This time last year I was being wheeled into surgery for my transplant. It is still somewhat unfathomable to think of what a different life I am living compared with a year ago. There are so many people, experiences and things that I am grateful for on this journey.
1) My donor and their family for giving me these beautiful, strong lungs! After waiting a year I can now write the family a letter and try to put into words how thankful I am for the greatest gift I will ever receive! They can then choose whether or not they want to respond. I really hope I can find out more about this person who gave me back my life.
2) Kevin-my rock! You held it all together for our family! You made me laugh, you let me cry in your arms during my breakdowns and you loved me even when there was so little left of the person you fell in love with. So glad we have so many more adventures in this life together!!
3) Everett-my inspiration for fighting! I have almost made it through the first decade of your life and I plan to be there for many more! You make me laugh every day, and I love watching the strong independent boy you are growing up to be. Love you to infinity!
4) Family-I never would have made it here without your love and support! I am so lucky to have such wonderful people who love me unconditionally!
5) Friends- Near and far, old and new I am blessed with the most amazing friends! We have a true village holding us up!
6) Independence! I can drive, I can cook, I can take a shower, I can walk up a flight of stairs, I can walk anywhere I want to, I can do laundry, I can have 3 boys spend the night while Kevin is out of town and not be phased by it.
7) The mountains-not only being able to be at altitude, but while I am there skiing, paddle boarding, hiking, watching the sun shimmer on Lake Tahoe, catching snowflakes on my tongue, and watching Everett's utter joy playing in the snow.
8) Feeling strong and energized after exercise!
9) Food! It is so nice to enjoy food again, to have cravings and to no longer have a tube in my stomach!
10) Tulips and daffodils in my front yard. Kevin and Everett planted them for me several years ago and every spring they make me smile.
11) Amazing doctors and staff at UCSF and Kaiser!
12) Sleeping without coughing through the night. Doing anything without coughing!
13) Being able to truly laugh again!
14) Being able to sing again, to Everett, in the shower and karaoke
15) Watching the sunset over the ocean
16) Returning all my oxygen supplies and donating my wheelchair
17) Everett's wonderful teachers and aides who gave him a safe, happy space to be during all the stress in his life.
18) Our supportive community! There is definitely a reason so many people come back to Moraga!
19)Traveling! I was so trapped in my house or the hospital and now I can't wait for all of our exciting upcoming
trips!
20)Prayers-whether they came from loved ones or strangers I have felt all that amazing energy lifting me up!
Thank you for helping me get to my 1 year lungaversary! I plan to celebrate many more!
If you haven't done so already please become an organ donor and encourage everyone you know to do the same! You can completely change the course of another persons life by doing so!
Love,
Laura
