TWO YEARS!!!

Well, tomorrow will be two years since I first went into Scottsdale Healthcare for my "cold". On Sunday, the 30th, it will be two years since I was put on life support. Little did I know how long and hard the journey was going to be. I have had so many emotions and feelings going through my head lately. Mostly they are feelings of thankfulness and gratitude. First of all to God. He is always there. Then the person who donated their lungs, what a wonderful gift of life. I feel words aren't really enough to thank their family. Then there is just about EVERY person who I have come in contact with these past two years. I know that sounds like I am being extreme. but I mean it. I could name so many people... my family (here and in Ohio), my grandson (he always makes me smile), church family, STARS employees, old friends, new friends, ALL OF THE MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS, The Transplant team at ST. Joseph's, the home healthcare people, and the people who gave Monica support throughout this whole ordeal, I am so thankful for. Today Monica and I had to return a monitor to St. Josephs from a test I had to take. We had our grandson with us and sometimes he has to do exactly what I do, and today was no different. When I go into a hospital, I always need to wear a mask. Well, our grandson had to wear one too. So we were walking down the hallways of the hospital, holding hands with our masks on. Oh yeah, he also had a blanket tied around his neck like a "Superman Cape" as we walked. His first question when I put the mask on was "Are you sick again Papa?" When I told him I wasn't sick, he just said oh, ok. We also went back to the 4th floor Rehab at Scottsdale Healthcare. They hadn't seen me since I was using the wheelchair and using oxygen. It felt so good to walk in there, on my own, to say hello and thank them. They were all so kind and supportive to me and Monica both times I was a patient there. So, on my two year anniversary...(anniversary doesn't almost sound right) and after many changes in my life, I am alive... given a second chance..Thanks to God, everyone in my life these past two years and the person who made the unselfish donation of their lungs to me. One request....PLEASE CONSIDER BEING AN ORGAN DONER.