Letter to the Editor: Odessa man hapy to be alive following heart attack

I am alive today. It feels great, and everything looks far different to me than just a few weeks ago. Elisabeth and I attended the Medical Cannabis Cup in Denver, Colo.

I had a great time, (met) nice people, (had a) nice visit. As much as I love Odessa, it was nice to get out of town for a short vacation.

Our vacation, however, got extended suddenly. Sunday night following the event, I had a full cardiac arrest and a myocardial infarction. I am alive, happily, for one reason and one reason alone – CPR.

My beautiful and wonderful wife Elisabeth found me pulseless and immediately initiated CPR. Minutes later, I was in the OR at a cardiac hospital in Denver.

Why am I telling you this, other than (because) I am so happy to be here? Studies show that every person in the span of their lifetime will have an opportunity to use CPR. It does not mean it will work (but it might). It will be an opportunity in your future. Elisabeth as we all know is a nurse at the Odessa hospital but anyone can do what she did – save a life. Please take the opportunity to learn this simple skill. Classes are available to anyone at most hospitals and fire departments.

I am sure that Elisabeth will help anyone interested in finding a class. If you cannot afford a CPR class, and often they are free, come to me. I will pay for it. Please consider this: It may be your mother, your lover or a stranger, but you can save a life. I am grateful to Elisabeth from the deepest parts of my heart.

Nate Lathrop

Odessa