This is my first (and only, I pray) blog entry from a hospital bed.
Yesterday began like any other Sunday, but ended like none I had ever experienced!!! During the announcements at church, I felt out of it, sort of light-headed, but I trudged through them nonetheless. As I watched the intro clip, I knew that I was supposed to get up and talk next, but I really just wanted to sit there and watch like everyone else. Nonetheless, I got up, and started talking like I was supposed to. The problem is I couldn't focus; I stammered, and I thought "I can't do this." I kept talking, and even after glancing at my notes for direction I didn't know what to say. I felt very light-headed. I looked out at the faces looking in anticipation for me to say something that would meaningfully connect them with some biblical insight, and I had nothing to offer. Even though I had more preparation time and better sleep than in previous weeks. I felt like I was going to pass out, and grabbed my head, which is when everyone sensed something wasn't right. I told everyone I needed to pray and I sat down; we did worship music, and broke into small groups to pray, then concluded our service with more worship.
WHAT HAPPENED??? I don't know yet. At the insistence of several church attendees I went to a walk-in clinic after service. I fully expected them to say I had some sort of anxiety attack, "We don't really know what happened..." and send me on my way (perhaps with some little yellow pills...) They did several things and noticed my EKG was abnormal. Despite a previously known condition they sent me to the ER where they ran a battery of tests of all kinds just to be safe. So here I am Monday at 10 AM, at the UCONN Medical Center feeling fine, waiting to hear what's next. Prayerfully I will be released soon.
Obligatory humorous annotation: As everyone was fussing over me, Jered, a future church-planter, pushed his way through to me. While I sat there confused, embarrassed and wondering why we had to have a full crowd THIS week he made me laugh by demanding the CD of this service!
We can always count on you to bring humor into EVERY situation. I love your attitude, Bill. At least you didn't faint! I'm praying for a full, bounce back. Talk to you soon.
Posted by: Doug Rasku | August 21, 2006 at 12:15 PM
Hey Bill,
i just wanted to let you know i am praying for you, your family, and the ministry the Lord has given you!
Be careful and remember.
"Never turn your back
On the ripper"
Posted by: John Koontz | August 22, 2006 at 12:26 AM
Bill, just thought i'd let you know I'm also praying for you.
j, australia
Posted by: Jaems | August 22, 2006 at 05:36 AM
Bill,
I called Sunday. I guess you were a little busy. Let us know what's up.
Jason
Posted by: jason berggren | August 22, 2006 at 06:23 AM
Bill,
There must have been something in the air this week end. Check out Bob's blog. hope your tests turn out positive. My prayers are with you.
Posted by: John | August 22, 2006 at 02:52 PM
Thanks guys for the prayers and encouragement; it means a lot! And John K, thanks for the Priest reference!
Posted by: Bill LaMorey | August 22, 2006 at 03:44 PM
hey i heard what happened... man... i thought my advise about saying praise the Lord and praying didn't work...
Your approach was way more dramatic...
love you man, hope you're feeling better...
-mark
Posted by: mark Rodriguez | August 24, 2006 at 01:33 PM
Sounds like you were being "slain in the Spirit." You should have just gone with it...
I've subscribed to this blog's feed.
It's some good reading...
Posted by: bryonm | August 30, 2006 at 04:59 PM
Bryon,
Funny enough, I joked at our service ths weekend that I needed anyone from a pentecostal background to stand by as "catchers" in case of a repeat perfomance...glad you like the blog! -Bill
Posted by: Bill LaMorey | August 31, 2006 at 09:42 AM