Kristin Melton: February 2012

Today Paul and I celebrate fifteen years of marriage together. The time has flown by and I can still feel as giddy about him sometimes as I did when he first called me in May of 1995. I feel very blessed to be able to say that.

Given that our anniversary is the day after Valentines day, and this year it falls in the middle of the week, it's hard to find time to celebrate between work, children, their sports/school activities, and life in general. In fact, he's off to Omaha, Nebraska for work this morning as I write this! But, he makes so many other days feel just as special...like the message he sent to me not too long ago through Linked In:

Paul Melton has sent you a message.

Date: 11/23/2011

Subject: Job Offer

Dear Kristin,

I would like to extend to you an offer for the position of Wonderful Incredible Fantastic Executive (W.I.F.E.). Based on your experience and education you are overqualified for this position, but I feel I can make an exception in your case. Benefits include 2 kids, a moody husband and tons of responsibilities. I know this sounds like your dream job so before you accept please consider thoroughly. I will be anxiously awaiting your decision.

Sincerely,

Paul Melton
CEO
Melton & Melton, INC.

Isn't that fabulous...and creative too! I just hope that I also do things that make him feel the same way about me. I guess that's what makes marriages strong. The willingness to want to continually be respectful to the person you love and in turn also respected by them.

We were able to have a celebration early in January when we took a cruise to the Bahamas and we had a fabulous time together. We rode scooters around Nassau and Key West, relaxed in hammock together on the beach at Coco Cay, did Karaoke for the first time, were chosen to participate in the Love & Marriage game show (which by the way, was an experience I will never forget), and met some of the most fabulous people from all over the US.

Here's to many, many more years of celebrating.

I love you Paul!

As February 1st signals the beginning of American Heart Month, so many across the nation are anticipating the celebration of Wear Red Day on Friday, February 3rd. You can bet I'll be doing my part and volunteering my efforts to share the message, and of course it is motivated by the care that I have for those close to me -- wanting them to know how important it is to pay attention to their
heart health.

Sometimes the mission and efforts of many organizations go without notice to those who have not had the experience of someone close having difficulties -- a very sad idea, but true. However, that's the shining light behind the mission of Go RED for Women, don't wait until it's too late -- learn and be aware before it can happen. As with anything, education is always key. I am happy to have helped promote Go Red for Women through the International Pageant System for several years.

But here's where my interaction with promoting heart health becomes real.

Meet my good friend Camille.

Camille and I work together at Egyptian Health Department, and like the other ladies in the office, we enjoy Camille's calm and yet spunky attitude while she dedicates her time to intervening with community crisis calls. Just like the rest of us working and taking care of our families, she felt tired a lot, but was also realizing that she was short of breath very easily with tasks that should not be causing that feeling. Taking charge of her health, she went to her doctor who diagnosed her with mild aortic stenosis. Still taking charge (and thank goodness she did) she pushed her doctor to perform a stress test which then showed a possible blockage. She was scheduled for a heart cath, and when she went we were all very concerned for her and awaited the results. The test showed that she had a 90% blockage in two places of her main artery -- a condition that is termed as "the widow maker"-- as in if she had a heart attack, she would not have made it to the hospital in time to save her life. The next day she was scheduled for an immediate double by-pass.

I am happy to say that this past January 3rd, Camille joined us back at the office. Tragedy averted, but only because she took charge of something that she felt was not right about her body. I hope that I can be like that. Too many times, like many other women, I have too many things to do and don't take care of myself as I should -- again the message of Go RED -- take the time to be sure your heart is healthy because it is not something to dismiss until later. Stress, anxiety, eating on the run, and sacrificing sleep hours to catch up can take a toll on anyone and I definitely fit that part. How about you? How about someone close to you? Take action for yourself or a loved one and share the message of Go Red and the American Heart Association. It's easy to do and here is the link to prove it...

https://www.goredforwomen.org/Tell5/Default.aspx