Last night was the big night. Josh was recognized as a citizen hero (well deserved, he is an amazing young man) and I got to meet many of the people involved with saving my life. First responders,dispatchers,firefighters and of course Bob and Bryan. It was awesome and emotional. I kept saying "How does a person thank a person or people for saving your life?" A simple thank you doesn't seem to be enough. I took some comfort in knowing that they wanted to see me just as much as I wanted to see them as I am living proof of the importance of their work and a testament to why they choose their careers. I represented a good day in a sometimes stressful and sad time for them. There will always be a special place in my heart for them.

 

Coon Rapids was awarded the Heart Safe designation as well last night. The house was packed and it was almost like a carnival atmosphere. Its so refreshing to see the good side of humanity is alive and booming. Many of us get so wrapped up in life and the everyday grind that we tend to get a little edgy, oblivious and self centered. We get angry at the "idiot" in front of use going 15 mph or texting, or the slow line at the store or at work when we have bad day. It's easy to lose sight of the fact that we are surrounded by truly great people. We forget that, all in all, people are good, caring and loving. We forget that life isn't about ourselves, its about all of us..together. I know I was asking myself (before all this happened) if there were any good people left and why everyone is so negative. Oblivious to the fact that I was a the poster child of that type of person. Perhaps this thing, my death, my being given a second chance and the way it happened was Gods way of showing some of us that people are , all in all, good, caring and compassionate. Maybe we needed a reminder, I know I did and I know I got it.

 

So, again, I must thank everyone. Family and friends, strangers who prayed for me and the many who had a part in saving me. Especially, Josh, Bryan and Bob. I am so grateful, so lucky and so honored to have been supported by so many. All of you are my heroes! One last thought for everyone, please spread the Heart Safe message, Get CPR training and convince business's and employers to have AED's on site. We can all help, we can all save a life, we can all make a difference.