My Friend Michelle.

This is my friend Michelle. Michelle was 53 years old and died on January 13, 2011 after suffering a major heart attack due to Hypertension.

Michelle was a fabulous person. She worked as an admissions specialist for a nursing & rehab center here in town. Michelle was caring, kind and went out of her way to make the residents feel good. She listened to everyone's stories and never left before a story was over. Michelle was a gift.

Michelle had been battling hypertension for a few months before the holidays. She, like me, couldn't find the "right" combination for medicine that didn't make her feel funny, fatigued, or blah. I could relate on that. During the week on January 10, she was not feeling well and stayed with a friend. Michelle decided on Thursday she was going to go home and do some things. When her friend went by to check on her after not getting in phone contact with her.

She found Michelle dead. Nothing could be done.

Michelle had just sent a son off to Boot Camp who had to be called and told his mother died and was needed here since he now was in charge of her Estate. Michelle was a "horsewoman" she loved her baby in the picture. Michelle loved being outside and spent almost every weekend possible doing what she loved.

Michelle did not die in vein. They always say, if one person learned something from the death of someone, then the death was not in vein.

I learned.

I learned how important is is to take care of yourself and to stay on the medicine that is prescribed by your doctor. You see, I have been told for 2 years I have hypertension. I did not care. I was young. I have children. God doesn't want me yet. Wrong! You are never too young to die. Hypertension is the "Silent Killer" in women.

I have since lost 15 pounds and I watch every.little.bite, I put in my mouth . I am taking my medication everyday on time without missing a pill. I see my Doctor when I have an appointment and I pay attention to my body and what it is saying to me.

I will always remember Michelle and thank God for her friendship and the valuable lesson she taught me and hopefully others.

Rest in peace my friend.

Kimberly