Gone Much Too Soon
April 4, 2016 8:54 PM: A text popped up while I was lying in the bed. At that hour the name was unexpected. I looked at the words of the text and could not believe what I was reading. The brother of a co-worker had died that morning.
June 17, 2016 5:00 AM: My alarm had sounded for the second time. After turning off the alarm I checked Facebook. I saw a photo of a college classmate and her son. I could not wait to read what other achievement her son had made. Much to my surprise there was no such announcement. Instead she was sharing with her Facebook friends the agony of the passing of her son.
October 3, 2016 6:05 AM: “Oh my God.” That was Kelly reacting to the news that a childhood friend had died.
The lives of the people above were snuffed out much too soon.
TJ- 21, Parthipan – 34, and Keisha 36, respectively. Each of them died of a heart attack.
A Heart Felt Dedication
This post was difficult for me to write. I can in no way imagine the pain of the family members dealing with the loss of their loved ones.
Grief was felt through TJ's mother's words as she tried to come to grips with outliving one of her babies.
At the viewing of my friend's brother she cried in my arms as she tried to understand why her older brother was gone so soon. She cried in my arms, “It's not fair.”
Kelly wondered what would happen to Keisha's eight year old daughter.
There was one too many of these stories this year. By dedicating this blog to TJ, Parthipan, Keisha, and their loved ones we can help other families.
What Can You Do?
In this post I will share the advice from these families.
I had asked what message they wanted to share. The immediate answer was that they were not sure. In the end they shared the following:
Fight heart disease: Recently on a cold wet night, TJ's family and friends got together to help bring awareness to heart disease. #FitforTJ was used as the hashtag for the walk. You can do your part to help other families by donating to the American Heart Association.
Have a heart issue? Be sure to have a will or power of attorney: Death is not a happy subject. That makes it hard to focus on our imminent passing. Think of it this way instead. Consider what struggles your family would face handling your affairs without the documentation stating that they have that right. Your passing will be devastating. Having to battle with authorities will make your loss more stressful. Be sure you have a will or power of attorney.
Know your family history: Talk to your family about known issues. A doctor can better advise you when he/she knows your family medical history. In addition, keep a list of those conditions. That will help you quickly and easily answer family medical history questions.
How are You Taking Care of Your Heart?
Get an annual physical: Make seeing your primary care physician a priority. Keep a journal of symptoms you have had. I need to be better about this as well. With that information readily available, it is easier to let your doctor know what has been happening with you.
Be knowledgable about heart disease: Ask your doctor questions. Use the American Heart Association as a resource.
Know how to prevent heart disease: No matter your age there are measures you can take to help prevent heart disease. The American Heart Association has information on how to prevent heart disease at any age. This includes living a healthy lifestyle.
TJ, Parthipan, and Keisha – rest in peace.
Save a life: I encourage you to share in the comments how you will take care of your health. Also share this information with your family and friends by clicking on the social icons on this page or by clicking Facebook or Twitter.