By Kim Hilsenbeck
Teacher Jayne Baker at Tobias Elementary died on May 27. But according to a letter she recently wrote about that day, “I had an Angel Dream Team who didn’t let me stay in that condition.”
The experience reminded Baker of a misquote by Mark Twain, “Reports of my death are greatly exaggerated.”
What Twain actually said, according to Baker, was, “The report of my death was an exaggeration,” since he was being confused with an ill cousin.
Baker had a medical emergency at school that required extraordinary life-saving measures performed by colleagues.
She counts as part of her Angel Dream Team teaching partner and fellow (comedienne) Paula Poundstone fan, Kate Hungerford.
“She heard me fall and began CPR immediately,” Baker wrote. “Two other angels were in the room, Brooke Schwake and Danielle McKown, both of whom communicated the need for help. The 4th Angel Dream Team member is Nurse Extraordinaire Kristy Kelsey, who brought the AED and continued the life-saving efforts.”
Baker said her brother, Rick, documented 15 miracles surrounding her medical emergency.
“He and my sister, Erin, came flying to my aid as soon as they were notified,” she wrote.
In her retelling of the story – some parts of which she has no memory and had to be filled in by family and friends – she wrote, “I certainly regret causing all this commotion and anguish to family and friends. I know the event was much worse for all involved than for me as I have no memory of anything after turning toward my side of the room to go to work. I’m especially sorry for all the trauma that I caused by younger son, Robbie.”
A few more angels she thanked were Glenn & Adam, Anthony Derringer and his sweet family (who apparently brought sweet cupcakes), Vicki Janek, Jane Scarbourogh and Nekia Tharps, neighbor, Lisa Fealy, and as Baker wrote, “Sweet and supportive [Prinicpal] Paige Collier was also part of the team, and took Kate home after her day of heroic deeds!”
She was discharged from the hospital with a diagnosis reading: “Systolic CHP, Cardiac arrest; Problems: No documented Medical Problems”.
“I have a pacemaker/ defibrillator implanted, so I guess I’m somewhat of a bionic woman,” Baker wrote. “The doctor said I could do whatever I felt like doing including walking, exercising, mowing the lawn, etc. [Husband] Glenn made sure the doctor agreed that I should be fixing his meals as well!”
She added, “I’m so grateful to Robbie for keeping everyone informed as things progress…taking phone calls, texts, etc. It’s a beautiful world, isn’t it?!”
She said she is overwhelmed and humbled by all the loving and supportive comments received since her medical adventure.
“‘Tuesdays with Morrie’ by Mitch Albom has gone through my mind many times,” Baker wrote. “Morrie, who had ALS, wanted a party before he died since he wouldn’t get to participate at his funeral.”
She said former Hays CISD employee. Carolyn Hitt had the same reaction to all the kindness expressed through Facebook, calling the posts Baker’s “unfuneral”.
“I have to say that I have been buoyed up by all of your kindnesses and will be grateful to each and every one who posted, prayed, and sent healing thoughts,” she wrote. “Your love will stay with me the rest of my life.”
Baker wrapped up the letter saying, “And be assured: you are released from any further action when I do die…no further comments are necessary! But let’s make a pact to give all of our loved ones an “unfuneral” every single day. Let’s surround each other with hugs, kisses, loving words, and gratitude for our lives.”
