What I am giving up is not important, Christine, I just want to tell readers that loss comes in many forms. As I make changes to my life due to financial constraints, it's a stark reminder that the life I loved as it was has ceased to exist. Giving up this or that is a reminder of what used to be and won't be any longer. Another form of grieving.

I don't know that just anyone would have stopped to help Ben. Many would drive by - and may have driven by - without even noticing him on the ground. Or they would simply have called 911 without checking his medic-alert emblem, without calling me, without performing CPR. I don't know how it would have been kinder to Ben if that man hadn't stopped and tried to help. I know that I am so grateful for that stranger.