I took a CPR and First Aid class this weekend. I needed to because Mae has managed to put just about everything in her mouth and she's choked a few times. I panicked. I didn't know what to do. I shoved my finger in her mouth, I smacked her on the back - both wrong things to do. I was lucky, she managed to work it out herself, but I knew I needed to educate myself. I signed up and spent my Saturday afternoon with other parents and a great instructor - and I learned how to properly deal with a choking baby - and (most importantly) - how to deal with a child (and adult) that's stopped breathing. I now can perform CPR. I feel pretty good about that.

If you have someone in your life - a child, a parent, a partner, a best friend - whomever -- and you want to be prepared to save them -- take the time and contact the Red Cross or American Heart Association and ask about their CPR class. You'll give up one afternoon - and in return you will be empowered. You'll be in the know. You'll have the skills it takes to save your loved one.

Just do it.

Listening to: Dancing Nancies - Dave Matthews (Live at Luther College)

Great Music