PRINCE GEORGE, B.C. — A British Columbia Conservative member of Parliament says the memory of his stricken wife's face as a medical crisis nearly killed him is his motivation for a heartfelt message to his colleagues, constituents and all Canadians.
Todd Doherty, the MP for Cariboo-Prince George, says in a Facebook post he needed emergency surgery to remove his gallbladder after becoming ill in Prince George on Jan 20.
He says he stopped breathing during the surgery and over the next two days his lungs filled with fluid and his major organs began shutting down.
Through all that, despite the drugs and the chaos, he says he remembers his son pleading to be allowed to donate a kidney or lung to help his dad pull through.
Doherty is on the mend now but says he has learned the lesson that plans, no matter how carefully crafted, will fail if the planner isn't around to carry them out.
This is lengthy but I hope you will take the time to read. Last Saturday night (January 20th), after an evening spent...
Posted by Todd Doherty on Monday, 29 January 2018
He is out of hospital, recovering at home, and urges people to take time to care for themselves and do the work necessary to stay healthy.
"Regardless of the titles or status we seek or achieve, our schedules or whatever demands placed on us, remember this: There is only one group who will mourn you longer than a week, that's your family," Doherty says in the social media post.
He says he still wants to achieve his goal of backing legislation to help sufferers of post-traumatic stress disorder. He also pledges to never stop trying to inspire others, and be the best father, husband, brother, friend and community leader possible.
A short message to my friends, family and colleagues. https://t.co/d7c5bcYivB pic.twitter.com/Ya1CM6yCfq
— Todd Doherty (@ToddDohertyMP) January 29, 2018
Wishing you a full and speedy recovery @ToddDohertyMP I read your message while I was on the treadmill this morning (for the 1st in a long time). You inspired me to keep going! All the best from your Parliamentary Family. https://t.co/tmUXyASlNO
— Alaina Lockhart, MP (@AlainaLockhart) January 29, 2018
Todd, I just saw this. Wishing you a complete and speedy recover. And thnx for the advice. Ralph G.
— Ralph Goodale (@RalphGoodale) January 29, 2018
#Selfcare is not just a buzzword. Dedicated time each day to our physical & #mentalhealth is crucial. Please take a minute to read the linked post. Thank you for sharing your vulnerabilities, @ToddDohertyMP. Get better soon! https://t.co/wdxhipP1Y3
— Dr. Vivien Lee (@DrPsychNinja) January 29, 2018
Doherty says even his loftiest goals are now filtered through a different perspective.
"I don't have the plan as to how I'm going to do it yet, but I know I have too much on my "to do list," so healthy changes are coming. And I'm challenging my friends, family and colleagues to do whatever you need to do to make this a priority in your lives, also."
Doherty says he's giving thanks, and will never put his family through this again.
He says you can't help others if you're not well yourself.
"So to my colleagues in Ottawa — who's up for some early morning walks and workouts?"
