Somewhere in the past decades, we have developed this idea that we are invincible. We can trudge through anything, handle anything life throws at us and ask for more. Nothing can stop us.

Until something does stop us.

This has been a stressful and frightening week for my family.

My daughter-in-law is a wonderful person I love very much. Her life has been demanding and she has always taken on more than anyone could expect. She is devoted to my son and her three children, aged 8, 5 and 2. And to watch her is to observe a perpetual motion machine. She was a star athlete through high school and college and she conquers every challenge.

What we all thought was the flu eight days ago turned out to be a serious infection that landed her in the hospital. Had my son waited just another 12 hours to take her to the ER, she likely would have suffered permanent damage to her organs. If he had waited 24 hours, it could have been fatal. I don’t even like to type those words. Thankfully, she is receiving great medical attention and she’ll be fine. Both families came together to support her and my son and grandchildren. The frightening hours are over and now it is just a matter of time until she makes a complete recovery.

You might be wondering why I am writing about this on a blog about business leadership.

First, this episode reminded me of the importance of access to great medical care and supportive family. So many around the world do not enjoy these benefits. I love my daughter-in-law dearly and I am so grateful for every family member and medical professional who supported her and my son.

Second, this is a reminder to all of us – but as this blog is aimed at business leaders – to take care of ourselves before we take care of our careers. The business comes second to your health.

We start each of our Vistage group meetings with a “check-in” on our business, our personal lives and our health. For many months, most members would say, “I’ve been meaning to get to the gym.” Lately, however, I am happy to report that nearly every member reports that they are getting regular exercise, good sleep and healthy food. Several have devoted themselves to hobbies – ranging from the performing arts to martial arts. Three of my members who have young children are fulfilling a pledge to “quit working” late each afternoon and ignoring work emails to spend time with spouses and children. Two members took their first vacation with their children in many years.

We tend to judge our success by how many tasks we achieve, how many goals we met, how much money we have in the bank. Yet all of these “accomplishments” are nothing unless we have our good health. We can’t drive ourselves so hard that we ignore the signs that our body is sending to slow down and take care of ourselves.

No one ever died with a tombstone reading “He/She wishes she spent more time at the office.”