Why I Do This Work: When My Dad Almost Died.. and Why I Stopped Waiting to Capture His Story

My very exhausted dad (and mom) after his unexpected aortic aneurysm rupture and 11+ days in the ICU

I’ll never forget the day I got the call I had always dreaded. I was out walking with my family when I heard the news: my dad had suffered a sudden ruptured aortic aneurysm while visiting family in Arkansas. It was a moment that felt like time stood still.

By the grace of God, he survived — though statistically, he shouldn’t have. My sister and I drove down to Arkansas from my home state of Iowa as fast as we could, and we spent long, anxious hours in the hospital waiting room. The updates from the nurses were somber, the chaplain sat with us as we prayed, and the tension in the air was thick with uncertainty.

We spent many hours and long days waiting to see if my dad would wake up again.

After surgery and being admitted into the ICU, my dad had a second emergency — he coded for the second time in one day. Sitting there in the darkened waiting room, while the code team gave him CPR over his fresh sutures, the only thing we could do was pray. He was placed on a ventilator for over a week. Miraculously, he pulled through.

The first time I heard his voice again, it was filled with emotion and humor.

Even with oxygen blasting through his mask, he managed to whisper, “I am your father,” in a Darth Vader voice. I mean, he wasn’t wrong! His humor in that moment reminded me of the resilience in his spirit.

Once he was well enough to be discharged, I sat down with him to interview and record his story.

To be given another chance to laugh with my dad again was an incredible gifth

No more “one day” plans or “I’ll get to it later.” I wasn’t going to wait any longer. Life had shown me too clearly how quickly everything can change.

My lovely sisters and I, thankful to have our dad back home.

My dad’s experience is a powerful reminder: life happens, often without warning. The busy schedules, the distractions, the never-ending to-do lists—none of those things matter as much as the people we love. The stories they carry, their voices, their laughter, their lessons—those are what last.

This is why I’m so passionate about the work I do with Positive Emissions. I want to help families stop waiting and start preserving their stories today—while it’s still possible.

If you’re reading this and feeling that nudge, that gentle push, I encourage you to listen. Don’t let “someday” turn into “too late.” Reach out, plan that interview, start that conversation. The stories of your loved ones are treasures waiting to be saved.

Thank you for following this series and for being part of this journey with me. I hope these stories inspire you to cherish and capture the moments that matter most.

-Britt

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