photo credit @ Dale Roberson
Given The Choice
by T. Delaplain
Robert watched himself tumble as the ground rushed towards his limp body. Helpless to stop his fall, he stepped out of the way. He recognized the unfolding scene as a younger man barked orders to the crowd around him. The crush of Good Samaritan’s carried him farther to the back of the onlookers. “You, call 911. You bring me the AED, I saw it near the men’s bathroom, hurry. Is there another doctor or nurse here? Great, let’s do this.”
The lightening strike was fast and truthfully painful. Robert had a choice, to return or shuffle off his mortal coil.
Join us at Friday Fictioneers where our host Rochelle Wisoff will give you exactly 100 words to write the beginning, middle and end of your electrifying tale. I hope you never need to be on the receiving end of an AED, automatic external defibrillator but God bless the individuals who take the time to learn CPR and aren’t afraid to use the AED. Take a class or research it online. You just might safe someone’s life.
Tracey Delaplain, MD 
What a choice!
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I hope he finds the way.
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I wonder what he will choose!
And yes, bless those who take the time to learn how to use these!
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My dad had a similar experience in the hospital and with no prior medical knowledge, he told me everything that happens in cardiac resuscitation. He chose to come back to us when I was 12 years old and stayed with us until he was 91. I was with him when he shuffled off his mortal coil. He was done at 91. The choice was probably easy then.
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Wow. I guess my husband was too far away to stick around his. I imagine it is a lot easier at 91 than at 51.
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I took a class a few years back. I remember a guy saying something like, “You mean you dry razor their chest hair? Ouch!” The instructor stared at him a moment before answering, “You understand you do this when their heart is stopped, which means they’re dead, right? A corpse won’t complain, but if you do bring him back to life, it will be the greatest shave he ever had.” Kind of gives a little perspective…
Hmm, so what will Robert chose here?
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Being hit by lightning sounds legendary. I don’t think a lot of stop and think what really happens to the body. Not pleasant. Great take on the prompt.
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The idea of being struck by lightning is shocking (forgive me), the superficial burns are the worst.
Let him survive.
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It’s such a frightening thing, particularly if you are caught somewhere with no safe shelter. I hope he decides to stay.
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Thanks Sandra. It has always seemed strange that you might have a choice but it’s a common theme of patients who remember their resuscitation. Regardless, you’re never the same after a near death experience.
Tracey
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Depends on what he thinks of this mortal coil.
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Indeed, Thanks for reading James.
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I love where your doctor’s mind took you with this prompt. Working in the dental field, we took CPR once every two years. Then, once again, I kept up with the schedule when teaching aerobics. I can tell you without a doubt I hoped I never had to use my shaky skills. Only once did one of my students fall ~ because of imbalance. STOP!!! I went to her, and she said don’t worry about me, Lish, I’ll just lay here on the floor and watch the class. I built her a “nest”, moved the other students away from her, and kept on keeping on. She love socializing with everyone. (Sorry for the long missive.) Great take on the prompt.
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I had a fainting spell after teaching my own class and laid on the concrete next to the pool for several minutes and no one in my class noticed or came over to help. I explained to them that I look out for them and they should look out for me. 🤦🏻♀️ I’m an old lady too! I probably should teach them CPR.
Thanks for reading and commenting Lish
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There’s still life in Robert yet!
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Timing is everything in these cases. Thanks Ian
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I hope he decides to go back! Liked your version of near-death account.
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Thank you for stopping by. Memories of near death experiences have so many similarities. The ability to choose life seems to be a consistent element. It’s fascinating to me.
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hopefully, he survives to tell his story to his grand kids.
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In my mind he chooses life. Thanks
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A lot must depend on the kind of life he was leading. A choice I’d not wish to face.
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We actually make a choice every day to continue living but I understand your sentiment. If we get a choice in near death events then it would be a split second decision for sure.
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Yes there does always appear to be some choice in the time of departure quite uncanny ❤️
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Querida Tracey,
A friend of mine had a similar experience. Your story made my pulse race. Well done, doc.
Shalom y abrazos,
Rochelle
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I loved the way you told the story from the viewpoint of Robert watching from outside himself and now he must choose. Very well written, Tracey!
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Thanks Brenda.
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Thank goodness for Good Samaritans. Nice to think the person in limbo has a choice.
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I think it’s in our nature to believe that we have control over our destiny even in death.
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You painted a powerful picture drawing the reader in forcing them to think.
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Thank you. I try to live in the moment every day, that’s a choice too.
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Wonderful. Brought me back to the days of learning CPR.
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Thank you for learning CPR. Never be afraid to grab the AED. All the instructions are on the case and you can’t mess it.
Tracey
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I wonder which way I would jump too!
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I wonder which way he chose?
At least it was fast. Tough to have to watch the following scene in person though how wonderful it was people jumped in immediately to help.
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Loved this one Tracey, so thought provoking.
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I wonder what he chose. Nice one.
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