Saturday, July 22, 2006

Near death experience

Yup, I actually had one today.

It was a beautiful (hot as hell day) so we decided to invite our upstairs neighbors down for a cook out. They have 4 children that play with mine but this was the first time we'd all gotten together. The adults had steaks, the children hamburgers. I'm sitting at the table conversing and eating my food when a piece of steak gets lodged in my throat. I tried drinking some water, to no avail. I jumped up and grabbed my throat. At this point, I'm freaking out, my life is flashing before my eyes and all I could think was, "I'm going to die and my children will be motherless." Lucky for me, Cheryl used to be a nurse. Once she realized what was going on she grabbed me and did the heimlich maneuver. I had to leave the room while I cried tears of relief. I don't think I've ever been so scared for myself in my entire life! Do you know what she said afterwards? "I was more concerned that I was going to hurt you." I thought, "I'm choking to death here, hurt me all you want so long as I'm still alive!" There is nothing I could ever do to repay that. No thanks in the world covers her literally saving my life.

I think the next time I eat steak, I will be cutting the pieces very tiny. I honestly think had our neighbors not been there, I'd have choked to death. I don't doubt Jimmy would have done all he could to help, But I don't think he would have known how to do it. I thanked Cheryl over and over for saving my life. I was shaking so hard afterwards, I couldn't even finish eating.

5 comments:

Ami said...

You ought to nominate her for a hero award... local fire department? Newspaper? I bet there's a way to get her some recognition.

I am soooo glad that she knew what to do. I highly recommend CPR and 1st aid training to everyone.

Sunnie (Kaytee) said...

Ami, good idea. I'll look in to that.

Jodi, I'm glad she saved me too. It's been messing me up all day. You'd have had to get in line to kick my ass though. LOL And I love you too!

Anonymous said...

Sunnie~ This experience is a very frightening thing. I strongly urge you to seek out classes that the Red Cross, or your local ambulance surface gives. You have precious children and if something like this ever happens to them, or anyone, you will know how to respond. It is education that you hope you never have to use, but if you are there you will have the know how.
And for those that took a class, once, do it again. Continueing education is what makes a good reinforcement for instinctive response, and knowledge.
Sunnie, you saw the tunnel~ The kids were the focus of that~ Benefit from life experience.
So glad you are feeling better today, but this is something you will never forget. Lynne

Sonia said...

Oh my gosh...how scarey!!!! Glad your neighbor was there.

Brigid said...

Dont make me come and kick your butt! You chew your food little missy! Seriously I know we havent seen each other in a good 14-15 years but I would be in a world of hurt to loose you just when we were getting back in touch again!