Your presents has been requested! WHAT!!

Boy hasn’t Mr. Sunshine been wonderful the last couple of days! I am loving it! Well, sort of, one of my transplant medications causes me to burn very easily in the sun, and the risk of getting skin cancer is much higher. So needless to say I have to be extremely careful in the sun. Thank goodness for sun block!

My alarm went off at 9 o’clock this morning. Couldn’t believe I had slept that late, I was out like a light! Took me a few minutes to wake up and get going. Guess being in Molly’s classroom yesterday wore me out! It was worth it though. Anyways got up poured a big glass of milk took my Tacrolimus along with my other morning meds, did my morning routine, checked my sugar, then poured the biggest bowl of Rice Krispies with extra extra sugar I think I have ever eaten! For some reason I woke up hungry! After all of that I jumped in the shower really quick, got dressed in time for Price Is Right! I finally got to watch it this week! Whoop whoop! I sat on the couch drinking my morning tea, while Callie laid down beside me. She snored the entire hour! Silly dog! It was nice to have a relaxing hour!

Once Hour Power was over I worked on the ticket sheet for the luau. Just trying to get organized! I think i’m getting there, ha! It was getting late and I needed to get ready. My “presents” was requested at the Douglas High School during the assembly today. I was asked to be there by 2:30. I was a little nervous, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I didn’t know if I had to give a speech (which I did not prepare one yikes!) or just what really was going to happen. I decided to arrive a few minutes early and visit with some fellow coworkers. I’m sure I looked funny when I arrived on campus, I was rockin’ my sunnies and my mask! Ha!

The first person I ran into was Jon Martz (vice prinicpal of Douglas High School), followed by Joan Bunch it was so good to visit with these two! Next I spotted Kevin Wilson in the hallway. He gave me a great big hug, asked lots of questions, and told me he referred as “the toughest person he knows” that made me smile! We caught up on life, teaching, baseball, and much more it was really great to see him! When I walked into the gym I got a huge hug from Joe Reihl, Michele Berray, Chris Hobson and Reina Pike! Just makes you feel so good, to be able t see these special people, talk about your journey, and just to be present!

Reina Pike started the assembly off by having everyone stand and say the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by giving updates on spring sports. the leadership class had planned several surprised thank you’s for teachers who are retiring or will no longer be at Douglas High School next year. I thought that was extremely thoughtful of the students, and i’m sure the staff really appreciated it. Next Reina went on to explain to the students a majority of the time the community reaches out to help the school, but there are opportunities that the students and staff get to come together and help a fellow community member. Reina went on to say “I would like everyone to meet my friend Jennifer Dwight.” I proceeded to walk out and stand in front of the student body. YIKES all eyes are on me! No biggie, felt like I was back in the classroom again! As I stood in the middle of the gym, listening to Reina explain I just underwent a double lung transplant, and i’m pretty sure everyone’e eyes doubled in size. The students and staff came together and presented us with a $500 check! I was completely blown away, it totally brought tears to my eyes. I was beyond grateful for all of their hard work, thoughts, and their support! The Leadership class also made a super cute card signed by the class. They also made a Just Breathe banner, which hung up in the hallways and the student body wrote inspirational messages on it! How thoughtful was that? I just amazes me people take time out of their day to help me out! I cannot thank you guys enough! I also feel like thank you isn’t enough. But trust me I truly appreciate everything everyone has done!

As the assembly wrapped up, I was heading back down the hallway to the parking lot and a student stopped me and ask “so how are your new breathers doing?” I had to chuckle and say “they are amazing!” Then this gentlemen went on to tell me “it is pretty amazing they can just like change out someone’s lungs for new ones. I think my breathers are still doing okay, I don’t need to change them out just yet, I don’t think??” I had a huge smile on my face, and I looked at him and said “good, the longer you can keep your own lungs the better off you’ll be! But thank you for kind words, and for also making my day!” The young man said “oh, well uh your welcome, with a smile on his face as well, turned and walked away. I had to let out a little laugh as he walked away, but it was sweet!

Anyway’s my dogs and I enjoyed the sunshine outside for a little while. Just enjoyed the peace and quite of my backyard. Listening to our water feature, relaxing in the shade just doesn’t get any better than that!

Well it has been a long day for this girl. Tomorrow is going to be even longer! I start the day out by getting my central line taken out! Can’t wait! Seems like the last piece of the puzzle will be in place! Off to take my meds, do my nightly routine and hit the hay! Hope everyone had a great Thursday! Cheers!

Until next time…….

~Jen~
“Just Breathe”

Remember there are still luau tickets available! Would love to see everyone there! 🙂