Live everyday like it's your birthday

In mid-January, I found myself all alone in the middle of the night, sitting in a hospital bed at the University of Kansas Medical Center. Tears streaming down my face, I was in a critical spot. My heart and lungs were having trouble keeping up. I was in fluid overload. I had been facing progressive challenges with Myasthenia gravis for about a year prior to this cold winter night. But this was rock bottom. I thought this was the end.

You already know the outcome of the story as I am writing this blog. While we continue to tweak my therapies and treatment regimen to try to get my health back on track so I can regain my strength, I am feeling one hundred times better. And if I’m being honest, I am still processing all of what happened that led up to that night in January. Someday, I’ll be able to fully share the story, but the overarching moment is I am here today, and tomorrow, I get to start another trip around the sun! That is, with a whole new perspective and outlook on life. And each day, as I heal more, I feel it more deeply.

I have never been more grateful for a birthday. I’ve probably said that in the past, but this year, I actually feel the truth behind those words. Over the last couple of months, I’ve tried to really take it all in and relish in what surrounds me.

Seeing my parents, loved ones, and friends is sweeter.

Hugs are sweeter.

Seeing the sun rise and set is sweeter.

Taking in the quiet at the end of the day is a lot sweeter.

Driving with the sunroof open to feel the fresh air is a lot sweeter.

Being able to tailgate and catch up with old friends I haven’t seen in years is sweeter.

Preparing food for family and friends is sweeter.

Hearing it rain and storm is sweeter. Oh wait, it's Kansas, nevermind, it hasn't done that in months!

Opening my front door and being able to welcome people into my home is sweeter.

Being able to pick out a gift and take it to a friend is sweeter.

Going to the mailbox and opening the mail is a lot sweeter.

Being able to work and interact with our team, volunteers, and partners is a lot sweeter.

Being greeted as I arrive home from my Riesy girl is a lot sweeter. (Cleaning up her backyard kill, however, is not.)

Being able to go on a road trip with friends is sweeter.

Celebrating the accomplisthments and milestones of friends is a lot sweeter.

Opening my calendar and seeing what’s next is a lot sweeter.

Life is sweet.

From top to bottom.

Even the simplest pleasures that were so easily disregarded.

And I hope I truly never forget this or lose this feeling.

I might be sporting these oh-so-fancy prednisone cheeks and chin for the time being, but I’m alive, and I’ve never been so grateful.

I’ve had a lot of support to get back upright over the last year so I also wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you. It takes a village.

Cheers to birthdays!