If you woke up breathing, congratulations! You have another chance. ~Andrea Boydston

Tomorrow marks the sixth anniversary of my Pulmonary embolism, six years!

Six years ago my life changed dramatically, my view and vision of who I am and what I want from my life radically changed. Oh, I was in complete denial: healthy, fit, young and strong – just a little heartburn, just a little pain in my side, just a little tired and out of breath – typical symptoms of being a full-time working mom trying to balance work and family. I was a platelet donor!! A pulmonary embolism? Yeah, right.

I guess it really is serious when your husband calls the doctor, describes your symptoms and tells him “Call an ambulance” or after being admitted to step-down ICU and the doctor sends a priest to sit with you overnight, holding your hand and saying a prayer for the sick.

Six years later, I am still thankful and grateful to my husband: he forced me to go to the ER – otherwise, I wouldn’t be here.

Six years later, I am still thankful and grateful to my friends and family for the support and encouragement; telling me to slow down, rest, and enjoy life.

Six years later, I am still thankful and grateful for a chance to make a difference, help others, to reconnect and mend broken fences.

Six years later, I am still thankful and grateful for the opportunity to have a second chance; to stop and look at what life is all about; to think about where I’ve been and the opportunities that lay before me.

Six years later, I’ve learned far more about my own health and the health of my children. Lyme and Lyme co-infections are a part of my daily dialog.

Six years later, I haven’t forgotten how close I was to not being here.

Six years have come and gone, with many more ahead, and when people greet me and ask me how I am, I always respond with “Upright, mobile, and breathing”, because I still am.