Facebook reminded me that ten years ago I was just coming off my feeding tube and about to be able to eat solid food again, although I really didn’t need the reminder to recall this event. It was one of the most harrowing few months of my life when I almost died due to pancreatitis. I spent a month in the hospital before having surgery to remove half of my pancreas and they also installed a feeding tube going into my belly. The whole time at the hospital and for a month after I couldn’t eat solid food or have anything to drink for that matter. Just some ice on occasion to chew on. One of the most resounding memories from all of this was the doctor’s telling me how lucky I was to be alive. I should have died, but medical science and excellent doctors saved me. This wasn’t the first that my life was so close to ending. Many years prior, during the throes of addiction I had overdosed and should have died then too. But this time was different. I woke up. Once I came off that feeding tube, I was finally ready to live, possibly for the first time in my adult life. A couple months later my beautiful niece was born and there was no way I wasn’t going to be around to watch her grow up and be there for her as much possible. At the end of the same year I met the love of my life, Jen, who still brings so much light into my world every day. Within a year I was re-enrolled in school and would finish my Bachelor’s degree a few years later. So, today, I am grateful to be alive and exceptionally grateful for everyone who stuck by me, family and friend, one in the same. It fills me with joy that I am still around and able to give back to others and to the world that has given me another chance more than once. Every day is a gift. ✌❤
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