17 years ago tonight, I was on my way from Delhi to Toronto to receive my second double lung transplant. It took me an hour and a half to make it to Toronto General Hospital. There was hardly any traffic and the moon was shining brightly guiding us on our way. When I got to the Hospital about 12:30, the Nurses and Doctors were waiting to bring me to OR. Dorothy gave me a quick kiss, said good luck and I was off. 10 hours had passed before Dorothy saw the surgeon, as they mistakenly sent her to the wrong waiting room. When they finally met, they told her it was a ten hour operation as it was a little more difficult as they were working with already transplanted lungs, but the surgery went fine and I was doing well. During the next two months, I had some complications and stayed at Toronto General to get me on the road to recovery. The pain felt was mostly because, in those two months of being in ICU, they had to cut my long hair as it got tangled in the tubes and wires connected to me. Today, on June 25, I celebrate the 17th anniversary of my second double lung transplant. Truth be told, I have celebrated every day from August 18, 1998, when I received my first double lung transplant, to this very day and beyond. In my life, I have been blessed more times than any one can count. Health wise my life was not easy, but I did not live this life by my own doing. Many people have contributed to getting me to where I am today.
Today I want to send a special "THANK YOU" to those who have been there for our Family. Dorothy has been the rock behind our family as the three kids have blossomed into their adult life.
As you go about your day today I would like you to think not about me, but those who are waiting for that "GIFT OF LIFE" 1 person can save 8 lives with Organ Donation and up to 75 others through Tissue Donation.
Go to www.beadonor.ca and register your wishes.
Hope your day is as great as you can possibly make it....
