It’s been a whirlwind of emotions to get to this day, from trying to have a safe delivery and, well, if you’ve been following my story you know the rest.  Today we are extremely nervous, emotional, sad, exhilarated, pensive and overwhelmed by everything.

I had no idea when I started this blog that it would turn into this, one day.   I want to help as many people as possible avoid my fate, or a similar one.  That is my main goal in life and I hope 37 Seconds will play a large role in this effort.  I have learned from doctors, friends and strangers how my story has helped them and I would like to be able to continue to speak about it with the goals that I have in mind – to be the best advocate I can be, to use my story as an example of what is possible and to make more people aware there is  much more to life than just this life.

I’ve learned so much from people in this past year, from people I never thought would “show up” to people I had never met, yet who had an impact on me as if they were my very best soulmate and knew exactly how to relate to me.  I have met other AFE survivors and family members of loved ones who did not survive.  I have spent many days and nights working with charities, giving blood, raising awareness and funds, but I have much more to do.

I have healed a great deal because of this book.  Many times, my husband wanted me to stop as he watched me crying and throwing up while writing it.  My cousin Sari would help me on those days by interviewing me and giving me the necessary tools to keep going, and distracting me when the time was needed.   And there were many times it was needed.

I know I am blessed.  I have my family.  I have my community.  I have my life.

Today, on this very momentous day, we are 37 days away from the release of 37 Seconds.  I feel great joy and privilege in having written it and at the same time I feel more exposed, vulnerable, and emotionally bare than ever.  I am nervous.  I am insecure about how it will be received.  But at the end of the day my family is so proud of what we have all done, to overcome the pain and the heartache, to turn something so horrific into something so beautiful that people can share, so that is where my insecurity stops.

I am grateful to HarperOne for taking this journey with us.  Thank you to EVERYONE who has supported us.  And most importantly, thank you to my family and G-d, for they are the reasons we are here today.   Now let’s get this countdown started!   Thirty-seven days until #37Seconds .