Letters to the editor

Letter to the Editor: Not finished yet

Friday I thought was going to be my last day on Earth. It almost was. As the day went on I got weaker. A friend had an unexpected day off and came to sit with me. I told her I was at peace and not afraid if it was my time. I carefully chose my words to say good-bye to my husband Charlie and others. I asked for my computer to type one more letter to you.

I was still hanging on Saturday morning but too weak for Charlie to get me to the bathroom. Charlie wasn't giving up on me. He insisted on calling an ambulance. Turns out my hemoglobin was 2.9, lower than they had ever seen (in a living person).

Here it is Saturday after midnight in ICU. I'm getting my 3rd transfusion of blood. I'm still too weak to walk but my numbers don't say death any more. I had not been taking all the vitamins, minerals, and prescriptions ordered for me. I was mistaken in thinking my body would take care of itself. In less than a week I went from driving myself to the store to not being able to go from one room to the other even with help. Death can come so quickly.

Learn from my life threatening lesson: Take care of your body by listening to your doctors. I especially want to thank the nurses who cared for me in ICU for their kindness and professional care; Christie, Logan, Tim, and Kendra.

I am happy to be writing this letter to you instead of the one I wrote yesterday saying good-bye. God wasn't finished with me yet. As always live each day to the fullest, cherish even the smallest things in life as a great gift, and share your love.

P.S. It's Thursday now and I feel better than I have in quite a while. I'm looking at life with more enthusiasm again. I don't fear death after my close call but I sure am happy to still be here with you. So many people told me how they were praying for me and wishing me well. Thank you all for your love and kindness. Because of all the caring people, like you and my husband, this is the beginning of another gift for me, another day. Thank you.

Isn't it great to be alive?

Bonita (Bonnie) Eaton

Vienna