September 10th was one year since my husband’s (Randy) shocking double lung transplant. Randy was having some breathing issues, but his respiratory failures from August 2013 were shocking events that rocked our family and friends. He was critical for 3 months, on life support for 12 days. Our gratitude to the donor and his family is boundless. This donor saved many lives, not just Randy’s. His heart and liver were also used as donor organs. (To read about the ordeal, visit the category, An Unexpected Journey, lung transplant, on this blog.) Today we celebrated his one year anniversary as a REBIRTH Day, with a brunch at Lark on the Park. HAPPY REBIRTH DAY TO RANDY!
Our celebration this morning was lovely, and delicious (Lark on the Park is a fabulous restaurant, across from Klyde Warren Park)! While sitting at the table I looked around and felt so fortunate to have my family intact. And not only intact, but growing! Next year BOTH of my children are getting married! It is a joy to realize that next year will be a year of celebration.
The last few years have been so difficult. Not just for me, but for our entire family. The Wheel of Fortune turns, and it seems as though it is turning upwards for us. We all have good times and bad times in our lives, and I fully realize that it is not possible to live in the sunshine all of the time. The warmth of the sun is very welcome.
One year is an important milestone. He’s working out, walking, and even played golf last week! My daughter made a toast this morning, and said that she and Wes (my son) are very glad that tube dad is gone, and their real dad is back. (Tube dad was one week post transplant, and he was angry and frustrated and could not understand why we couldn’t understand what he was saying. He had a tube down his throat, that’s why!)
In two weeks we will be at Randy’s 40th high school reunion (yes, I know he is so old!), and toward the end of the month we’ll be in Kentucky for a family wedding. This will be the year of the wedding bells! My son and his fiance will marry in May, followed by my daughter’s wedding in October.
I know this post is pretty random, but the truth is, I am feeling very hopeful. Hopeful that the wheel is turning toward happier times and good health. It is hard to believe it has only been a year since things were at their lowest ebb. I feel like the sun is coming out after a long, dark winter. Here’s to the Journey Ahead!
The sun is out and shining Tammy and each day it will get brighter and brighter. Congratulations to Randy, Family and You!
Juetta
I’m enjoying each and every moment as it comes….and taking every opportunity presented. I really believe he is going to live a good long life!
Wow…what a story…so happy for you and that you have so much to celebrate! Such a powerful testimony for organ donation.
Pam@over50feeling40 recently posted…Chico’s Fall 2014 Trend: Vests! + Fashion Flash!!
yes….organ donation is so very important. Randy’s donor saved 3 lives that we know of with lungs, heart and kidneys!
Tam Warner recently posted…The Journey Ahead
Happy Sunshine to all of you!!
and to you, Susie!
Tam Warner recently posted…The Journey Ahead
Congratulations! I was blessed with one of my dearest friends thanks to organ donation. I’m so happy for your family.
Anne Louise Bannon recently posted…Episode 79 – Mark Confronts Solly
Thank you so much, Anne Louise!
Hi Tam-Yup, the first year is a big one and meds and such have probably been smoothed out. My wife is 21 years post. Since then she has bicycled across America, raced her bike in Sydney, Manchester, and many places across the US plus many charity rides, a kayak around Long Island, an attempt on Mount Ranier, and has enjoyed her life. She has also tried to pay back by raising awareness of the genetic condition that caused her own lungs to fail, and of the need for organ donors. We know folks who are longer than she is post-tx. Fortunately, tx is a situation in which one can help to make one’s own good luck-as I expect you know by now. Here’s wishing you all the joy of every day and the expectation of many decades of work and fun post tx.
21 post double lung transplant! that is wonderful and gives us hope!
What a great anniversary! So glad your family’s fortunes are turning upward.
KymberlyFunFit recently posted…Breathe Life Into Yourself
I believe so! We are so excited to pass the 1 year milestone!
Your post makes me happy this morning, congratulations to Randy, and your family. I’m so glad he has passed his 1 years milestone and feeling well enough to get out and do things he finds enjoyable.
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Such a good heart of yours, Congratulations to Randy. 🙂 More Power 🙂