Kuel Life
No Result
View All Result
  • Login
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Community
    • Business Directory
    • Exclusive Member Content
    • Kuel Conversations
    • Share Your Story
  • Lifestyle
    • Beauty & Fashion
    • Relationships
    • Home
    • Money
    • Work
    • Travel & Adventure
  • Wellness
    • Health
    • Fitness
    • Nutrition
    • Mindfulness
  • Jack’s Smack
  • Membership
  • eShop
    • Books
    • Kuel Swag
    • Services
    • Products
  • Contact Us
  • Community
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Community
    • Business Directory
    • Exclusive Member Content
    • Kuel Conversations
    • Share Your Story
  • Lifestyle
    • Beauty & Fashion
    • Relationships
    • Home
    • Money
    • Work
    • Travel & Adventure
  • Wellness
    • Health
    • Fitness
    • Nutrition
    • Mindfulness
  • Jack’s Smack
  • Membership
  • eShop
    • Books
    • Kuel Swag
    • Services
    • Products
  • Contact Us
  • Community
No Result
View All Result
Kuel Life
No Result
View All Result
Home Wellness Mindfulness

The Lesson Learned From The Most Stressful Day Of My Life

The Lesson Learned From The Most Stressful Day Of My Life

Kuel Life Featured Images April 2022 5

Career Kuel Thought Leader: Gayle Petrillo

In work and our personal lives, we are often asked, whether intentionally or not, to push the limits of our comfort level.

My Boundaries:

I know many times, at various stages of my career, my boundaries were pushed far beyond what I thought I was capable of.

“Let me start at the end. All is well.”

Recently I attended a virtual session that included some work on reducing stress. We were taught to set a timer for 12 minutes and in solitude, just write. Doesn’t matter about what, just put the words in your head and heart on paper. Physical paper. When the times goes off, light a candle and burn the paper. WOW. Unimaginably powerful and fulfilling. I, more than ever before needed to do just that. And now those words have become this blog.

Let me start at the end. All is well. My hubby of 42 years is healthy and home and I’m breathing a huge sigh of relief and shear gratitude.

The Most Stressful Day In My Life:

“The procedure went well, though it was a bit more involved than the cardiologist had initially thought.”

Yesterday was the second most stressful day of my life. Hubby, Al, was scheduled for a fairly routine (no medical procedure is truly routine) cardiac procedure. Many years ago he had open-heart surgery for a valve repair. That surely was the most stressful day in my life.

Al has struggled with long-term side effects since his Afib. He has had numerous procedures to control it and yesterday he was scheduled for an ablation, his second in 12 years. The plan was to admit him following the procedure for observation and discharge him the following morning, which would have been today. The procedure went well, though it was a bit more involved than the cardiologist had initially thought.

After six hours, and with no bed availability, he was discharged home. We live 90 miles from the cardiology hospital and I had arranged to stay overnight with friends in Phoenix (we live in Tucson). 

Call 911!

The discharge personnel helped Al into the back seat of our SUV and I drove us home. As we walked in the door, he began walking to the other end of the house, independently, said he was fine and I grabbed the mailbox key.

Cell phone in hand, I made the 90-second walk down the driveway and back. As I entered the front door, halfway point in our ranch, Al was holding his hand near his groin, which was bloody, and said, “Call 911!”. We got him on the floor, and I (literally) ran to the cabinet for clean towels, knelt down next to him, pressed as hard as I could to stop the flow of blood, as I dialed. The dispatcher was calm and told me what to do and not to do. 

“Let me tell you it was the longest eight minutes of my life!”

Our local fire department’s closest station is 1.1 miles from our home. I knew they would be there quickly. Well, the firemen that arrived came from six miles away because the crew nearest us was still at a prior call. Let me tell you it was the longest eight minutes of my life!

Al was taken by ambulance to the nearest emergency department. He was stable and after three hours of observation, he was released back home. Phew! We had been up since 4 AM to make the early morning trek to Phoenix and now it was close to 9:30 p.m.

Overcoming Multiple Fears And Phobias:

I’m very grateful to dear friends who live 1.6 miles away and who took me in when I was told I wouldn’t be allowed into the ER (due to Covid protocols). They ordered dinner, gave me wine, and let me literally cry on their shoulders. They were prepared to have me sleep in their home, anticipating the hospital would likely keep Al overnight.

So, how does this tie in? Those of you who have read my book, know I’ve been overcoming multiple fears and phobias over the past many years. One fear I have is of blood. Anyone’s blood. Yet, here I was holding towels over my husband’s private parts, knowing full well he could bleed out from the femoral artery where the cardiologist had just inserted catheters to do the procedure. 

“The ambulance and paramedics that arrived after the firemen, told me I had saved Al’s life.”

Al is a former EMT and firefighter (chief) and so he also knew exactly what could happen and told me what to do as I was calling 911. 

Save Someone Else’s Life:

I instinctively did what I knew I needed to do. Sure, I was emotional. I had tears streaming down my face, but I did what I had to do, blood and all. The ambulance and paramedics that arrived after the firemen, told me I had saved Al’s life. 

Many of us in our lifetime won’t be able to literally save someone else’s life. We definitely will, however, be able to overcome our fears and push past obstacles that come our way. It’s okay to step into that opportunity because it enables us to grow. And then we need to be grateful for the opportunity and remember to thank those around us who help us through those difficult times and most importantly, remember to tell your family and friends that you love and appreciate them. You can never say it enough. And here’s to the most stressful day of my life being in the rearview mirror.

Did you enjoy this article? Become a Kuel Life Member today to support our Community. Sign-up for our Sunday newsletter and get your content delivered straight to your inbox.

About the Author:

Gayle Petrillo is President of First Impressions, Image Consulting. Gayle is an image consultant working with both businesses and individuals. Her services include: customer service training; team building skills; secret shopper services; gossip avoidance techniques; closet analysis; wardrobe transformations, personal shopping; employment coaching; and presentation skills.

Related Posts

Success After 50 For Women: How To Redefine It Without Burnout
Work

Success After 50 For Women: How To Redefine It Without Burnout

July 14, 2025
How To Find Balance In Midlife: 4 Powerful Strategies For A Healthier, Happier Life
Mindfulness

How To Find Balance In Midlife: 4 Powerful Strategies For A Healthier, Happier Life

July 12, 2025
Navigating Grief In Midlife: Kathy Mela’s Compassionate Guide For Women Over 50
Work

Navigating Grief In Midlife: Kathy Mela’s Compassionate Guide For Women Over 50

July 9, 2025
Next Post
5 Steps To Your Healthy Future

5 Steps To Your Healthy Future

8 Fashion Tips For Midlife Women

8 Fashion Tips For Midlife Women

What Is The Most Powerful Aphrodisiac?

What Is The Most Powerful Aphrodisiac?

Comments 4

  1. Sylvia Ramos says:
    3 years ago

    You are amazing!

    • Kuel Membership logo large Kuel Life says:
      3 years ago

      Hi Sylvia, I totally agree…. Gayle Petrillo is a rock star and a badass. We are so lucky to have her on Kuel Life.

  2. Ruth says:
    3 years ago

    An impactful blog on so many levels. Congrats on writing it and on saving Al’s life by pushing through your fears🤗

    • Kuel Membership logo large Kuel Life says:
      3 years ago

      Isn’t it though… very impactful. Just goes to show that we can push past our fears when someone we love is at risk.

Recommended

How To Declutter Your Mind: 3 Powerful Strategies For Greater Clarity In Midlife

How To Declutter Your Mind: 3 Powerful Strategies For Greater Clarity In Midlife

3 weeks ago
Proven Forest Bathing For Stress Relief: How Nature Calms The Brain And Heals The Mind

Proven Forest Bathing For Stress Relief: How Nature Calms The Brain And Heals The Mind

4 weeks ago
Best Makeup For Mature Skin 2025: Which Award Winners Actually Deliver

Best Makeup For Mature Skin 2025: Which Award Winners Actually Deliver

2 weeks ago
How Black Currant Powder Supports Your Health So You Can Keep Running Strong At 50+

How Black Currant Powder Supports Your Health So You Can Keep Running Strong At 50+

3 weeks ago

Don't miss it

  • All
  • Jack's Smack
8 Early Dating Mistakes Women Over 50 Make—And How To Avoid Them
Relationships

8 Early Dating Mistakes Women Over 50 Make—And How To Avoid Them

July 19, 2025
Wardrobe Basics For Women Over 50: Bold Alternatives That Actually Work
Beauty & Fashion

Wardrobe Basics For Women Over 50: Bold Alternatives That Actually Work

July 18, 2025
A New Chapter At 50+: How Women Can Build A Life That Truly Feels Their Own
Health

A New Chapter At 50+: How Women Can Build A Life That Truly Feels Their Own

July 18, 2025
Am I Giving My Teen Too Much? Avoid Resentment And Raise Resilient Kids
Relationships

Am I Giving My Teen Too Much? Avoid Resentment And Raise Resilient Kids

July 17, 2025
6 Ways AI In Radiology For Women’s Health Is Saving Lives And Changing Care
Health

6 Ways AI In Radiology For Women’s Health Is Saving Lives And Changing Care

July 18, 2025
Sexy Trends From The ’80s We Thought Were Hot—But Definitely Weren’t
Jack's Smack

Sexy Trends From The ’80s We Thought Were Hot—But Definitely Weren’t

July 16, 2025

Purchase with a Purpose

  • Better Not Younger – Better Hair Ahead Better Not Younger - Better Hair Ahead
  • Kindra Kindra
  • Metamorphosis in Stanzas Metamorphosis in Stanzas $2.99 – $12.99
  • The Tracy Gold Collection The Tracy Gold Collection
whatsapp image 2024 05 17 at 21.38.19 933b48c6

Kuel Life is committed to normalizing aging for women. With more than 65 KL Thought Leaders, we bring you the latest, most relevant, HOT TOPICS to address the opportunities and challenges for women 50+.

LEARN MORE »

COMPANY INFO
  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Press
  • Contact Us
PURCHASE INFO
  • FAQs
  • Payment Methods
  • Shipping & Delivery
  • Refunds & Returns Policy
  • Membership
LATEST NEWS

8 Early Dating Mistakes Women Over 50 Make—And How To Avoid Them

July 19, 2025

Wardrobe Basics For Women Over 50: Bold Alternatives That Actually Work

July 18, 2025

A New Chapter At 50+: How Women Can Build A Life That Truly Feels Their Own

July 18, 2025

Am I Giving My Teen Too Much? Avoid Resentment And Raise Resilient Kids

July 17, 2025

Sunday RoundUP Signup Here…

Be part of the movement to normalize aging. Get all your HOT TOPICS delivered directly to you.

 

CopyRight© 2017-2025 | Kuel Life | Created By Kuel Life Developers Team.

 

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
Cleantalk Pixel

Add New Playlist

0
    0
    Your Cart
    Your cart is emptyReturn to Shop
    Continue Shopping
    No Result
    View All Result
    • Home
    • About Us
    • Community
      • Business Directory
      • Exclusive Member Content
      • Kuel Conversations
      • Share Your Story
    • lifestyle
      • Beauty & Fashion
      • Relationships
      • Home
      • Money
      • Work
      • Travel & Adventure
    • Wellness
      • Health
      • Fitness
      • Nutrition
      • Mindfulness
    • Jack’s Smack
    • Membership
    • eShop
      • Books
      • Kuel Swag
      • Services
      • Products
    • Contact Us
    • Sign In/ Sign Up

    CopyRight© 2017-2025 | Kuel Life | Created By Kuel Life Developers Team.