Two years after my accident I was doing master research.  I was curious if other people who survived a near death event dealt with the same issues as I had.

In order to contact people to interview, I was directed to a physician who could be of assistance, providing names of such survivors. Upon meeting him, I asked if he had patients who had been resuscitated and might be interested in talking to me about their event and their road back to life in all its forms. He asked me why I was interested in this topic. I told him my story. Immediately he asked if I had received an implantable defibrillator, a device that was recommended to stop a future event. I explained that after much contemplation, consultation and assessment of my condition I chose not to have the procedure and device. Instead I took another option using medication and cardiac rehabilitation. Without hesitation, he blurted out, "I don't care what you want to do. In this community when you have the type of event you did - you get an implantable defibrillator!" Shaken, I asked him if he had ever suffered such an event. Saying, 'no', I reminded him that when one does, they do not make foolish choices, they think things through, carefully weighing all the options as my husband and I had before making critical decisions about care.

I left the office feeling upset and angry. I sat in my car and cried thinking of all I had gone through, choices made as I tried to get back to satisfying life. It then came to me. He and I are both healthcare professionals. We are given gifts that can be translated into skills guiding our abilities to provide healing, hope and compassion. These gifts, along with the motivation of caring are given to us for one reason only - to be of service to our brothers and sisters here on earth. Gifts are purposeful.

Although the interaction was initially unpleasant, I actually recognized it as a gift. It provided a message. An important one. Sometimes the gifts you received and take time to sharpen are ones you choose. Other times, due to troubling, even traumatic circumstances and events, gifts were unearthed, discovered later-after the event. That is Metahab. A philosophy and program that allows discovery of previously unknown or unrecognized gifts, allowing for healing, amazing growth and finding purpose. Trauma and crisis, even daily hassles are opportunities for such learning and insight bringing forth the new knowledge and experiences allowing you to help others.

So as we leave 2016 and move to 2017, take a little time to look at what you learned, how you grew and gained new knowledge and skills - sharpening your gifts which allow you to be of service to those in need. Thank you all for helping me polishing my gift. Throughout the year, as I dealt with survivors, their families and a variety of clinicians and counselors, you all shared your gifts and I learned and grew with each of these interactions. I want to extend my sincere appreciation to all of you who allowed team Metahab to serve you and assist those you serve. It truly a gift.

Merry Christmas and looking forward to a healthy and purposeful New Year.

Dr. JMF and Team Metahab

December 2016