When we made it to Nana and Buppa’s the ambulance was parked right outside of their house. Buppa was inside. He hadn’t survived. The paramedics asked my sister and me if we would like to go inside and say our goodbyes. That was the first and last time I have ever been in an ambulance. I remember holding his hand and it feeling so cold. My sister, Nana, and I held each other while sobbing and sitting around Buppa’s body. He looked the same, like he was in a deep sleep; I wanted so badly for him to wake up and everything to be fine.
Buppa had been mowing the lawn while Nana was packing for their upcoming Vegas trip they were taking to celebrate Buppa’s Birthday. While he was mowing the lawn an artery in his heart failed causing his heart to explode. He died immediately, three days before his 70th birthday.
Today, my family and I celebrated his life with a special church service and a family dinner. This is just another reason why my platform is so important to me. There is a huge connection between heart disease and lack of physical activity. To practice good heart health it is imperative to stay physically active and nutritionally healthy. My Buppa’s death was unexpected. My message is to start living a healthy life today so no other family has to experience the pain of losing a loved one to heart disease.
Not a day goes by that I don’t miss my Buppa immensely! Three years ago today my life changed. I know that Buppa is in a better place but I will ALWAYS miss him. He is our cardinal and I know he is always with me.
Samantha Phillippi