BEFORE YOU READ THIS POST: scroll down on the music play list and select "Hold on to Every Moment" by Joy Williams. (It's Natalie's fav.)
8:23 am on 4/13/06 - Driving to work in Oregon, I received this horrifying phone call . . .
Jason: "HEATHER!"
Heather: "What?!?"
Jason: "Something is wrong with Natalie, start praying now!"
Heather: "WHAT?!?!"
Jason: "She's unconscious and they're giving her CPR."
And that started the week long nightmare we all endured of not knowing if Natalie would survive her Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS) experience. Long story short, Two years ago today Natalie's heart stopped while she was laying in bed. Thanks to several angels nearby - her daughters Audra and Tay & neighbor Harrell Boyster, she was given CPR until the ambulance arrived. The EMTs shocked her heart three times and administered 2 epinephrine shots directly to her heart.
While she lay unconscious on a life support machine in the cardiac ICU we were told she may not wake up and may never breath on her own again. And if she did wake up she most likely would be mentally handicap.
But she began to breath on her own again. And she did wake up . . . without a memory, but she was awake. We were told she may not ever recognize her family and friends again.
But she did recognize us. Then we were told her heart was not pumping blood adequately, (her ejection fraction was too low) and that she may only live 2 years or 2 weeks because of the extra work her heart had to do to keep her body alive.
But her heart started pumping better than most and is now stronger than ever. Natalie checked out of the hospital a week later and was home with her family and an Internal Cardiac Defibulator (ICD), but with no additional medical staff or support. She has only continued to progress and now is completely back to normal aside from her new appreciation for life.
This is a reminder to everyone who loves her how lucky we are that she is still alive. Natalie's life is a gift not only to her but to EVERY one who knows her. I love her more than I can express and I am so happy to be writing this and celebrating her self proclaimed 'Re-Birthday' today. The pictures above were all taken since her near death experience.
She is sunshine and happiness in my life!
I love you Jewel!
~ Sledge
7 comments:
Heather,
Your tribute is wonderful and worded so well.
Here's to ~FAITH.HOPE.& MIRACLES.
Happy Re-Birthday Natalie!
We loved seeing you last summer on the 4th of July at the Allen's. You looked great.
Thanks to both of you also, I always think of your darling family photo's that Heather showed me last year with your favorite song Hold on to Every Moment.
TASTE.TOUCH.SEE.SMELL.HEAR.
...FEEL LIFE!!
Todd and Candy Allen
Heather...beautiful post...you said EVERYTHING PERFECTLY!!! There truly is nobody like Natalie and I feel deep gratitiude to count myself as one of her sisters!! We thank Heavenly Father daily that she is alive and healthy!! We love you Natalie!! Thanks for being YOU!!!(I also love ALL my "Vance" sisters...I definately SCORED BIG)
I knew it was around this time a few years ago. I actually gave a lesson in YW on Sunday on the Priesthood and used Natalie's story. We love you! We are so thankful for your LIFE!
I remember how scary those few weeks were - I can only imagine what it was like for your family!
AMAZING!!!!
I loved what you wrote...so perfect and beautiful. We all love Natalie. If I could just be half the person she is. AWESOME example to me.
That was really special to read! You are the best and so is she!!!
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