On my way home from Jeff City last Friday, I got a call from my husband Gene. He told me that he had terrible chest pains, was having trouble breathing, and was driving himself to St. Luke's Hospital. Fortunately, I was only about thirty minutes from home and went directly to the Emergency Room. When I got there, I was told that I couldn't see him because the hospital wasn't letting in any visitors (because of the COVID19 pandemic).
So, we had to communicate by phone/text for the next couple of hours. At about 7:30 p.m. we talked and Gene was headed to emergency surgery. He had an an aneurysm in an artery close to his heart, it was life-threatening, and he needed immediate surgery.
I was allowed to see him for about twenty minutes at 4:00 a.m. on Saturday morning. The hospital staff
told me that will be the only time I can see him, again because of COVID19. Gene made it through the surgery, but still has the breathing tube in, has suffered some seizures, and is in ICU.
It's so hard not being able to see him, talk to him, or hold his hand. Our daughter Courtney, son-in-law Roby, and our grandkids traveled from their home in Wentzville to be with me. My family is a great comfort at this very stressful time and I love and appreciate them immensely.
I've never missed a weekly update during the legislative session since being elected in November 2011. My thoughts are only with Gene and his well-being at this time. So I hope you'll understand that I won't be writing an update this week and I will miss the last week of session to be here for Gene.
However, Marc Powers, Chief of Staff for our Democratic Caucus, writes a weekly update. He has told all the House Reps. that we can use it in any way we so choose, So this week I will share Marc's Weekly Update with you.
Courtney, Roby, Alex, Olivia, and I love Gene so much - he's the best husband, dad, and grandpa. Please keep Gene and our family in your thoughts and prayers.
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