Transplantiversary VI
Six years ago at this time, I was staying awake because I had to go in for surgery the next day. If they were going to knock me out anyway, why would I waste the time I have before then sleeping? I'm here awake now because I have traditions to uphold. Staying awake, having Chick-Fil-A for lunch on the 15th (I admit, an interesting choice for last pre-surgery meal) and then this. Every year on July 16th, the anniversary of my kidney transplant, I try to reflect on the last year and figure out what I've gained from it. Usually it gets a little complex.
This year also marked the tenth anniversary of me first getting sick. It's been a very long road from Munford 002 in William and Mary's Dillard Complex to where I am now. From Williamsburg through Fredericksburg to West Point, through Scranton and Cooperstown to the shores of Lake Champlain, through Maryland and Ohio to playing miniature golf in Indiana, through New Jersey and Connecticut to an incredibly frigid Boston, and most recently through Knoxville and Nashville to the boat ramp of Enid Lake in Mississippi, I have definitely put some mileage on cars.
I don't want to think about some of the insanely unhealthy food I've eaten on those trips. But there is a part of me that thinks, "You know, I've earned it." I wouldn't the dozens of hot dogs I've had or that meal at Ajax for anything.
I have a list to sort of live by. I tweak it each year and this year is no different. Twelve seems like a good number.
1) Get in better shape.
2) Eat better, with more vegetables.
3) Do something out of the ordinary at least once a month (better: once a week). Anything from ordering something different to dressing differently.
4) Watch your language.
5) Travel as much as possible.
6) Don't give up on Latin and classics. It will lead to other things.
7) Let go of old grudges for good. Contact old friends.
8) Stick to a schedule.
9) Smile.
10) Enjoy other people's company.
11) Be happy.
12) Finish what you started.
I've completed a writing project (#12), something that's never happened before. If I didn't use a computer or drive on I-95, #4 wouldn't be a problem. And #6 was a bit of a big deal for me. But I'm proudest of #7, which was a long time coming. #1 is on and off but #2 is a fun challenge -- who knew I'd love the vegetarian fajita burrito (with guac) at Chipotle so much?
And the answer to what I've learned this year? Doing all of that stuff up there is fun. Thank you to everyone that's been a part of this, even from the very beginning. The first half of this last year was strange, but from the end of December forward, it just got crazy. Finding people on Facebook, auditing a Latin class, driving to Oxford. It often takes difficult circumstances to remind you of how much joy can be found in the things you take for granted.
Also, a very special thanks to the people that I've met this year. You've all contributed to making this year probably the best one since the first year after the transplant. You've given me some memories of some of extremely crazy events that will not be forgotten.
I appreciate everything all of you guys have done for me and I hope to keep writing these for many more years.
This year also marked the tenth anniversary of me first getting sick. It's been a very long road from Munford 002 in William and Mary's Dillard Complex to where I am now. From Williamsburg through Fredericksburg to West Point, through Scranton and Cooperstown to the shores of Lake Champlain, through Maryland and Ohio to playing miniature golf in Indiana, through New Jersey and Connecticut to an incredibly frigid Boston, and most recently through Knoxville and Nashville to the boat ramp of Enid Lake in Mississippi, I have definitely put some mileage on cars.
I don't want to think about some of the insanely unhealthy food I've eaten on those trips. But there is a part of me that thinks, "You know, I've earned it." I wouldn't the dozens of hot dogs I've had or that meal at Ajax for anything.
I have a list to sort of live by. I tweak it each year and this year is no different. Twelve seems like a good number.
1) Get in better shape.
2) Eat better, with more vegetables.
3) Do something out of the ordinary at least once a month (better: once a week). Anything from ordering something different to dressing differently.
4) Watch your language.
5) Travel as much as possible.
6) Don't give up on Latin and classics. It will lead to other things.
7) Let go of old grudges for good. Contact old friends.
8) Stick to a schedule.
9) Smile.
10) Enjoy other people's company.
11) Be happy.
12) Finish what you started.
I've completed a writing project (#12), something that's never happened before. If I didn't use a computer or drive on I-95, #4 wouldn't be a problem. And #6 was a bit of a big deal for me. But I'm proudest of #7, which was a long time coming. #1 is on and off but #2 is a fun challenge -- who knew I'd love the vegetarian fajita burrito (with guac) at Chipotle so much?
And the answer to what I've learned this year? Doing all of that stuff up there is fun. Thank you to everyone that's been a part of this, even from the very beginning. The first half of this last year was strange, but from the end of December forward, it just got crazy. Finding people on Facebook, auditing a Latin class, driving to Oxford. It often takes difficult circumstances to remind you of how much joy can be found in the things you take for granted.
Also, a very special thanks to the people that I've met this year. You've all contributed to making this year probably the best one since the first year after the transplant. You've given me some memories of some of extremely crazy events that will not be forgotten.
I appreciate everything all of you guys have done for me and I hope to keep writing these for many more years.