Happy New Year!

Felt good to finally have a day at home today! Such a nice feeling waking up doing therapy and then taking a super long nap. Just what I needed! My body is thanking me too! Ha ha.

On this New Year’s Eve night, I sit here reflecting back on 2014, it was full of bumps and bruises. I can definitely say I’ve been pushed to the limits. I still think back to May (when I had pneumonia and was on the ventilator) even though I don’t remember much, my parents and Kerry tell me stories and it just amazes me I came out on top! Who can say they walked while being on the ventilator? This girl! Even though it took an army to make it happen, I can say I did it! I had a handful of doctors and nurses tell me this is the first time they have EVER seen anyone walk while being on the vent. Comments like that made me more determined.

I came across this amazing poem awhile back and wanted to share it with everyone. It is called “This is my life”

This is my life

Every morning to every night, everyday there’s a constant fight
But not everyone can see this fight is between my body and me
… … … I hurt, I cough, I cry, I breath
… I just want a break, is it hard to see?
They say I’m a hero, they say I’m strong, but sometimes I think they are all wrong,
I smile, I laugh and pretend I’m okay.
Truthfully, that’s how I make it, day by day
I constantly hear healthy people complain.
Seriously? How many times have you had a needle shoved in your veins?
I sit, I cough, I gasp for air, and at the same time, it feels my lungs are starting to tear
Doctors, treatments, needles and pills,
Just the sound of them, gives people the chills
I’m fighting, I’m breathing, but at times I’m simply deceiving
It might seem simple maybe easily done, but I’ve been fighting my whole life.
And this battle I still haven’t won
You know im greatly jealous of you, because you have lungs, that for me, would be considered brand new
But really what else should I say?
I shouldn’t just sit here and complain
I have my friends, my family, and I have myself
That’s really all I need, even if im not in great health
I’m going to fight and I’m going to win
I’m going to use all the strength I have within
I have come this far along, and I promise you, I’m going to stay strong
Thousands of people, fighting to breathe every day,
Thousands of people, just waiting to be okay
This isn’t something you can just simply ignore
I think it’s time for a cure…..
Need I say more?

~By Rebecca Turner~

I feel this poem hits the nail on the head perfectly! I am NOT one to sit and complain about my life or my health. I know I have limitations now and I do the best I can. I work hard to take care of myself. I am still here fighting the fight. I am extremely thankful for all of my friends and family who have supported me along the way. I can’t thank you enough!! If it wasn’t for you I would be where I am today!

In 2015 there’s only one way to go and that is up! Look out world when I get my new lungs there is not stopping this girl! Hope everyone has a safe New Year’s Eve! Stay warm!

Until next time…..

~Jen~