January 17, 2013 was an ordinary day for some, but for our family it was a day that ripped our world into pieces.  Our son, Cory Joseph Wilson, a sophomore at GSU, collapsed and died in class that morning.  Those around him stated Cory was making grunt-like noises, and classmates thought he was playing.  Minutes later someone realized Cory was not playing and began cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR).   A series of misfortunes occurred that day, but the greatest was that there was no automated external defibrillator (AED) in the building when Cory collapsed.  It is difficult to explain how hard this year has been, knowing Cory possibly could have lived had an AED been available.  As we struggle to piece our lives together, we have been overwhelmed by the support shown from Cory’s friends at GSU, and especially from the Kappa Alpha brotherhood. This year many strides have been made in Cory’s memory to increase CPR and AED awareness and we are grateful for that as well.  We ask, if you are reading this, that you make an effort to learn CPR and how to use an AED.  The basics can be viewed in minutes and found in many online videos. An AED is most effective three minutes from the time of a cardiac incident.  Ask questions if you are in an area and do not see an AED…find out where the nearest unit is located.  Your own life could depend on it.  This week, as we face the anniversary of Cory’s death, our family will breathe deeply and hold tightly to each other as we try to embrace life as he did: simply, but with a gratitude for the blessings we have, and an excitement for all that will be.