Time's Up

Not many people get the chance to write about their death. But Art Townsend is one of them. On June 11 2009 Art had a sudden cardiac arrest while working out at the Y. He was shocked back to life 16 times by the EMTs and Emergency Room medical personnel at the nearby hospital who fought to save his life. Weeks later when Art left the hospital they called him “The Miracle Man.” One doctor said: “Nobody who gets shocked 16 times ever sits up in bed and walks these halls.”. In Time’s Up Art tells the story of how he has been given a second chance at life and how God gave him the gift to really start living. He posted the following blog nearly one month prior to his death and rebirth: “Life is Fragile.” Those were the words my cardiologist told me on my first visit to his office following a near fatal heart attack at the age of 37. Life is fragile and there are no guarantees. As I hear of people dying each day I am constantly reminded of those doctor’s words nearly 15 years ago. . As we go about our life and get caught up in “living in the dream” it is very easy to lose focus of just how fragile life really is. It usually takes a tragedy or a traumatic event in our life to “wake up.” and see this reality. All we have is right now; there are no guarantees to the longevity of your life. I have a good friend who used to say all the time “Do you know when you are going to die? Well then you better start living.” . Art Townsend is a father of three who lives in Rock Hill South Carolina. Art has spent the past two years speaking out against heart disease and prevention and learning how to live again. His audience has included the American Heart Association walk volunteers church groups charitable organizations hospitals schools and coaching individuals.