My name is Chris, My life has been far from easy, but I took it in stride, and Im well aware and admit that there are people who have it worse than me. It could always be worse, thats why I look at my life and know Im ok. Just hear me out… Recently I have been pondering people, life, and an overwhelming combination of these two things as well as others. None of you know me, but my entire life has been possible because of things my parents, and literally an army of doctors, did to ensure I had a chance at living in the first place. I was sick before I was even born. My mom’s doctor had found on the ultrasound, technology back then that was top of the line, that there was something wrong with me. Fluids were not moving right through my bladder because of a blockage and I most likely would not survive. This man called my mom while leaving for vacation to tell her, and informed both of my parents that there was an experimental procedure that could be done to give me a fighting chance. It was in Denver, Colorado. So that is where they went. The procedure, which is done every day now, was an intrauterine placement of a shunt in my bladder to relieve the pressure. Also to be noted, I was only 6 months developed at this time. This all took place 4/11/84 and i was born 7/9/84. I was the fifth person to have it done, and one of the first to survive. My life expectancy from there was still bleak. I went through a few other procedures throughout my younger years after being born, and each time have surpassed expectancies. My life… is not…a text book case… In the last 13 years I have had surgery to correct my reflux, 2 kidney transplants, cryptococcal meningitis, multiple crippling kidney infections and urinary tract infections, pneumonia, shingles, and a few other more minor things. Things Ive been through have enlightened me, humbled me, I guess would be a better way of putting it. I’ve gained a new appreciation for life and people around me. Dont get me wrong I’m not always nice but I try to mean well. I realize I’m glad I have done what I’ve done. I’m glad I got things out of my system and will always be able to say that yes I did that and it was quite an experience. The sad thing is I never fully acknowledged how lucky I was, and still seem to be. I am so grateful for the life I have been given. Doubly grateful for the people in my life, and I know it might not seem like it but I really am. This time around I am making sure I appreciate everything fully and noticeably. I love my family more than words can honestly express. My parents, my grandparents, my aunts and uncles, my cousins, even my brother who is terrified of hospitals, but I know is still there if I really need him to be. All of my friends, new and old. I’ve been told by many that I’m strong, that people couldn’t be me. This may be true, I don’t know. I have just always done what I needed to do. I am a fighter, sure this might be true. I always will be, but what you have to know, and I have to admit, is I draw my strength from everyone around me. Giving up is never an option. I always think of how people would feel if I just quit, gave up, and threw in the towel. Some people probably wouldn’t blame me after all that I have been through, but I could never find it in me to just let go. I don’t like to disappoint. Not an option. The last 2-3 years I have lost everything I worked for. I almost lost my life and a couple times things did not look promising. I honestly never knew how bad things looked on the outside. My appreciation for life has never been greater. I am healthy again, and I am going to make the most of it this time. Thank You.
Posted on: Wed, 04 Jun 2014 05:08:15 +0000
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