My CEO 108
108
Separated Again
(Winona)
The stillness in the room is deafening, every second stretching out unbearably as | lean over Abby. She isn't
breathing but | can hear a slow, faint heartbeat in my ear as | press it to her chest.
"Call 911!" | cry out as | prepare to get sbreaths into Abby. I'm too scared to try compressions as it may do
more damage than help.
Phillip's voice breaks through my fog of panic. I'm on it, calling them now!" His voice is laced with
urgency.
"Tell them she's under Dr. Green at St. Michael's hospital. She needs to
go there."
i
His words tumble out as he speaks. "Yes, it's an emergency. My daughter, she's... she's not breathing and she
just had heart surgery two months ago. We need an ambulance now!"
| hear him recounting details of the hospital and doctor. He tells them what I'm doing. I'm giving her gentle but
regular breaths. Please let it help.
Anne talks now. "I'm calling Sheila Hobbs."
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As | continue the breaths, slowly puffing air into Abby's lungs, Phillip kneels beside us, his face a mask of
fear and resolve. "They're on their way," he reassures, his hand finding a spot on my back, trying to offer
comfort. "Just keep going. Winona. You're doing exactly what she needs." Thank god for that
Anne ends her call, slipping the phone back into her pocket and moving closer to us. "Sheila's on her way.
She'll be here as fast as she can,"
My heart is racing, each beat echoing the terror | feel.
The sight of Abby so lifeless is unbearable, and I'm vaguely aware of the tears streaming down my face as | work
to keep her alive. "Con, Abby, please," | whisper between breaths, my voice cracking Phillip's voice is soft
but firm as he tries to soothe Abby, who remains frighteningly still. "Hey, kiddo, you've got to cback to us,
okay? We're all here waiting for you to wake up."
The sound of sirens finally penetrates around me, a sound I've never been so relieved to hear.
Paramedics burst through the door, their presence a blur of motion as they took over, their professionalism
givingrenewed hope.
The room transforms into a flurry of activity as they swiftly assess Abby's condition. One of them, a seasoned
professional with a calm demeanor, sets up an automatic ventilator, fitting it over Abby's small face
The device hisses gently, rhythmically and her tiny chest matches with the rise and fall. "We're assisting her
breathing." he explains to us, his voice steady despite the urgency of the situation. Mumma Bear." He comes
over and givesa hug then goes back to attending Abby
You sure did well
Phillip hovers nearby, his hands clenched, watching every movement with intense focus. "Will she be okay?" His
voice cracks slightly, the fear apparent despite his usual composure.
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108 Separated Again
The lead paramedic, without breaking his stride, nods reassuringly at Phillip. "We're doing everything we can
right now. This will help her breathe until we can get her under more comprehensive care at the hospital.".
He adjusts the settings on the ventilator, his eyes flicking to the monitors displaying Abby's vital signs.
Her heartbeat is slow and weak.
His partner, a younger woman with quick, efficient movements, pulls out her phone to communicate with the
hospital. I'm calling Dr. Green," she announces, her tone professional as she steps aside for a moment of privacy.
"I'm not sure how we can help her heartbeat get stronger, especially after the surgery."
Overhearing bits of the conversation, | catch her saying, "Dr. Green, we have Abby Joseph here with a very faint
heartbeat and breathing with assistance only. What are your recommendations for transport?"
| strain to hear more, but her voice lowers, the conversation with Dr. Green turning into a muffled. exchange that
leavesanxiously trying to pick up any piece of hopeful news.
She finishes the call and turns back to us, her expression slightly more relaxed. "Dr. Green is readying his team
for her arrival. We need to move fast."
As they prepare to transport Abby, the paramedics work with a well-oiled efficiency. They secure Abby onto the
stretcher, the ventilator still attached, ensuring she receives continuous respiratory support. They check her IV
line and wrap her in a blanket, their actions deliberate and focused.
I'm shaking uncontrollably and | feel so cold.
The man comes and wraps a blanket around me. "You got this."
I nod but | feel so far from having this.
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Phillip steps up, ready to follow them out. He looks back at me, a silent promise in his eyes that he'll stay by her
side every second. As they wheel Abby out, | feel a tug in my heart, a mix of fear and determination.
Sheila arrives and she comes over to me. Her expression is grave as she assesses the situation, her professional
demeanor providing a slight reassurance. "Winona, they'll take good care of her," she says, her voice firm yet
gentle.
We all follow them out, but Sheila stopsat the front doorway. Phillip looks back only once, offeringa look
that's both reassuring and heartbreakingly worried.
As the ambulance doors shut behind them, the echo seems to reverberate through my head.
My helplessness settles aroundlike a heavy cloak, Sheila's hand on my shoulder is both a comfort and a
reminder of the constraints that keepanchored here, away from my daughter.
The reality of the situation hitsfully now; Abby will be fighting for her life, and all | can do is wait, hope, and
trust in the hands of those now responsible for her care.
"They'll keep you updated every step of the way." Sheila assures me. Sheila remains a steady presence. I've
informed Jayden," she adds, her tone slightly gentler. "Ashlyn won't be with him."
The mention of Ashlyn not being present is a small comfort. | nod, barely able to acknowledge the situation
that's just unfolded.
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108 Separated Agam
| let her guideback into the living room. Anne has already set up a pot of coffee and mugs. | doubt | can even
choke that down. | can't imagine any hell worse than not being able to be by Abby's side right
now.
Like she's read my mind, Shelia says, "This would be so much worse if you were in jail.