Even the Little Milestones Count!

Since my recovery I am amazed as I pass each milestone. My first 5K, passing my initial diagnosis day, first TIA marker, and first surgical marker ect.. Something this week hit me with surprise. Every year the day after Thanksgiving we put up our Christmas decorations. I have my assignments and Jamie has his. Last year my first assignment was to put a series of small trees up in our dinning room. I decorate with snow, houses, and lights. As I was putting it up last year I was struggling. I had to stop even though I was working sitting down. I remember vividly shaking, being winded and dizzy. Which, shortly there after would cause extreme vomiting. That was my normal world at the time. I couldn't finish this easy task. At the time I didn't know I was developing pulmonary hypertension. Raising my arms or walking caused pressures in my chest to build in turn putting to much workload on my heart. I was heartbroken! By that time my family was use to me heading off to bed even though I had just woken up an hour previously. My days off from work I slept or layed all day.
This year I was just about finished in record time and ready to go to the next task. Then a surge of emotions hit me. I remember that exact moment from the year previously. It's funny how things come to you out of the blue. Yes, I knew I was much better but to compare an exact moment was incredible. The weak, pale, and sickly image was replaced with a strong and vibrate person. Of course the tears come quickly to me...but this time they were beautiful, happy tears of joy. I wish I could put into words how blessed I truly feel. God, my family and friends have given me a life I could have never dreamed of. I thank God everyday for my gift of life and all my milestones...even the little ones!