Welcome to my World

This woman is a dear friend of ours.  Her name is Melissa and she worked with my wife Cindy for years in the same dental office.  We have been close friends for about 14 years.  Earlier this year, Melissa was the victim of a heart attack.  A near 100% blockage occured in one of the arteries to her heart.  A stent was inserted to open the artery and her long recovery process began.

Recovery was a bit slow at first as Melissa was still reeling from the shock.  How could this happen?  Why me?  All the questions that any of us would be asking if we had been so victimized.  Here she was - healthy, young and fit (or so she thought).  Melissa had trimmed down, had been working out religiously for some time and was in very good physical health.  I don't know, but my guess is that her fitness level actually contributed to minimizing the overall effect the blockage had on her.

Ultimately, cardio rehab had to start and Melissa worked her way back into a "normal" life - only now she is on cholesteral medication and closely scrutinizes her diet to ensure she is consuming heart healthy food.

Her life did a turn around.  Lots of things became confusing.  She had fallen deeply in love with a good man and her life was looking up.  Then BAM - out of the blue arrived this curve ball.  It hit her hard too - but slowly and steadily - she recovered.  

Life is funny that way.  But it is worth living and I am proud to say that Melissa is looking forward and living more vigorously and with more vitality and energy than ever before.  She is running and exercising and looks great!  Sometimes she falters a bit - but she recovers with style.  I am proud of my friend Melissa and she is an inspiration to all of us who think we have problems that we will never overcome.

Is Melissa living on easy street?  I don't think so, but she is living, and she is getting active to help and encourage others who have fallen victim to heart disease.  Her life has new direction and I believe she will do great things.

I recently did a photo shoot of her and here are some of the results.  We had a lot of fun and my assistant (Cindy) helped me as we staged her for different shots at a local park.  

The message here is simple.  When life throws you a curve, you can elect to fall down and die, or you turn into the wind and charge forward head on with your chin up.  Take each breath with gratitude and share your remarkable life with as many people as you can.  

Live to be an example to someone!