the heart of the matter

SOTD: Ray LaMontagne - "Be Here Now"

I come from a long line of broken hearts. 

My family tree has lots of heart...problems!

Not the emotionally challenged sort, but the stop pumping, skip a beat in a bad way, physically damaged kind.

A couple of weeks ago my Mom and Grandmother had individual visits with their cardiologist who ran common tests to check for any abnormalities and both of their tests came back with issues. As a result, they were both sent to Nashville for more invasive testing. 

To say that I've been a little 'out of sorts' the last 24 hours or so would be an understatement. 

In what I can only describe as typical 'Watson' timing, they had simultaneous exploratory surgical procedures this morning. Unfortunately, because of my fabulous new job, I was unable to take the day off to be with them at Vanderbilt, but that didn't stop me from worrying myself sick. 

It started with my 45 minute commute to work. I should have just listened to the radio this morning, but if you know me, you know that I am glued to my ipod in the car and in the great tradition of 'Musical Fortune' my random playlist couldn't have been more morose. Just check out a sampling below:

1. Katy Perry - Not Like the Movies

2. Carrie Underwood - Mama's Song (cue the water works)

3. Ray LaMontagne - Be Here Now

4. Lady Antebellum - Hello World

5. Adele - Don't You Remember

6. Brandi Carlile - Turpentine

(It's possible my music library is a little heavy on the slit your wrists and cry side, but I promise it's not all depressing!! Perhaps I could use a few, new, upbeat tracks...)

The good news, however, is that everything turned out just fine. Both Mom and Granny were out of surgery before lunch and even made it back home before dinner. Granny is getting around like she spent the day at the dentist (I really hope I have some of those genes!) while Mom is taking things a little bit easier. Early reports indicate that a change in diet and lifestyle (cutting out salt & stress) could do the trick, but there is no reason to believe that either one is in any immediate danger of stroke or heart attack.

What. A. Day.