I survived to 35!

What an incredible day today is. There have been many times in my life that I never dreamed I would make it to 35, let alone be HEALTHY at 35. What a true blessing! Happy Birthday to ME!

In this first year post-transplant, I can't help but continually reflect on what things were like just a year ago. Last October I celebrated with great joy, knowing that it might be the last Birthday I would get to celebrate. Yet, we should all celebrate our birthdays that way. We have been given a precious gift, life, and we should be rejoicing in that gift!

For those of you who weren't following my journey at this time last year, here is a visual reminder...

God blessed me on my Birthday last year and allowed me to have the appetite to eat a full meal and enjoy it. At that time I was nauseated most of the time and had little to no appetite. I was forcing food down to survive and, of course, feeding myself through a feeding tube at night.

Food tastes so good to me now that I actually have to monitor my eating. I can't tell you how wonderful it is to enjoy food again.

I also was blessed with a little energy that day. Most family parties we attended last year would end with me in someone's guest room sleeping. I was so tired all of the time and rarely enjoyed family gatherings because it took so much out of me.

I have been given the opportunity to truly appreciate life again. I would encourage you to do the same. You don't have to go through the things that I did to find a new perspective and rejoice in the good that life has to offer you.

Please celebrate with me today, this is a victory for us all, your prayers were instrumental in making this possible and I will be forever grateful!

My love to you all! Nancy