Because of my husband's quick actions and his willingness to do something about my collapse in front of him, I am alive today. Without his performing CPR and artificial respirations, I wouldn't be here today. This event occurred at the end of a very long, busy day working outside for both of us. He could have given up, he could have panicked, but he didn't. He had the presence of mind to start CPR, call 911 and to keep working on me until the paramedics arrived 15 minutes later. As I was in the hospital for two weeks following my event, my husband made medical decisions for me, kept my family and friends informed of my progress and continued to care for our two-year-old son. In addition, when I was moved to a hospital over an hour away from home, he continued to drive everyday and sometimes two times a day to be by my side and to help me understand what was happening to me and to advocate for me.
As I continue to heal and try to make progress in my life, my husband is my encourager and even now when he is in his own pain from having been in a car accident in January, he puts my needs first. He continues to attend appointments with me and to drive me when I am feeling tired and overwhelmed. He does a lot of the cooking and he is so patient and understanding as I work to recover the skills I lost or to learn new ways of doing things. He is working to learn as much as he can about what I am dealing with and I am so thankful for him. Whether he is awarded this honor or not, my husband is my hero every day. Without him, I wouldn't be here.
Nominated by Tina Rich, Fort Meade, MD