Welcome to the Flipside,
Recovering from liver and gall bladder surgery is a colorful blend of searing pain, delusional fatigue, and utter exhaustion, but you will find that the most delicious of fruits are often protected by a spiny, painful armor and the reward inside once reached is euphoric and well worth the laborious struggle to obtain it. Life is exactly that if appreciated, euphoric. The simple, beautiful, intricate things we overlook everyday can be so amazing if the time is taken to observe, taste, touch. After six and a half hours of surgery, and twenty nine and a half hours of recovery, the suction tube that ran down my nasal passage, through my esophagus and into my stomach was finally pulled. To say I was “all there” or “with it” at this time would be a downright lie, but the following experience I will no doubt remember for the rest of my life and hold a dear place in my heart. That very first “sip” of cool ice water as it hit my lips, slowly rolled over my tongue and was ever so gently swallowed was a precious moment I could only describe as “A Gift from Heaven.” A glance to the other side that I could live and enjoy right here, right now…. and the amazing thing is there are billions of other simplistic objects, emotions, sensations in our lives that can be enjoyed just the same if given the opportunity. So I ask you, my reader to sit back, take a deep breath, relax and just enjoy something simple for a moment. Just for a moment take in something small in your life, take in the energy around you and feel whole, feel centered, feel alive. Just take a breath before moving on…
Hopefully, I lost some of you to a short day dream, the touch of a cool desk surface in a warm office, the gentle pitter patter of rain drops on your window, the comforting laughter of a loved one in the room next door. Hopefully, you experienced life just a little bit better for a single moment… If you did, you can start to get at the roots of my perseverance through this storm. You see, it’s not the experiences I have already had that I fight for, its those amazing experiences that have yet to happen that will never let me quit. There are countless memories to be made, with the people I love, the people who love me, and the people who have touched me so deeply that they will forever be my army of strength. There are so many simple delicate intricacies of my future life that I yearn to share with you… I can visualize these moments so vividly that I can almost taste, almost touch, almost smell, almost live…. I will never let go until they come to fruition.
When I tell you that your prayers, comments and messages make me stronger and drive me harder, it is not out of courtesy or out of respect. It is because you just added one more beautiful visualized experience to my future. You added one more root to my tree, you truly gave me a reason to live. You see, you are my Army because with the strength you give me I will overcome any obstacle in my way.
Much Love – Teej
p.s. Anyone who wants to see the new lady killer scar: Check it Out
OCT
About the Author:
A 28 year old, fighting to kick Stage 4 Colon Cancer's Ass.