“Snowstorm and Blizzard of 2007”... The Phone Call That Changed My Life Forever

The “Snowstorm and Blizzard of 2007” was what the National Weather Service labeled it. Little did I know what tragic events would take place on that day.

Nothing was usual about that day… thoughts of a possible “snow day” was the theme of the morning, as my family and I prepared to leave for school. Due to the pending snowstorm, I agreed to “ride share” with a friend. Usually I drove alone so I could stay late at work, if I needed to prepare for the following day.

As I left the house, I said, goodbye to my husband and children as I raced out the door. My usual routine of giving thanks and asking protection, for my children, friends and family members, didn’t happen that morning. Instead, friendly banter between friends and talk of the possibility of a snow day was the topic of conversation.

The halls were filled with excited children as I arrived at work… they, too, were hoping for a “snow day”. At approximately 10:00 AM, I heard my name paged over the intercom system. I was instructed to call the office. Immediately, fear welled-up in my heart. The secretary patched through a call from the school where my husband was a teacher. As I answered the call, a very nervous, tongue-tied secretary was trying to tell me news that was greatly upsetting to her.

“Annie, please, what is wrong? Is it Jim or my son? What do you need to tell me?” I asked in a scared and frustrated voice. “It’s Jim,” she replied. “What happened, is he okay?” I asked as fear continued to well-up inside me. “No, he’s on his way to the emergency room with a terrible headache. He collapsed in the classroom,” she stated in a calmer voice.

By now, numerous people had come into my classroom to hear what was happening. With fear and sadness in my voice, I told everyone I didn’t have a car at work… I didn’t know how I was going to get to the hospital.

Luckily, the head custodian, who just so happened to be an EMT, First Responder, and local fire chief, was one of the people in my classroom, as I shared my concern. “I’ll drive you home,” he offered.

With his pick-up truck outfitted with a plow attachment, he drove me home. He plowed my driveway, as I quickly ran into the house to get my husband’s medicine. The drive from work to the hospital, on a day with clear roads, and a stop at my house, would usually take me 50 minutes. On that fateful day, it took only 30 minutes from the time I hung-up the phone, to the time I arrived at the hospital.

To this day, I am beholden to the caring and thoughtful man who offered to drive me home. Through his kindness and swift action, I was able to spend more precious moments with my love. Little did I know, at the time, this was going to be the last time I saw my husband alive and conscious.

Blessings Embraced:

• Kindness is golden

• Treasure each moment

Affirmations: I cherish each moment with those I love.