HLBS President Message: A Life-Changing Experience

October 2022


Since we are entering November and the last two months of the year, I didn’t want to start this article with the cliches about the weather getting cooler and the holidays approaching. We are entering that time of year when it’s very normal for us to reflect on the prior year, the good and the bad, the highs and the lows, what we accomplished, and what we fell short on. We then look ahead to the new year and make new goals on what we want to accomplish. Well, it looks like I did a bad job of not using cliches.

I want to share with you a more personal experience I had in 2022 that was life-changing. The people in this company also have personal lives, and sometimes that gets lost when going through the daily grind of our jobs. I am very lucky to have this medium to share with you my experience and how it affected my life personally and professionally.

In July, my wife’s heart stopped for no reason. There weren’t any warning signs, no sweating, no chest pain, nothing. We were watching TV. She made a funny noise, and I found her nonresponsive. I had to perform CPR for 12 minutes, and the first responders had to shock her three times to get her heart going again. The next 17 days in the hospital were a roller coaster ride as she went through four surgeries, and yes, I had to deal with hospital and insurance red tape to make sure she got the best care. In the end, the Doctors found nothing wrong with her. Her heart just decided to stop beating. The Doctor said less than 5% of people with her experience survive. She is a living miracle. Thankfully, there is a technology that will help if her heart decides to stop again.

Personally, this experience has made me take nothing for granted, from kissing her goodbye in the morning to going for a walk. I make sure I recognize and enjoy all the things life has to offer. I try to find the good in everything. My family means more to me now than ever before. Even though this is very cliché, this somehow has a new meaning to me.

Professionally, it made me realize how great of a company I work for and how the people are caring and compassionate. I am thankful this company required and trained me in CPR. I am appreciative of my coworkers, who were very supportive, helped pick up the slack, and were there when I needed to talk to someone. I was grateful to the management team for their understanding while I was away and for having patience with the time it took to get caught up after coming back. I also feel fortunate this company provides great benefits and medical insurance. It comforts me to know that others will have that layer of protection and access to medical treatment when needed. As much as the insurance companies may be difficult to work with, it is far better than the alternative of not having insurance.

So, as the weather is getting cooler and the year is coming to a close, I am glad I shared with you how my experience in 2022 changed me and made me realize my feelings about this company. I have been associated with this company for 29 years. I am sure those that have been with this company for a long time share my sentiment. For those that are new and just starting out, I hope this company is a fit for you as the people and benefits are like no other. Have a happy holiday, everyone.

Financial stability is a cornerstone of our company. We seek long-term success, not short-term windfalls.

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