Hearts miss beat as one

By CATHY ARONSON

Pauline and Charlie Mosen have gone through life's ups and downs together for 48 years, but never expected to have heart bypass surgery together.

The Huntly couple were admitted to Waikato Hospital on the morning of New Year's Eve after angina attacks.

Last Tuesday Mrs Mosen, aged 64, had to have five bypasses and the next day her 69-year-old husband had five bypasses as well.

The couple were discharged from hospital yesterday after they passed a crucial test of climbing stairs on their own.

Mrs Mosen had been on the urgent waiting list for surgery since June last year after suffering minor angina attacks for 12 months.

Mr Mosen had nursed her back to health after she had a heart attack in 1995.

Both were surprised when Mr Mosen had an angina attack first.

"My case was urgent anyway but when Chas suffered his attack the ambulance staff realised my health was rapidly deteriorating as well. Just the shock from seeing him hurt was too much for my heart to bear."

Although the couple were separated in hospital, they could not be separated in spirit. They ordered exactly the same meals during their 17-day stay in hospital.

"We have always been that way. It's just the way we are. We are sensitive to one another and we know how the other one is feeling.

"We are the very best of friends," said Mrs Mosen. "We are soul mates," added Mr Mosen.

Since they became engaged on their second date 48 years ago, the couple have spent only five days apart. "And I cried the whole time," said Mrs Mosen.

She left love notes hidden on Mr Mosen's clothes so he could think of her while they were apart.

"I knew we were meant for each other the first day I saw her. So I thought there is no use in wasting any more of my life without her, I'll ask her to marry me," said Mr Mosen.

"I said yes straight away and have never looked back," said Mrs Mosen.

And three daughters, two sons and nine grandchildren later, the couple say their love is still just as strong today.

"I wouldn't swap her for anybody."