Fabrice Muamba Update: Bolton Star Has Priorities Straight After Collapse

Fabrice Muamba is lucky to be alive, and he knows it. The Bolton star's heartbeat stopped for 78 minutes according to an account he gave and that was published by the Huffington Post.

It is easy to think of athletes in similar situations who haven't been as fortunate: Hank Gathers, Reggie Lewis, Korey Stringer, Miklos Feher and most recently—Piermario Morasini.

Morasini, also a world footballer, collapsed and died on the field on April 14.

Almost a month before, the 24-year-old Muamba suffered his heart attack. Thankfully, it was not unto death.

Muamba truly loves the sport he almost perished playing, but he really realizes the preciousness of the things he nearly lost.

He has a 3-year-old son and fiancee whom he is able to enjoy. That experience, that we can take for granted, was nearly lost.

He credits the cardiologist that came to his aid at the scene and a higher power in these quotes from the Huffington Post article:

Of the cardiologist Andrew Deaner:

"

He is the reason I have been able to hold my baby son again and continue my life.

"

Of the divine intervention:

"

For 78 minutes I was dead and, even if I lived, was expected to have suffered brain damage, but I'm very much alive and sitting here talking now. Someone up there was watching over me.

"

Sometimes amidst the passion and love for sports, athletes and fans can forget the things that matter most in the world.

Muamba clearly has not.

He realizes how fortunate he is, and how fragile life can be. I personally hope he continues to be blessed, appreciates and enjoys life—whether it includes soccer or not.

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