8/12/2002 10:41:11 AM|||Amy|||On Friday afternoon one of the people in my department had a massive heart attack and died in the elevator en route to the hospital. She had just turned 33 on Thursday. She felt unwell, called her husband (who works on South Campus), and when they got in the elevator to go to the hospital, she collapsed. He immediately began CPR, and simultaneously screamed for help which came in the form of two fellows from the lab of a pediatric cardiologist. Within minutes there were three cardiologists taking turns performing CPR and apparently chest crushing compressions, but they were unable to save her life. This is so upsetting. I think, though, everyone is having a change of perspective. The chairman of our department sent out an email this morning which said, "...her passing reminds us all of the importance of our relationships with one another, as well as their fragility." John and I decided this weekend that no matter what we are going to Ireland next summer. I think for me this lady's death has cemented that decision. Unexpected events happen. Life is not about saving for the future so much as it's about love and appreciation. Yes, it would be nice if we had security, but I think I have to go forward with the realization of financial consequence and be willing to deal calmly with the hard times as they come.|||80141051|||