Lucky 13

[Karlynn]

Today was my 13th anniversary of my valve replacement. So far, I've had 13 more years to do laundry, clean house, wash dishes, kiss boo boo's, argue with my husband then make up, attend swim meets and high school graduations. My face has lines on it, each one a privilege, and my waist is a little thicker from the chance to eat a few more chocolate chip cookies. 13 years of taking a few pills in the morning and some rat poison at night. 13 years of knowing that each day is a gift. 13 years of drifting off to sleep with a soft, soothing clicking as my lullaby.

And thanks to my VR family, this last year has been the best yet, since I found all of you.

Life is good.

 

[Bryan B]

Congratulations Karlynn on your lucky 13th anniversary! And you know what they say...the best part of arguing with your mate is making up afterwards.

 

[Candy]

Dear Karlynn,
What a wonderful post! Congratulations on another milestone. It sounds like you and your family are very lucky to have each other. Happy Anniversary!
Candy

 

[Harpoon]

Ain't life just grand????

 

[Ross]

13 years huh

That must be why your so cantankerous.

 

[JimL]

Thank you, Karlynn, for a beautiful post, and a wonderful perspective on life! Many more years to come.

 

[Marguerite53]

Lovely!

Lovely!

Congratulations, Karlynn.

Reading that gave me a chill from my head down to my toes! It was such a lovely way to explain how you are feeling. Thanks for sharing that!

Marguerite

 

[Harrybaby666]

What A Really Nice Thing To Say!!!

What A Really Nice Thing To Say!!!

Morning Karlynn,

Congratulations on your 13 year anniversary!! What an awesome way to look at life and it's twisting and winding curves. You Know, you are really, really helping me to stay positive (along with everyone here at VR.com) about my own detrimental situation, and I really appreciate your help by posting all your positive thoughts. It really helps. Thanks Ever So Much...Harrybaby666 (Oh and did I mention.... !!!???LOL)

 

[bvdr]

Karlynn, happy anniversary to you. Your post touched me and I will carry it with me as I now leave for work.

 

[LUVMyBirman]

Hi Karlynn!

What a moving post. May you have another 13++++ years of 'happy days'!

Congratulations!

 

[Christina L]

Karlynn,

What a moving post!

Congratulations on your 13th anniversary of getting a second chance at life. Your optimism and upbeat attitude are contagious to all of us on this board.

Isn't it funny how seemingly mundane chores that we did pre-surgery are now considered a "gift?" I used to despise cleaning the bathroom, but now I just feel lucky that I am still here.

God bless!

Christina L.

 

[Michelle]

Well said

Well said

Karlyn,

What a wonderful way to look at life! Congratulations.

 

[Gemma]

Karlynn,
Thank you for that lovely post - it's reminded me to take a different view of life and be grateful for the little things. And congratulations on your anniversary - just goes to show 13 can be lucky!
Gemma.

 

[Dee]

Karlynn,
WOW!! You're post was beautiful!! You just made my day better by being able to look at the last year as you have looked back at the last 13 years!! Do we have the same surgery dates?? Oct. 25??

I'm going to print this one off to remind me of what I need to be thankful for ....even those lines on my face and the extra fat around the belly!! Like someone else said, your post gave me chills!! I hope in 13 years I can look back and still feel the same way as you do!! This first year has been a little rough, but now that I'm past that milestone, I can start to look torwards the future with a brighter attitude!!

Congratulations on 13 wonderful years, and here's to 13 more wonderful years!!!

 

[Karlynn]

Dee,
My surgery date is Oct. 24. Close enough valve sister!

My first 2 years were pretty rough because I was in horrible physical shape prior to my surgery. I had CHF, debilitating arrhythmia and no energy to do much but cook dinner and lay on the couch. Pretty rough with a 4 and 6 year old at home. When the surgery came, I would have taken the smallest of improvement. Finally after about 2 years it occured to me that I was feeling so much better. If someone had told me a year after my surgery that I would feel well enough to travel to Europe, I would have thought they were hallucinating. So hang in there. You will continue to improve beyond the point you even expect to.

 

[Sherry]

What an articulate and thoughtful post, Karlynn. People (young and old) tend to get bogged down with life's daily annoyances, but your post reminds us heart patients that we are truly lucky to be alive and never to take life for granted. Congratulations to you, friend, for your 13 years of good health.

 

[Glenda]

Karlynn, such an inspiring post! We as humans take so much for granted. It takes something like living in Cancerland and having an AVR that makes us step back and realize just how lucky we are to be alive. I count my blessing every day and thank the good Lord.

Congratulations on 13 years. Wow, that's wonderful! ! I will pray that you will have many more 13 years of good health.

 

[tobagotwo]

Congratulations on your Baker's Dozen Anniversary!

I enjoyed your list of blessings, too. It's good to contemplate those things we would no longer have if we had not had our valves fixed.

Best wishes,

 

[epstns]

Karlynn,

Thanks so very much for putting things into their real perspective. I'm truly moved by your feelings.

May this be only the first 13 of many more 13's of good years!

 

[skimomck]

Wow Karlynn,
What a beautiful perspective on things. Congratulations on 13 years. We all have such a tendency to take life for granted and not be aware of all our wonderful blessings. Thanks for reminding me and here is to many more years filled with chocolate chip cookies and many other priceless blessings.
Cindy