“Everything will be okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end.”
John Lennon
Tomorrow, April 18,is an important anniversary for me. On April 18, 2000. I did not know that quote from John Lennon when they were wheeling me into the OR at Mt. Sinai hospital for seven hours of surgery to remove colorectal cancer. But here I am 22 years later and so although it was not OK, at the time, it was not the end.
I was reworked and rewired and I now have a permanent colostomy. I can officially say I am a “bag lady”! If you or anyone you know is faced with this tell them, from me, it is a minor inconvenience. And without it I would not be here 22 years later riding my horse, seeing my children grow up into independent adults, seeing my Grandson arrive in the world and enjoying my life. I have tremendous gratitude for the two teams of surgeons who worked on me and the nurses who looked after me for the 10 days I was in hospital. I am grateful to be alive and to be well.
My word for this day is: GRATITUDE
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