A year ago today, I went to M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital and didn’t know what the outcome would be. I hoped it would be tracheotomy free, without major complications and me coming out alive.
A year ago today, I saw the pain, concern and strength in the eyes of my parents as the countdown to say, “See you later!” began before I was rolled away to the operating room. They hoped that the “See you later!” wasn’t a goodbye from seeing my smile and hearing my laughter again.
A year ago today, I had open-heart surgery and knew there was never a guarantee when one heads into an operating room that all would be successful. I knew all I could do was trust in God’s plan and believe that my medical team was as prepared as they could be.
A year ago today, my body endured one of the toughest surgeries it has ever had. I prepared my mind to know that if I were to wake up, I would deal with whatever the outcome would be with determination, grace and appreciation.
A year ago today, I woke up from a 9-hour surgery, tracheostomy free and feeling like I had been given a new lease on life. I was in pain, uncomfortable and relieved the surgery was over.
A year ago today, I realized the road to recovery was going to be tough and draining. But I knew I had it in me to fight through the pain so I could get back to completing dreams I hadn’t had the energy to achieve in recent years.
A year ago today, I was so grateful for the extraordinary medical professionals who operated on me and were part of the team that executed an effective procedure. Their understanding of the interworkings of Mucopolysaccharidosis was tremendous.
Today, I know that this won’t be the last surgery in my lifetime, but for right now I am choosing to live life to the fullest. I will also continue with trying to make the BEST lemonade possible as life presses on.