The most significant learning experience in my life happened eight years ago, when I had a heart transplant. I learned a great deal about myself during the six months I spent in the hospital. There were many aspects of my life where I had to stop and take a look. This was not going to be an easy task for me. I am used to being in control of everything in my life; this was one time I could not be in control, and it was very difficult for me. I am used to taking care of others, and this time I had to let others take care of me.
One of the first things I had to learn was to have patience. I was admitted into the hospital on January 7 and was positive that I would have my new heart and be out in time for my daughter’s twelfth birthday on February 3. Ashley’s birthday passed, as did Valentine’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day and my birthday. Every day I would get up hoping that today was the day, but it would not happen.
The nights were the longest; they seemed to last forever. My daughter would call me crying, telling me she wanted me to come home and that she missed me. I finally came to the conclusion that whoever had the heart that I needed, still needed it himself. When they were done with it, it would be mine. That gave me the patience I needed to make it though each long day.
My family has always been important to me, but they became even more significant to me while I was in the hospital. As days grew into weeks, they established a visiting schedule. It became a ritual that was not interrupted.. They each had their own individual time with me; they made sure that their time was sacred. We were no longer one large family unit, all together as a band, but just individuals, getting to know each other one on one.
Now that I have gone through the life-altering experience of having a heart transplant, I truly appreciate every day. I see the good in people and see the bright side of everything. Because I was sick for so long, there were many things I was unable to do. I made a list I called “My Heart’s Desire” of things to accomplish after my transplant. They included swimming with dolphins, running up a flight of stairs, not being tired all the time, and talking to everyone about organ donation. The only things I have not finished are becoming a registered nurse, which I am working on now, and learning to golf. I never care about waiting in lines or waiting for an appointment. I love the summer heat, the spring rain, the fall leaves and the winter snowfall. I volunteer for two organizations that are very near to my heart and spread the word about organ donation to anyone that will listen, and even those that will not listen. My brother is now waiting for a heart transplant, and he tells me that I am his inspiration, that I made it look easy. I tell him it is just a matter of getting up every morning and being glad to be alive.
