Remember this post from Feb. 5, 2011??
Right after this game, the families were all milling about, basking in teh afterglow if you will, and something traumatic happened. I was in using the restroom and my friend Carolyn came in and asked if I would look at one of our players dad's. I of course in my labor and delivery humor said "what am i gonna do check his cervix?" As I turned the corner I saw our friend sitting on a bench pasty white and sweating. As I was assessing him he said his chest was hurting and he didn't feel well at all. Moments later he collapsed...full cardiac arrest. No pulse, no respiration's...and I tell you, God took over for me. I began compressions ("get on the chest, stay on the chest"), I did 2 breaths and started compressions again. Felt his sternum break. He started to wake up, slowly. The paramedics arrived and took him to the hospital where he was placed on a nitroglycerin drip and had some angioplasty and a stent placed. He is alive and doing so well. I saw him just this week.
After the event, I think I was still in adrenaline mode because it really didn't hit me. I have only ever done compressions on a newborn. There, I just use my 2 fingers. I have help! I have equipment! I have anything I need when I resuscitate a baby. Been there, done that. but a adult, whom I have grown to love, a parent a know? never. All i had was my two hands.
And God. And it was enough!
Well that same sweet man passed away this morning. I have to say that the past 9 months we all witnessed a changed Gary. He was so much more at peace and mellow. He knew he had been given a gift last February. He retired in June. Was enjoying every bit of his life. The two of us obviously had a relationship beyond any other and I will cherish his friendship forever.. So bummed that he will be missed so greatly here, but know he is jabbering away with Jim Huggins about sports.
Love you sweet Gary Johnson!!!!!!!!!!!
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