How many EMTs can fit in my bedroom? Ten. The number is 10. Counting first responders took on an urgent importance in the way that benign distractions sometimes do in the face of a crisis. A day that began with the promise of a fresh start turned out to be a very bad day for Luke. Our snow day was lost to the chaos.

As a type 1 diabetic, Luke’s been managing his condition for decades. I’ve never seen his blood sugar drop so low that he didn’t recognize any of us.  This was bad.

Our peaceful snow day turned into a frantic 9-1-1 call and a trip to the ER. I couldn’t wake Luke up. Marcus eventually did only to find Luke confused, disoriented and combative. He didn’t know who he was or where he was. I’ve never been more terrified.

After the ambulance arrived, so did my parents. They took Mary with them while I went to the hospital with Luke. Thankfully, he was alright. A follow-up trip to the endocrinologist got us an emergency kit with a shot to administer if his sugar levels drop dangerously again. Poor Luke has been experiencing the domino effect of medical problems lately.

This week, I got my test scores back from the boards. I passed. I am now officially a board certified behavior analyst. You’d think that would be my most important test result, but it’s not.

The most important test results were the ones that told us I am a match for Luke. He needs a new kidney and he can have mine. As it turns out, we both have a rare blood type. We are both type O. A perfect match.

In the words of Marcus, “That’s some soul-mate level sh*t. You all match on the inside!”

10 EMTs in the bedroom were a real wake-up call for me. We need to focus on Luke’s health. We also need to appreciate our family. They all came together on that day. Marcus got me whatever I needed while Carl comforted a crying Mary. My parents arrived within 10 minutes. In all the drama and stress, my family came together during a crisis.

The worst kind of snow day is a day full of flashing lights and an ambulance. The best kind of snow day is the one where my family all works together to help Dad.

**Names have been changed to protect the privacy of those involved.