A Close Call

August 25, 2020

This time four years ago I was debating calling 9-1-1. But guys don’t do that. I didn’t have the usual symptoms but something told me to ignore my guy pride. The EMTs told me I was fine but they were taking me in to get checked out. Martha Jeff or UVa? My call.

Two minutes after rolling into the ER at Martha Jefferson, it happened. A heart attack followed by cardiac arrest. The best place to be if you are going to have one. By the way, I recommend you not.

I had no idea how lucky I was. The death rate from a cardiac arrest is 90-95 percent I learned later that day. Kind of wish I had never learned that. I still wonder why me.

No one told me the worst part comes afterward. The good news was I was alive with no damage to my heart - or brain. The bad news - continuous anxiety and deep depression that overtook me within a week or two and lasted for over 15 months. To say I crawled into and then out of a hole would be an understatement. Thanks to Wendy, my kids, and my dear friends for being there for me. Sorry I wasn’t more resilient. Thanks to Coach Harris with whom I had a Thursday night dinner date throughout 2017. He knew what I needed - I’ll never be able to repay that debt.

So today I celebrate my luck and my second chance. I think I’ll go for a walk. 😁🏃‍♂️💪🏻🧡. And hopefully share a smile with some folks.