Almost Died This Week

So, its been a very interesting week for me. This past Saturday I almost died. Really.

I choked on a taco. No dignity here. A taco.

Here’s what happened. I was eating lunch with my girls and my daughter-in-law said something that made me laugh. When I laughed the bit of taco in my mouth lodged in my throat. I soon realized I was in serious trouble, the more I coughed the worse it got. I was somehow able to let them know to call 911. I could feel my airway totally close off and I was starting to get dizzy and not able to see.

I guess the girls forgot that my oldest son was home because they called 911 and one of them ran to get help from a neighbor, but no one thought to get his help. He overheard what was going on however and came to see what was really happening. I was really getting dizzy and scared, didn’t know he was there at all, but all of the sudden I felt him grab me and squeeze. He had to perform the Heimlich Maneuver twice but it worked and my airway was cleared by the time the police officer got there.

I was shaking for at least a half hour afterward. It was terrifying. And I scared my girls pretty bad. We were celebrating my oldest daughter’s birthday, and I remember thinking while I was choking that I didn’t want to die on her birthday.

So I am feeling pretty grateful right now. And a renewed sense of purpose. Of knowing that my life needs to change NOW.

But seriously! a taco?!?!?