A bride’s dad dropped and fell to the ground during the father-daughter dance, making for a frightening scene, but things lined up perfectly to save his life.
Weddings are happy, joyous and often emotional occasions. Two people, standing before God and their family and friends, vow to remain with one no matter what life may throw at them. Then, after all the vows are exchanged, all the “I dos” are said, everyone gets to eat. Who could hate going to weddings?
At weddings, lifelong, cherished memories are forged, and where a few tears are often shed. Weddings are usually full of happiness and love. Many people refer to their wedding as the happiest day of their life. However, for one family, one wedding took a decidedly different and scary turn.
According to the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, Brad Carver and his daughter, Emily Alvarez, who had just gotten hitched, were celebrating the happy occasion with the traditional father-daughter dance when disaster struck. The outlet reports that Brad and Emily were wowing family and friends with a choreographed dance routine to Taylor Swift’s “You Need to Calm Down” when Brad fell to the ground about a minute into their number.
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A video posted on YouTube shows the scary incident and the moment Brad fell to the ground.
However, despite the frightening moment, the good Lord appeared to put several things in the right place to save Brad’s life. Several people in attendance, including the wedding photographer, were trained in CPR and other life-saving measures.
After Brad tumbled to the floor, those guests quickly administered and applied life-saving maneuvers, including CPR and a defibrillator.
Additionally, The Herald-Tribune points out that because the reception's location was public, an AED defibrillator was required to be on site. If it had been private, there was a chance.
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After he was rushed to the hospital, Brad underwent an emergency triple bypass. The surgery, combined with the presence of the wedding guests who were incredibly familiar with CPR and the defibrillator, all helped to save Brad’s life. They kept Emily’s big day from being a horrible, awful one she would never forget.
Emily understands the outcome could have easily been much different.
“Unfortunately, it happened on my wedding day, but fortunately, it happened on my wedding day because everyone lined up perfectly to save his life,” Emily said in a video posted on Facebook.
For Brad, that frightening situation has completely changed how he views life.
“It’s stunning,” Brad said. “I died, came back to life, and it’s given me a different perspective on life.”
After nearly losing her father, Emily has some advice for everyone and a newfound appreciation for the fragility of life.
“Take advantage of having your father with you,” she said. “Whether that be a parent or your father or your mother, just to celebrate their life and love them.”
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“When you are not certain what will take place tomorrow. What is your life? It is a mist, which is seen for a little time and then is gone.” –James 4:14
h/t: Sarasota Herald-Tribune, Facebook.com/Sarasota Memorial Health Care System & YouTube.com/10 Tampa Bay
Featured Image Credit: YouTube.com/10 Tampa Bay
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