Happy St. Patrick's Day!

"Top of the mornin' to ya!" ;)

        March 17th, 2013... I got "the call."  It was around 11:30 on that Sunday night that I got the call that there were a pair of lungs that were my match.  They were low risk; and they were ready for me if I decided I wanted them.  I, of course, said, "Yes."
        My husband and I had been waiting "on the list" for that call for just over a month... but we weren't prepared when it came.  We sat for a moment just holding each other, soaking in the reality of what was about to come.  Then after a few moments, we called our family members and let them know we would be on our way to the hospital.
        Wow!  A year has gone by so fast.  In many ways today and tomorrow are joyous days.  I have been given a second chance at life; and I won't waste it.  I truly feel lucky and blessed in so many ways; so overjoyed at the possibilities of life.  However, on the other hand, I know there is a family out there remembering the loss of their loved one a year ago.  It breaks my heart...
        Someone told me the other day, "It wasn't because of you that the person died; it was because of them that you lived..."  I hold on to that thought.  I pray for the family each day; and I am thankful for their love and generosity of donating these precious lungs.  I will never forget... I am blessed.
        Today, March 17th, 2014, I had my annual clinic visit.  It went well.  No, I did not reach my 100% goal... my lung function was 83%.  However, I feel one hundred percent better than I did a year ago!  And, for now, that's good enough.  I am working very hard to keep improving... and loving it.  The doctor said my CT scan looked "beautiful..."  So that was nice.  And other than that, it was a long day full of scans, labs, and more scans... I'm glad it's done.
        Today is a special day for me for sure.  One year ago my luck turned for the better... and I know I am so very lucky.  Thanks be to God, I arise today a happy and healthy lady.

"I arise today
through the strength of Heaven;
light of the sun,
splendor of fire,
speed of lightning,
switfness of the wind,
depth of the sea,
stability of the earth,
firmness of the rock.

I arise today
through God's strength to pilot me;
God's might to uphold me,
God's widsom to guide me,
God's eye to look before me,
God's ear to hear me,
God's word to speak for me,
God's hand to guard me,
God's way to lie before me,
God's shield to protect me,
God's hosts to save me.
Afar and anear,
alone or in a multitude.

Christ shield me today
against wounding
Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in the eye that sees me,
Christ in the ear that hears me.

I arise today
through the mighty strength
of the Lord of creation..."

-St. Patrick prayer

        Count your blessings.

Much love,
~Julie Jean

(a picture I took one year ago tonight... right before transplant)