A Miracle

Today, my husband, kids and I attended a press conference to acknowledge two very important people. One, a special woman whom my husband grew up referring to as his 'second Mother' and the other who saved her life.

Last week, our dear friend was at the grocery store and she had a heart attack right there in the isle. A store employee saw her laying on the floor and called 911. Meanwhile, a woman and her husband were walking past the isle and saw what was going on. Without missing a beat or even hesitating for a second, the woman (who is a Flight Attendant and just recently attended a First Aid workshop) ran to our friend's side and began to administer CPR after feeling no pulse. A minute later, the paramedics arrived and upon seeing the civilian administering correct and effective chest compressions, told her to continue while they set up their gear. They then shocked her once and her heart jumped back into rhythm. Without the fast work of the CPR, our dear dear friend would have died that day in the grocery store.

Today. Today we were in the room when our friend reunited with the woman who saved her life for the very first time. It was a moment that might be hard for me to explain with words. To see someone thank another for giving her back her life was something that was incredibly emotional. Our friend had tears in her eyes as she thanked her. She is a private woman but the feelings of gratitude towards this woman for letting her continue her life as a treasured Mother and cherished Grandmother, was something that I will never forget. I had a lump in my throat. Tears brimming in my eyes. Life is a miracle in itself and when life is brought back because of another selfless human being, a miracle doesn't even begin to sum up the entire experience. God's work. And God's grace pulled these two people together that day and has changed both of their lives forever.

This is a photo of the beginning of the press conference. Because of our friend's request for privacy, she decided to sit away from the cameras. She wanted the spotlight and the focus to go to the woman who rushed in to save her life. This evening, the woman who administered CPR was a given a citizen reward acknowledging her as a hero. My husband went with our friend and her sons. Both women were celebrated and it is a day that we will hold close to our hearts always. For years and years and years, this special lady gave and gave to my husband as he was growing up and today, he was truly able to give back by being there to support her, protect her from the media, and offer hugs and support. A miracle. This story is a miracle in so many ways.