The story of my heart

Published Wednesday October 3, 2018

By Beth Shelburne

A SCAD heart attack turned my life upside down. Six months later, I am happier and healthier than ever. How an unexpected health crisis saved my life.

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - On April 2, 2018, I had a heart attack. It no longer feels strange to write the words down or say them out loud. The shock has worn off and I have settled into my new reality as a survivor, reminded every time I look down and see the medical bracelet on my wrist that something terrifying happened to me, and could happen again, but that does not define me. Pushing through the fear, recovering and overcoming, getting and being better, and creating new priorities- these are the experiences that I cling to and meditate on when fear taps me on the shoulder at 2:00 a.m. I’ve made many positive changes in my life during this experience and learned nothing inspires a dramatic life reset like an unexpected health crisis. For that, I am grateful.