I hope it goes without saying that I am thankful for more things than I can possibly ever express. 2008 has been the most exciting year of my life and things continue to progress. I have already received word that Project Compassion and I were awarded funding to expand our work with the "Finding Your Voice" project. More and more speaking opportunities are coming my way. The universe continues to convince me that I am on the right path.
It was only 4.5 years ago that I was unsure if I would live another day. It was only 4.5 years ago that I was mourning the things that would never be. As I grow closer to my monumental 5/9 year anniversary post-transplant, I am in awe of the shape my life has taken.
So, I am thankful and without words. "Thank you" is a phrase you hear every day. "Thank you for handing me that napkin," "Thank you for holding the door open," "Thank you for making my cup of coffee."
How can I use this same phrase when I am expressing my gratitude for the families who lost a loved one and chose to help others despite their own pain with the gift of donation? How can I merely say "thank you" to my parents, my family and my friends who sat by me, took care of me and struggled to say goodbye too soon? What does "thank you" really mean to my healthcare team who has sacrificed countless hours to save the lives of people like me?
Somewhere, someday, I hope I discover a phrase that is more powerful and more representative of the passionate gratitude I feel in my heart for everyone who has made my mere breath a reality. "Thank you" just doesn't cut it but it's all I've got.
So, thank you.
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7 comments:
Thank you Tiffany for inspiring all us CFers with your incredible attitude. Have a great day!
And I am thankful for the inspiration you have been to me and I know countless others....
What can I say?
Good Luck
And
God Bless you
hey tiffany i just got your book! i'm 31 and have cf no transplant yet. your so awesome!!
LOVE THIS POST!!!!
You are AMAZING!!
Hey Tiffany,
You left a comment on my blog a while ago asking what hospice meant in the UK? I have done a bit of research into US hospices, spoke to a friend that is attended by one in the US and found there is alot of difference. In the UK (this goes for adult hospices, again children's are different) most hospices have day hospice. The one I attend hosts day hospice 4 days a week for upto 12wks, they then review you to see if you still require a place. Most patients just go one day a week, I've been going twice a week since an admission to the hospice for symptom control so they can keep a close eye on things. At day hospice most host various activities, jewellery making, card making, painting and alternative therapies, reflexology etc. Most of the patients that attend day hospice will probably never be admitted to inpatients, most are on chemo therapy for cancer and are referred to the hospice for a bit of extra support during treatment. Me being a bit of an odd case, I'm at the hospice for the foreseeable feature and will probably be admitted to inpatients again at some point for respite, symptom control or if things get worse end of life care. US hospices I see from research have more service in the community for people with a short life expectancy, this isn’t the case in the UK and day hospice services are offered to virtually anyone with a life threatening disease.
Hope this clears things up a bit!
Rach xxx
You have such a beautiful way of expressing yourself.
Thank you for thanking us- and thank you for all that you give back! :-)
XXOO,
Jill
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