Here are a few of my major milestones:
- As of today, I am down 50 pounds and 4 sizes! Jennise took me shopping and I was able to shop in smaller sizes and buy pants without elastic! It felt great to clean out my closet and get rid of a lot of clothes that I never plan to put back on. I can't believe how far I have come. When I got home from the hospital I never thought I would see the day when I was no longer full of fluid and swollen. It is great to know that the day has come and it feels great!
- This is a milestone I am very excited about. I completed my first full week of cardiac rehab. I go three times a week and work very hard while I am there. It feels so good to go and workout and to feel myself getting stronger and stronger everyday. Of course, I am the youngest person in the room, but this time I know I am in better health and no matter my age we are all there to strengthen ourselves and hearts.
- Today was another big step for me, after seven years I finally sat behind the wheel of a car and drove. After my transplant I was cleared to drive again, but both Jennise and I have been nervous about actually letting me try. Seven years is a long break, but I was anxious to try it again. I threw out the idea again tonight, and with Sandi and Chris over I knew I stood a chance. Chris jumped up and said, let's go! Of course, because he is the calmest of us all he went with me for a spin around the neighborhood. Jennise and Sandi stood in the driveway with the camera and biting their nails. All I could hear was, "hands on the wheel, eyes on the road, drive slow, buckle up, blah, blah." Chris and I both agree I did very well and then I drove us all to get some ice cream. Jennise did well hiding her nerves and kindly guided me from the back seat. My first drive was a success and it felt so good to be behind the wheel. It makes me feel that much closer to a full recovery and a life I never really had.
So as you can see times are very busy and we are all just loving life. I hope I continue to make milestones each day and accomplish things I have missed and always dreamed of doing. We will be back soon with another update.
