Apparently, It's Hereditary

I went to the cardiologist yesterday.  Not because I was feeling bad.  In fact, I’ve been feeling pretty good lately.  I went because of my dad.  You see, apparently he passed on some bad genes.  He had heart trouble in his 50’s – bypass surgery when he was 58.  In the last year, both my brothers, in their early 50s, have experienced heart problems.  Almost 6 months ago my brother Greg passed away as a result – my older brother (only by 2 years) recently underwent quadruple bypass surgery.  So off to the cardiologist I go (I am 50).  Fortunately all my blood work and tests to this point have been good, very good.  My cardiologist told me that based on that I have less than a 2% chance of a heart attack in the next 5 years – but there is family history to consider.  So next week I will have a coronary artery calcium scan to add one more data point.  And even after that  I will need to be watchful for the rest of my life – as will my birth children and my nephews and nieces.

Apparently heart disease is hereditary.  Many years ago, Adam (yes, a real person, and ancestor to us all) sinned and passed on heart disease to all of us.  We may not all experience the same symptoms, and some may believe they are not in trouble at all.  But they are – and eventually it will catch up.  Fortunately, God, the great cardiologist, made a way for us to be healed of heart disease.

Romans 5:17 says:

 “ For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ.”

Is it time for you to see the cardiologist?

Never say never

After much thought (but without the result of forming an exploratory committee) I have decided to run this fall.  I have entered the Columbus Marathon which takes place on October 21.  After Pittsburgh I thought that would be my last – but …

Today is Greg’s 52nd birthday – He is spending his birthday in heaven and I miss him dearly.  Greg – we still have a race to run together and I look forward to that day.    I have been amazed at the lives you have touched here on earth and pray that I can make such an impact as well.   

Run On…