Back to Life: A Testimony of Faith and Teaming

It was an ordinary day that held so much promise. Like every morning, I woke up early and dedicated some time to prayer and meditation. I have always believed that entrusting my day to God is the best way to begin, but that day, something felt different, something I couldn’t anticipate. Though I would have loved to prepare breakfast for my children and take them to school, my schedule had a special start: the monthly Mass with our circle at the Lumen Institute, in Atlanta’s northern chapter. This institute, composed of Catholic business leaders, not only provides me with tools for the business world but also strengthens my faith and mission in this life.

That morning, Father Daniel Brandenburg spoke about talents—how they must be nurtured and shared—and how we must face our fears with unshakable trust in God. I left the session recharged, with an energy that felt like an inner fire, ready to take on any challenge.

After the Mass, my day continued with an important meeting at GLLV CPA, one of JNC LLC’s allied firms. On my way there, I received a call from a client, enthusiastically discussing a new venture she wanted me to be part of. As we spoke, I thanked God for every opportunity that presented itself, and soon, I arrived at GLLV’s offices.

As is my habit, I greeted each team member warmly. That’s when I ran into Rossini Rosillo, whom we all know as “Ros.” With his contagious energy and radiant smile, Ros always has a kind word to share. When he asked how I was, I replied with my usual phrase: “Excellent and improving!” We both laughed, as we often did, and exchanged a hug. Little did I know that this would be a hug I would never forget.

The meeting with my partners began like any other—productive and filled with ideas. But then, the sound of piercing screams broke into our room, shattering the calm. We rushed out, and what we found was terrifying: Ros was lying on the floor, motionless, while José Hugo, the brother of one of my partners, was desperately trying cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) him.

Time seemed to stand still. Ros wasn’t breathing, and his color was beginning to change. Someone called emergency services, while José Hugo, with remarkable courage, performed CPR. When his strength gave out, we took turns helping. None of us were experts, but we knew we couldn’t stand idly by. The emergency line guided us with clear instructions, and though the effort was exhausting, we persevered.

Suddenly, Ros took a breath. He was back! Relief filled the room, but the joy was short-lived. Within seconds, his pulse faded again. At that moment, I did the only thing I could: I knelt down. While José Hugo continued the CPR, I prayed a Rosary. I pleaded with God, with the Blood of Christ, not to let us lose Ros. I called my wife, and she began a prayer chain with friends and family.

In that moment, Ros took another breath. It was as if God Himself had breathed life into him. Just then, the paramedics arrived, took over, and rushed him to the hospital.

Hours later, the doctors confirmed that Ros had suffered a massive heart attack. They told us that if it hadn’t been for the efforts made at the office, he wouldn’t have survived. A surgical intervention saved his life, but it was the collective effort, faith, and God’s grace that made the difference.

Today, I reflect on that day. Death is a certainty, but we are never truly prepared to face it head-on. What I experienced taught me that teamwork transcends the workplace; it is a fundamental pillar of life itself. More importantly, I learned that faith surpasses reason. In those moments of uncertainty, it was God who guided our hands and strengthened our hearts.

Sometimes, we forget that we are not alone in this life. God places us in difficult situations not to break us, but to remind us that when we trust in Him and work together, miracles are possible.

Today, Ros is still with us. I know that when I see him again, he’ll ask me how I’m doing, and I’ll respond the same way, but adding: “Grateful to God because we have a story to tell.” And I know that when I look at him, I won’t be able to avoid remembering that moment when life hung by a thread, but God, in His infinite mercy, decided it wasn’t yet his time.

November 20, 2024, Atlanta. A lesson in faith, unity, and love.