Stressed Out? Pray About It

By Joe Sullivan, MJ • Phoenix, AZ

By the time you read this, I will probably be post-op. 

I was diagnosed at the end of May by my cardiologist with 90 percent blockage in two of the main arteries to my heart and I needed double bypass surgery. 

Fr. Cahill said I will be at the top of his prayer list. “What? Again!”, I replied. Last summer I was on top of his prayer list when I got lost in the Arizona Fossil Creek Canyon for three days and three nights. Another member of Miles Jesu told me, “Joe, you keep hogging-up all the prayers!” Truly, I really need them. 

“Just keep from stressful situations and don’t over-exert yourself,” said my cardiologist. Easier said than done. 

Just a few days later, I had finished only the third ride of the day in my medical transport job when a window popped up on my phone. “We are temporarily suspending your service because of reported discriminatory speech. Please contact us to help us understand the situation to get you back on the road as soon as possible. Thank you.” 

I was shocked because I remembered every detail of each of the three rides. There were no conversations. They were pleasant and quiet rides. I sent an e-mail to the center and explained and signed off on their non-discriminatory policy once again. 

I was dumbfounded and distressed as I went through each ride with a fine-toothed comb. I could not recall anything that I said or did that would cause a passenger to report me. I was so distressed I went home and laid down. 

Racing thoughts made it hard to rest. So, I prayed. 

After about 20 minutes it hit me. I smiled. “That’s it!” I said aloud. It had to be. There is no other explanation. I realized that I finished each ride with the words, “God bless you.” As disappointing as this explanation is, it is the reality. I had a nice rest after that.