. If you have those types of symptoms, call 911. Better to be safe than sorry."
On this Valentine's Day I am so grateful that my friend's heart is healthy. I am happy that her healthy heart guided her to consult with her doctor. And while gall stones are nothing to celebrate, she was able to rule out heart disease and I think that's a wonderful Valentine's gift.
Legend has it that St. Valentine was a martyr and a healer. Reportedly, Bishop Valentine after being condemned to death by Claudius II of Rome, restored the eyesight of the blind daughter of his jailer. It is said that prior to his execution he wrote a message to the daughter, signing it, "Your Valentine." (See Wikipedia, St. Valentine.)
The true meaning of Valentine's Day, when taken in light of this legend, might be that our vulnerable hearts are capable of courageous and loving feats. We are
all healers and love is our most potent remedy. When we open our hearts
to one another miracles happen. My Valentine wish this year:
May we recognize the miracle of our beating hearts.
May we honor our hearts by caring deeply.
May we find the courage to love openly.
Happy Valentine's Day!
Please help me to write what matters to you by offering a comment below. Thank you! ~ Namaste~
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