8 Years Ago Today

Eight years ago today, my life was changed forever. On February 28, 2003, I received my first liver transplant. Of course that liver only lasted 6 years before I to have another one, but that was 6 more years then I would have had otherwise, plus the two since transplant #2.

Thinking back to that time in our lives and where we are now, it is amazing how much has changed. Different house, different friends, married, Braydon, and a whole new set of friends. Most importantly though, a different outlook at life.

We have been accused on more than one of occasion of being overbooked, too busy, not home enough, and travel-a-holics. I would have to agree on all counts. But we have our reasons. My first liver transplant was the first life altering event that Melissa and I went through together. We learned a lot through that experience but most of all, we development our passion being active participants in our life. We take pride in making our lives happen, as opposed to sitting back and letting life happen to us.

Every time I celebrate one of these days, I also think about a family out there somewhere that is mourning on this day. I take some solace in the fact that I am able to celebrate because of their mourning and I do believe that I am using their gift well.