To the editor:

My name is Shawn and I live in Lebanon. Recently I had a brain aneurysm burst in my head. I was rushed to Emmanuel Hospital by ambulance by the Corvallis Fire Department and had an angiogram.

I found out 11 days after the aneurysm burst I actually had two of them. One had not yet burst, but was leaking fluid in my brain. I did not understand the severity of an aneurysm, seeing how I was alive 11 days after it ruptured. The doctors were looking at me like they weren't sure how I got to Portland at all. As it turns out not only did I have two of the only surgeons on the West Coast, but also two of the best.

In my eight days at the hospital and two brain surgeries later I kept asking the nurses if anyone else in the ICU had the same thing happen to them. Finally, on my last day again I asked the question again. My nurse Paddy sternly spoke "Honey you don't get it do you? Shawn, they don't usually make it to the ambulance!"

My wife, family, friends and community are unaware of how gracious all of them are. Just like a crappy movie I guess it takes almost dying to realize how important all these people are! Thank you to all who prayed.

My wife: I love you. Thanks for sleeping in that uncomfortable hospital recliner you weren't supposed to be in (no visitors after 8).

To my friends: All I can say is you are true friends. My church, pastor Mitch and my family: You are the best (of course sometimes a pain, but I'll keep them to the end).

Lastly, my community: Wow. I'm not saying I'm looking forward to a tragedy by no means - I've had my turn! - but if they pull together like they did in my situation, there will be entirely too much love, prayers, help, giving, protection and way too much food.

Also, special thanks to Denise Johnson, Jason Bolen and all the local firefighters (Lebanon, Albany and Corvallis). You guys are the best!

Lebanon is a beautiful place to call home!

Shawn Gourley, Lebanon