Life is Precious

Yesterday, my dad and I were at my specialist appointment in Topeka. As we entered the waiting room after my appointment, we saw that a man had fallen in front of the reception desk. I had to make a follow-up appointment, so the man and I were maybe two feet apart. He was probably in his late 60s with blue eyes. His face was red.

The nurses were asking him how he ended up on the floor and he wasn't sure. He came in to see his doctor for shortness of breath. They asked him questions about the day of the week, date, and who was president. He answered all correctly, but in a breathless kind of way. Next thing I know, they say he's about to throw up, so they shifted him to his side. During that time, he stopped breathing. They called for an ambulance, got an AED (to restart his heart), and they called "code blue" over the loud speaker. I remember how his buttons popped off his shirt as they ripped it open to begin chest compressions.

Though I wasn't needed to help the man, I'm glad that I completed first aid and CPR training through the American Heart Association. The experience with that man has made it hard for me sleep or think of anything else. I've been praying for him, his family, the nurses, and doctors. I don't know if he made it and that part is hard. I know that by the time we left, it'd been several minutes since he'd stopped breathing and they hadn't been able to bring him back to life.

Life is precious. Live it; embrace it. For everyone, I would recommend first aid and CPR training. I hope I'll never have to use the training, but am thankful that I have it.

The Reason for Christmas

I must admit, in the hustle and bustle, I lost track of the meaning of Christmas. These Advent videos brought me to tears and helped get me back on track. They are by Lo the Poet. Enjoy!

Hope


Love


Joy

A Big Little Life

This sweet book by Dean Koontz shares his life growing up and then the adventures of getting his first dog with his wife. The dog they get is a golden retriever that was a service dog. Her name is Trixie and she changes his life. I personally think Golden Retrievers are the best dogs. They're so cute, sweet, smart, loving, and forgiving. Through their lives they teach us those qualities and so many more. At points while reading the book, I smiled and others I fought back tears about Trixie's Big Little Life. My family has had three goldens and each has captured our hearts. Having them in my life has enriched it beyond measure and I dream of the day I can get my own puppy.

Highlights from Dancing with the Stars

Victoria Arlen's life story is so inspiring. Her dance below made me tear up to say the least. I love that dance can bring out so many emotions and can touch your heart in ways nothing else can.


In the competition, I was so impressed by Lindsey Stirling. She's so musically talented, as well as a beautiful dancer. I've really enjoyed seeing her journey on the show. Her freestyle was so original. Her pro partner, Mark Ballas is a spectacular choreographer. What a strong partnership.


I can't wait for next season!

New TV Shows: The Good Doctor and Designated Survivor

I admit it; I binge watch TV shows on Hulu. I'm always looking for my next favorite show.

One of my best friends recommended that I check out the show, The Good Doctor. Generally, I'm not keen on medical shows as I get easily grossed out with all the blood and surgery screen shots.

Thankfully, The Good Doctor doesn't embrace the gore and blood as much as other shows. I generally watch it over lunch and at times just tell myself that it's red kool aid. It follows Shaun Murphy, a surgical resident who is autistic. His understanding of the human body, what patients are suffering from, and treatments is mind-blowing. His faults would be his blunt communication, getting stuck on an idea and being unable to move on, and interpersonal relationships. Despite everything, I always find myself rooting for Shaun. The rest of the cast are also really strong and likable. See what you think:



A student recommended that I check out Designated Survivor. I'd seen promo clips for it and thought it looked interesting, but I don't like political shows at all. I checked it out and am completely hooked. In ways, it reminds me of the now-cancelled, Quantico. Similarly, it has really strong characters. Unlike Quantico, Designated Survivor has several recognizable cast members: Kiefer Sutherland, Maggie Q, Italia Ricci, and Kal Penn.

In the show, Kiefer's character, Tom Kirkland is the designated survivor and becomes president when the capitol is bombed. He was a housing secretary before, so this is a major change. He struggles with the changes and learning curve. His family struggles with the big change, more scrutiny, and threats. His wife is played by Natascha McElhone and she's an absolute natural. This show keeps me on the edge of my seat and keeps me wanting more. I hope you like it too!



Any new shows you can't get enough of? I'd love to know!