Guy and Kimberly Burgo
I thought it was just another evening. It was about 9:30 p.m. and my wife, Kimberly, and I were relaxing on the couch watching a sitcom. My chest started feeling a little uncomfortable. Over the next 10 to 15 minutes I tried to evaluate if I had gas or indigestion, but I began to realize that I had never felt anything quite like this before. About four months earlier test results showed some plaque buildup in my arteries, and because I recently had been under tremendous stress, I looked at Kimberly and said, “We need to get to the hospital, now!”
Thankfully, our little mountain hospital was less than 5 minutes away. They immediately took me in and a few minutes later the doctor said, “I understand you thought you were having a heart attack, is that right? Well, let me tell you, you’re having the big one – the one nobody wants!” I was having what’s called a “Widow Maker.”
The amazing team in the emergency room did everything they could to save me, while Kimberly called friends and family for prayer. I watched the team move the crash cart close as I began to spiral downward with my blood pressure dropping to 70 over 30 and my body shaking uncontrollably. The doctor went out to talk to Kimberly, and said, “Your husband is very sick. Do you understand what I’m telling you? You need to go into the room and give him a hug and a kiss, tell him you love him, and say goodbye.”
The medical team didn’t think I would make it, but the Lord had other plans. He miraculously pulled me out of the deep spiral I was in and chose to spare my life that night. Rather than seeing this as a terrible event, Kimberly and I have chosen to see this as our miracle story. We are so thankful to God for it.
It put life into a new perspective. Our friends and family were shocked when they heard what happened to me. At the time of my heart attack, I was 62 years old, 5 feet 7 inches tall, and 178 pounds. I didn’t look like someone waiting to have a major heart attack. But the truth is, we never know when our health might change in an instant, whether from a heart attack, illness, or a tragic accident. None of us are promised tomorrow here on earth. And even though I was given the gift of more time with family and friends, I’m now keenly aware that tomorrow may never come.
Helping people be prepared for such an event has been a major part of my life’s work. For nearly 27 years, God has blessed me with the privilege of serving in a unique and rewarding ministry. I’ve helped thousands of Christians around the country design their wills or trusts from a prayerful and biblical perspective.
Going through my own miracle story has given me an even greater passion for helping families get their houses in order.
It’s so important to God that we have our house in order and that we are good stewards of our family and all He has entrusted to us (2 Kings 20:1, 1 Cor. 4:2, 1 Tim. 5:8, 1 Tim. 6:7). During the most significant event in human history, Jesus demonstrated the importance of ensuring our loved ones are cared for in our absence. As He was about to die for our sins on the cross, Jesus looked at Mary and His disciple and said, “Dear woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, the disciple took her into his home (John 19:26-27).
Are you ready for “tomorrow?” Have you made sure your family will be well cared for in your absence through an up-to-date will or trust that reflects your faith? If not, I hope I’ve respectfully inspired you to be a good steward by taking the necessary steps to put your house in order. Take time today to review your plans and ensure your family is protected.