I feel the best way of engaging in any new story or relationship is to start at the very beginning. Since I am wanting to create a relationship with you my fellow travellers of life and will do so through telling my stories or tales to you, then this is indeed the appropriate place to start.
The reason I call it the birth of a new journey is for me extremely appropriate I feel. They say that the very first sign of a new life is the heartbeat. From this divine heart space, the formation of life begins.
How my heart transplant journey began
Not only was my old heart taken out of my body but the new life-giving pump I received to replace it, would not begin to work. It sat silent and still in my body for more than two days.
Miraculously my new heart decided to birth me into my second chance of life, much to the relief of my loved ones waiting anxiously by my bedside during these intense times. when I eventually woke from my close encounter with death, I too was incredibly grateful for all the team had done to keep me alive.
The gift of my journey
For many transplant recipients, the gift of life is a life affirming experience as you are given a second chance of living. Gratitude is not enough to express what not only the recipient but their families, friends and loved ones feel. The opportunity to have more time to spend together.
A chance to continue doing the things they love to do and create wonderful memories for years to come. Even with this amazing gift however life usually continues on its old familiar way. For me though this was not to be.
Through the topsy turvy events that occurred over the four-day roller coaster ride hovering between life and death of my heart transplant, I woke up legally blind. Life certainly went on for me but in a new and unfamiliar way as I navigated my new norm as part of the blind community. With determination and a verve for this new life I was gifted with, so many new experiences flooded my way.
Can you swim as a blind heart transplant survivor?
Finding swimming as a new passion after twenty years, the challenge of competing in the Australian Transplant Games and going on a television show were just a few of the wonderful new opportunities that came my way.
Oh, and I mustn’t forget one of my main catalysts for keeping me mentally in good stead, my introduction to yoga. While fantastic for calming and centring the mind and body, a few good laughs during the dog were had. Laughing is also essential for good health!
If I hadn’t had lost my sight, my life would have just returned to the way things were before, of which, I am sure. I do feel I was given an extra special gift and that was to engage on a brand-new journey in life.
Can you write a book as a blind heart transplant survivor?
There is no way I would have written two books, created my own website and decided to blog and share my stories with people if I still had my sight and continued along the same old hum drum way of living. I could never have imagined my life travelling down this path I am on now, nor would I have spiritually and personally grown the way I have over these past five years.
If it were not for the precious gift of the donor and their family, I wouldn’t be here today. My sons wouldn’t have a mother, my husband his wife and my mother her only daughter.
Thanks to the selfless gift of the donors and their families, thousands of people have the chance to spend more time with their loved ones and share in the magic of life again and the donor lives on in so many people.
Please help Transplant Australia
You can help save up to eight lives by simply taking one minute to register to become an organ donor. The opportunity to give the most precious gift you could ever offer.
Please click on the link below to register and become a life saver or share the message with as many people as you can to help donate and save lives.
To register to be an organ and tissue donor, please go to https://donatelife.gov.au/register-donor-today
Or visit the https://transplant.org.au/ website for more information.
